Since moving to the Sunshine State earlier this year, I’ve been trying to see as much of Queensland as possible. Living in a new place can feel very exciting, as if you have a whole new world to explore. With so much to see and do around Queensland, I’m always up to the challenge of exploring all it has to offer. But today I’ll be sharing a fairly local experience in a very famous region of Queensland called the Glasshouse Mountains. The area is just over an hour’s drive away, and with the new Maleny Lodge just opening, we thought what better excuse to escape Brisbane for the weekend?
How to spend a weekend in the Glasshouse Mountains
Check-in: Maleny Lodge
First, I checked into the hotel I had been eyeing for several months before it opened. Maleny Lodge A brand new luxury lodge in the heart of Maleny. Maleny is one of the main towns from which to base your exploration of the Glasshouse Mountains. There’s plenty to do in this unassuming hinterland town, including an organic supermarket, weekend farmers’ market, charming cafes and lively local pubs.
However, our stay at Maleny Lodge was truly amazing and made our weekend one to remember. Although the lodge recently opened, it has managed to maintain its heritage as a home built in 1905. The mansion remains intact, but extensions have added even more rooms, and the small villa I stayed in, named Frida, now has its own outdoor alfresco area that connects to the communal pool.
The room not only had beautiful antique interiors, but also a freestanding claw bath, indoor fireplaces in the communal living room and bedroom, and a large bathroom. There is a small fridge and tea/coffee maker in the room, but if you don’t have a dining table, we recommend visiting a local eatery.
Spend the sunset at Mt Ngungun
For picturesque sunsets and the best of what the Glasshouse Mountains have to offer, look no further than Mt Ngungun. It’s a short and fun 30-minute hike to the top, making it perfect for travelers of all fitness levels. The best time to enjoy this view is during golden hour (the hour before sunset). So, to get the most out of your experience, be sure to do your research and plan your visit in advance. After all, we had earned it after a steep hike to the top.
Start from the parking lot at the top of Mt. Ngungun
Snack on shotgun espresso
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland, home to the Glasshouse Mountains, is full of cute cafes and bites. However, there are certainly some standouts when it comes to cafe culture. Since we were based in Maleny, we regularly visited Shotgun Espresso, a cute cafe on Main Street. Here you can enjoy hearty breakfasts, delicious coffee and a friendly atmosphere. If you’re traveling alone, it’s also a great place to take out your laptop and stay for a while.
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