A mere hour and a half’s drive from Brisbane is picturesque country town Montville. Named the most welcoming town in Australia last year by Booking.com, all it takes is a walk down its charming streets or a glimpse of its breathtaking nature to understand why it’s everyone’s favourite hidden Queensland gem!
The small town, with a population of around 1,000, perfectly caters both to its locales and visitors, with more cute cafés than you can shake a stick at, cosy art galleries and historical buildings that all contribute to Montville’s inherent warmth.
One of the main attractions is the iconic Clock Shop, housed in a chalet-style German building. The ticking sounds and chiming from regal grandfather clocks, and the melodies from stunningly carved cuckoos will greet you as you walk in, enveloping you in the comfort of pleasant background noise. If you’re a knickknack person, this is paradise.
That’s not the only example of impressive architecture that Montville boasts: the beautifully romantic Chapel is a quintessential wedding venue, with jaw-dropping views of lush forests and green farmland, and a carefully crafted stone and carved wood façade that is as no less welcoming despite its elegance.
Main Street is also lined with inviting cafés to while away the hours reading a book — you can get one at adorable Benny The Beagle’s Books — or simply people-watching. You’ll be spoiled for choice, with hinterland-facing The Edge Café, beloved Little May Espresso or gorgeous art deco The Poet’s Café.
If you’re craving something sweeter, or simply want to take in the small town feel, you must pay a visit to Fudgyboombahs, where handmade sweets abound, including mouth-watering butterscotch and rocky road fudge!
Also known for being a hub of the arts in the Hinterland, Montville has plenty of local talent to showcase in its various galleries, including sculptural and visual arts spaces, and even scenic ones, such as the collection at panoramic restaurant Secrets on the Lake.
Looking for nature? Pristine lakes like Baroon Pocket Dam offer the perfect opportunity for picnics and fun water activities, or even dining with a view at the aforementioned Secrets on The Lake, whose woodsy design and décor mean blending seamlessly into the beautiful surroundings.
There’s no shortage of bodies of water in the area, with the spectacular Kondalilla Falls always ready to impress, conveniently surrounded by several walking trails and even a barbecue are so you can make a whole day of it!
How to get there
Montville is only about 100 kilometres from Brisbane, meaning it takes roughly 90 minutes to make the drive on the M1 motorway. You can also make a detour to Noosa and take the scenic route from there, soaking in the stunning views of the Sunshine Coast. And, as a bonus, you’ll pass right by stunning Maleny so you can stop at their amazing Botanic Gardens and make a whole weekend of it!