The Hinterland Guidebook

Last updated: 12 Oct 2025

Where is the Sunshine Coast Hinterland?

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland technically is made up of the Blackall Range and smaller hinterland towns around the shoulder. It can extend from Beerwah and the Glasshouse Mountains, technically up to Black Mountain and Carter’s Ridge. However, for the purposes of our guide, based on the location of the Cottage near Kondalilla Falls in Flaxton, we will be sharing our top tops for towns around Montville, Mapleton, Palmwoods, Woombye, Eudlo, and Maleny — all within easy driving distance of Pelham Cottage in Flaxton.

Booking & Hours Tips

• Weekends and school holidays book out quickly. Reserve ahead for dinner and brunch.

• Mid‑week hours can vary. Always check Google/Instagram for the latest opening times.

Coffee & Breakfast

• Little Mae (Montville) — Best coffee and breakfast in the heart of Montville. Must‑try croissants, baked fresh.

• Flaxton Barn (Flaxton) — Super close by; friendly, casual spot for quick, wholesome meals and local wares. Dine in or takeaway.

• Frankies (Woombye) — Worth the drive down the range. Grab a sweet treat from the display.

• Grounded (Woombye) — Instagrammable spot with great coffee and food. ~15 minutes away.

• Eudlo General Store (Eudlo) — Cutest converted old general store café. ~17 minutes away.

• Shotgun Espresso (Maleny) — Fantastic fresh food; go for the décor and the coffee.

• The Edge (Montville) — Stunning vistas on the escarpment; perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Lunch

• Mapleton Pub (Mapleton) — Not your typical pub fare; one of the top kitchens on the range.

• Piggyback (Palmwoods) — Asian‑fusion favourite.

• The Edge (Montville) — The best view in town; also great for a sunset drink.

• Flaxton Barn (Flaxton) — Fresh food and very close by.

• Shotgun Espresso (Maleny) — Delicious, healthy, home‑cooked favourites.

• Flame Hill Vineyard (Montville) — Working vineyard with tastings on a big patio.

Dinner

• Mapleton Pub (Mapleton) — Elevated pub classics (yes, they do a great parmy) and one of the top kitchens around.

• Piggyback (Palmwoods) — Asian‑fusion; ~14 minutes.

• Montville Café • Bar • Grill (Montville) — Classic pub food with a large beer garden; courtesy bus available if you ring ahead. I think they even do Uber Eats now?! Imagine that?! On the Hinterland!

• The Long Apron (Montville) — Special‑occasion French dining. Treat yourself.

• Kondalilla Restaurant (Montville) — Charming seafood and vegetarian restaurant; excellent service; perfect after a hike to the falls (often live music on Sundays).

FAQ

Do I need to book?
Yes for weekends and holidays; walk‑ins are easier mid‑week. For special occasions (e.g., The Long Apron) always reserve.

How far are these places from Pelham Cottage?
Most are in Montville and Mapleton (our neighbouring villages). Palmwoods and Woombye are down the range; Maleny is further along the ridge; Eudlo is in the valley. All are an easy drive.

About Pelham Cottage

Pelham Cottage began life as a weatherboard garage in Coorparoo (Brisbane). In 2020 we relocated it — along with the 1948 main house — to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and transformed it into a cosy, self‑contained garden stay.