Your guide to Mapleton, the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gem

Celeste MitchellBy Celeste Mitchell
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Discover the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gem, where national park hikes, farm-to-table meals and enlightening cultural tours are just the start.

You’d be forgiven for thinking the Sunshine Coast Hinterland began and ended with Maleny and Montville. But there’s a forgotten sibling sharing impressive real estate on the Blackall Range: the town of Mapleton. And its time to shine has arrived.

Petite in size but certainly not in nature, this hinterland hub at the junction of Jinibara and Kabi Kabi Country fosters lesser-known national parks, outstanding sustainable stays and paddock-to-plate dining worth clocking up the kilometres for.

Start your Mapleton exploration on the right foot with this guide.

Falls Farm, Mapleton
There’s beauty everywhere in Mapleton.

Best Mapleton hikes

While Maleny and Montville have their fudge shops, art galleries and crystals, Mapleton is all about putting nature first. You’ll find a pond smothered in lily pads right in the centre of town, and there are short walks throughout Mapleton Falls National Park and Mapleton National Park . Depending on which section you tackle, you’ll be surrounded by piccabeen palm groves, ancient bunya pines and pencil-straight blackbutt forests as you stroll.

For one of the best returns on minimal exertion, head to the wheelchair-accessible Mapleton Falls Lookout to see the 120-metre drop, or follow the short Wompoo Circuit to the soundtrack of the wompoo fruit dove as you wind through rainforest and eucalypt forest.

If it’s not a hike without a rock scramble or 20, tackle the multi-day Gheerulla Full Loop Hike . Outdoor Adventure Australia offers two-day guided walks, which make a great initiator for any Survivor-style goals.

Mapleton National Park, Gheerulla Falls
Head to Mapleton National Park to see Gheerulla Falls.

Where to eat in Mapleton

Start your day with coffee at La Botiga , which, if it were on a ’90s sitcom, would be the Central Perk of the Mapleton community. Next door, stock up on sandwiches and pastries for a day of hiking at Sweet and Flour Bakery Cafe .

Jess Huddart and Ben Johnston from Mapleton Public House feel there’s still a big gap in people’s knowledge about the food they’re putting into their bodies, and how it’s grown.

La Botiga Cafe, Mapleton
Grab a coffee at the popular La Botiga Cafe.

After drawing up plans for a restaurant on their property, The Falls Farm , which supplies some of Noosa and Brisbane’s top restaurants, one day they pointed at their local pub and said, “what about that?" Ex-Spicers chef, Cameron Matthews, was immediately on board, and is now pushing the boundaries of what pub grub can be, inspired by the farm’s produce.

Falls Farm, Mapleton
Visit The Falls Farm to try fresh produce at their onsite restaurant.

While you can still tuck into a free-range schnitzel or a really good cheeseburger, it’s the more unconventional dishes that have punters flocking to the venue. A recent example? Inspired by the ginger and turmeric grown on the regenerative farm, as well as locally caught spanner crab, Cameron turned out a delicate chawanmushi (Japanese custard), cooked in an old pie warmer. Nab a spot on the deck for the best view in town.

Mapleton is also food stall country, so keep some cash on you and be ready to pull over and load up on farm-fresh avocados, pineapple and honey.

Mapleton Public House
Treat your tastebuds to unique dishes at Mapleton Public House.

Best Mapleton accommodation

Stock up on local cheese, wine and anything else you think you might crave while sitting in front of a fire before making your way to Round Hill – you won’t want to leave once you’ve plugged in your entry code and stepped inside this sleek sustainable retreat.

A few minutes out of town, the 110-year-old Gracie Cottage sits perched above a working rose farm. It’s been thoughtfully updated and filled with vintage treasures and local artworks, but the best views of all are from the clawfoot outdoor tub overlooking the Obi Obi Valley.

Round Hill Retreat, Mapleton
Get cosy at Round Hill Retreat.

A stay at Mapleton Springs not only comes with an infinity pool, cinema and games room, but also the chance to join a wildlife tour with the owners, who care for injured and orphaned koalas and kangaroos.

Set on a ridge on The Falls Farm, Smith House – the oldest house in town (c. 1908) – plays host to those who come in search of dreamy views of the Obi Obi Valley and the delicious fare of its owners’ pub (Mapleton Public House).

Smith House, Falls Farm, Mapleton
When you’re done eating at Mapleton Public House, settle into Smith House.

Other top things to do in Mapleton

If you’re at least a semi-experienced mountain biker, take to the forgiving forest trails of Mapleton National Park to feel dwarfed by towering blackbutts. A ride to Oaky Creek Lookout is about 18 kilometres and promises views over the Mary Valley, while shared trails will also take you through rainforest, over creek crossings or to see Kureelpa Falls.

To immerse yourself in Kabi Kabi culture, the First Nations-owned Triballink Activity Centre offers private tours for groups (minimum 20 people).

Triballink Activity Centre, Mapleton
Join a private tour by First Nations-owned Triballink Activity Centre.

Other places to visit while you’re there

Take a bite out of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk by hiking the Kondalilla Falls Circuit . The 4.7-kilometre loop includes over 300 stairs, but you can reach the rock pools with less exertion on a 2.4-kilometre return track.

Head to Flame Hill Vineyard for a tasting experience that’s anything but stuffy. Then, with your preferred tipple in hand, dine overlooking the vines on this 120-hectare Montville farm, knowing the beef and much of the vegetables come from within eyeshot.

Kondilla National Park
Chase waterfalls at Kondilla National Park.
Celeste Mitchell
With visions of hosting Getaway, Celeste Mitchell graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism and entered the hard-hitting world of boy bands, puberty, and fashion, writing for magazines like Girlfriend, Total Girl, CLEO and TV Hits in the early noughties (there was a lot of Twilight references). Since switching gears to full-time freelancer in 2013, focused exclusively on travel, she’s criss-crossed the globe, opened a co-working space, lived in Mexico, and co-founded slow and sustainable site, Life Unhurried. The Sunshine Coast-based author (Life Unhurried & Ultimate Beaches Australia, Hardie Grant) and mum of two regularly pinches herself that she gets to explore new places and ask all the nosy questions she wants in the name of work.
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The ultimate entertainment guide to Hastings Street, Noosa

    Kristie Lau-AdamsBy Kristie Lau-Adams
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    Plan where to stay, splurge and dine along Hastings Street, Noosa with our tried-and-tested guide.

    I always have a wonderful time exploring the Sunshine Coast, but Noosa often steals the spotlight for good reason. Like the rest of the world, I’m hypnotised by its natural beauty, best enjoyed while leaning into the good life along the entertainment mecca of Hastings Street. Unleashing holiday euphoria through its distinct blend of beachside luxury and laidback vibes, the busy jaunt buzzes with resorts, cafes, restaurants, gift shops, surf stores, day spas, galleries and more. Let me break down the best bits to get you acclimatised.

    Restaurants on Hastings Street

    beachfront dining at Bistro C, Hastings Street Noosa
    Soak up absolute beachfront bliss at Bistro C.

    Spilling over its well-trodden pavements with freshly untangled seafood, seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality, many of the best restaurants in Noosa congregate on the main stretch. Hastings Street is home to eateries catering to all tastebuds plus some of Noosa’s best cafes (i.e. killer coffee), whipping up pure sunshine every morning.

    For holiday long lunching and epic Asian flavours, Bistro C   and Bang Bang Noosa are legendary and I love Locale for a date night that’s heavy on the carbs (their Italian dishes are unbeatable). If you’re looking for fancy, say yes to Sails because it’s a special occasion stalwart offering Main Beach views and endless elegance. For takeaway, I try to keep things light and healthy with a visit to the Sydney cult favourite that expanded north, MissChu Upstairs – it’s the best for authentic Vietnamese favourites.

    a table-top view of food at Cibaria Noosa, Hastings Street
    Dine on authentic Italian classics at Cibaria Noosa.

    Finally, if you’re visiting Hastings Street after December 2025, make a booking at Cibaria Noosa , opening on the street level at Elysium Noosa Resort in the now-closed Noosa Beach House. The crew hail from Cibaria Manly in Sydney and they’ve got huge shoes to fill (Noosa Beach House was beloved by locals, once run by the awesome Sunshine Coast chef Peter Kuruvita) so it’s bound to be pumping.

    Top shops on Hastings Street

    Bowery 475 shop on Hastings Street, Noosa
    Bowery 475 features luxury brands from international and local designers. (Image: Taylah Golden)

    Fuelled your engines, ready to splurge? Hastings Street flows with some of my favourite holiday homewares, coastal-inspired wardrobe heroes and mainstream brands. I wander down the footpath closest to the beach for non-stop shopping o’clock before winding back down the inland side for arcades bursting with local creations and a couple more stand-out boutiques.

    For trend-driven garments and killer accessories, I’ve loved Alterior Motif since I was a teenager. It’s a local institution that’s basically a part of the furniture on the famous strip. Other top fashion brands include Kivari , Bowery 475 up the southern end of Hastings, DISSH , The Upside , which opened in September 2025, Aje , White Story , and Akubra , which only opened its doors at the beginning of October 2025.

    a look inside the Kivari store at Hastings Street, Noosa
    The sleek and minimalist Kivari boutique is just a stone’s throw from the main beach.

    I also can’t leave Noosa without dropping into Lamington for a new tea towel and other homewares I never knew I needed. It’s a tight squeeze in there, right down the Noosa Woods end of Hastings, but the team source some of the cutest bits and pieces around so its treasure box feels are endlessly rewarding. Don’t miss it if you’re looking for gifts, too, and while you’re thinking of spoiling others, add Little Cove to your must-shop list – it’s a great spot for the little ones in your life, plus there’s a small edit of trendy homewares. Meanwhile, Noosa Longboards specialises in incredible surfboards, plus cult-adored streetwear, and Bay Village is an unpretentious shopping centre with its own collection of speciality stores and a food court. National chains that always steal plenty of my time, too, include MECCA, Peter Alexander, Country Road, Seed, Witchery and Cotton On.

    Accommodation on Hastings Street

    The swimming pool at Seahaven Noosa
    For the ultimate Noosa stay, book a room at Seahaven Noosa.

    You really can’t go wrong with accommodation in the heart of Noosa Heads, but some of the stays on Hastings Street, Noosa really blow me away. Luxurious resorts, hotels, multi-bedroom apartments and studios provide some of the best Noosa accommodation with endless adventure right on your doorstep. Think uninterrupted ocean views, only a couple of steps away from Main Beach and Instagram-perfect spaces to pretty your feed. I always loved Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort and it’s only going to get better when a multi-million-dollar enhancement and new ownership is unveiled at the end of 2025.

    the terrace at the wellness suite of Elysium Noosa Resort
    The luxe Elysium Noosa Resort offers unparalleled coastal charm. (Image: Supplied)

    Elysium Noosa Resort will retain the standout accommodation star’s famed pool as the perfect spot for countless cocktails, and the rooms are promising unparalleled Hastings Street luxury, particularly the Wellness Suites which feature their own infrared sauna, terrace spa and personalised wellness practices. I also really like On The Beach Noosa Resort , Netanya Noosa (only if I’m able to splurge, mind you, because it’s deliciously ritzy), and Seahaven Noosa . Plus, there are Hamptons-inspired apartments overlooking a glistering pool, that in turn overlooks Noosa Main Beach, at Tingirana Noosa .