From Coast to Hinterland — A Day of Flavour
Rising 436 metres above the coastline, the Blackall Range is a world away from the beaches below. This lush green plateau — stretching from Maleny to Mapleton through the picture-postcard village of Montville — is home to award-winning cheesemakers, boutique vineyards, craft distilleries, chocolate artisans, and some of the best farm-to-table dining in Queensland. The rich red volcanic soils, cool-climate altitude, and abundant rainfall create ideal conditions for both agriculture and indulgence.
Guided hinterland food and wine tours are the most relaxed way to experience it all in a single day. Small-group buses collect you from your Sunshine Coast accommodation, wind up through the Glass House Mountains, and spend the day visiting the region's finest producers — with tastings, a two-course gourmet lunch, scenic lookouts, and village browsing all included. You'll ride home with a bottle or two of local wine, a box of handmade chocolate, and a serious cheese craving.
Several operators run these tours, including Coast to Hinterland Tours and Creative Tours, typically on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Private and luxury charter options are also available for groups, birthdays, and corporate events.
A Day in the Hinterland
A typical guided tour flows something like this. Exact stops vary by operator and day of the week.
Where You'll Eat, Drink & Discover
Maleny Food Co.
One of Australia's finest cheese shops — 250+ local and international varieties. Curated tasting boards with condiments and sourdough. A must for cheese lovers.
Cheese Tasting
Clouds Vineyard / The Barrel
Cellar door in a barrel-shaped building on the Blackall Range. Guided wine flights of award-winning local wines with vineyard-to-coast panoramic views.
Wine Tasting
Flame Hill Vineyard
420 metres above sea level at the highest point in Montville. 100% estate-grown wines from hinterland and Granite Belt vines — some plantings up to 80 years old. Award-winning restaurant on-site.
Wine & Dining
Secrets on the Lake
Rainforest restaurant on the edge of Lake Baroon near Montville. Two-course gourmet lunch with panoramic lake views — a foodie destination beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Lakeside Lunch
Chocolate Country / Maleny Chocolate Co.
Handmade Belgian-style chocolates with no preservatives or artificial flavours. Free sampling and chocolate gift packs. Expert insights into the chocolate-making process.
Chocolate Tasting
Montville Village
Picture-postcard hinterland village at 450m elevation. Artisan boutiques, art galleries, handmade gifts, local craft shops, cafés, and fresh mountain air. Free time to explore at your pace.
Village BrowsingViews Between the Tastings
Mary Cairncross
55ha rainforest reserve with a stunning elevated view over all 11 Glass House Mountain peaks. Café, discovery centre, and 1.2km walk.
Gerrard's Lookout
180° hilltop panorama stretching from Coolum and Maroochydore to Caloundra and Bribie Island. One of the best coastal views on the range.
Mapleton Falls
A hidden treasure overlooking the Obi Obi Valley and lush rainforest canopy. Often the final stop of the day — and many visitors' favourite.
Blackall Range Drive
The scenic ridgeline drive connecting Maleny, Montville, and Mapleton — rolling green dairy country, volcanic views, and micro-climate gardens.
Taste the Hinterland
Everything You Need to Know
Booking
Book online through tour operators like Coast to Hinterland Tours or Creative Tours. Pre-booking is essential — especially during school holidays and weekends. Most tours run Tue, Fri, Sat, and Sun.
Pickup Locations
Door-to-door pickup from Noosa, Noosaville, Tewantin, Sunshine Beach, Peregian, Coolum, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Cotton Tree, and more. Check with your operator for exact pickup times and areas.
What's Included
Typically: return transport, guided commentary, cheese tasting board, wine flight, 2-course gourmet lunch, chocolate sampling, scenic lookout stops, and village free time. Dietary requirements catered with notice.
What to Bring
A light jacket — the hinterland is noticeably cooler than the coast (especially mornings). Comfortable walking shoes, camera, cash for shops, and an appetite. Sunscreen for lookout stops.
Self-Drive Option
You can do the Blackall Range drive yourself — but you'll miss the wine tasting (someone needs to drive). The scenic route from Landsborough to Maleny, Montville, and Mapleton is well signposted. Allow a full day.
Private & Group Charters
Private tours available for birthdays, hen's days, corporate events, and families. Customised itineraries, flexible timing, and exclusive venue access. Contact operators directly for pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Return door-to-door transport, guided commentary, artisan cheese tasting board, wine flight at a Blackall Range vineyard, two-course gourmet lakeside lunch, handmade chocolate sampling, scenic lookout stops, and free time in Montville village. All food and tasting experiences are included in the price.
Yes — children are welcome on most tours. Infants under 3 travel free. Non-alcoholic options are available at all tasting stops, and the scenic lookouts, rainforest walks, and Montville village browsing are great for kids of all ages.
Yes — most operators can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs with advance notice. Let your operator know when booking so they can arrange alternatives at each stop.
Most operators run on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Friday and Sunday tours typically include a vineyard cellar-door visit. Tuesday tours may substitute wine at lunch instead of a separate winery stop. Private charters are available any day.
Door-to-door pickup from most Sunshine Coast accommodation — including Noosa, Noosaville, Tewantin, Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach, Coolum, Twin Waters, Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, and Cotton Tree. Some operators also offer Brisbane pickups.
Absolutely — the Blackall Range scenic drive from Landsborough through Maleny, Montville, and Mapleton is well signposted and beautiful. The trade-off is you'll need a designated driver to enjoy wine tastings. All the venues listed on this page are open to the public. Allow a full day and book restaurants in advance.
Clouds Vineyard (The Barrel) and Flame Hill Vineyard in Montville are the two most visited. Flame Hill has 100% estate-grown wines from vines up to 80 years old and a well-regarded on-site restaurant. Dingo Creek Vineyard (40 min from Noosa) is a boutique option growing Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a popular honey mead.
More Sunshine Coast Adventures
Combine your hinterland day with other top experiences.
Ready to Taste the Hinterland?
Artisan cheese, boutique wine, lakeside dining, handmade chocolate — and views that stretch from the vines to the ocean. Book your hinterland food and wine tour and let someone else do the driving.