Maleny, Queensland

30th June – 4th July 2018

The village of Maleny in the Queensland Hinterland sits on the Obi Obi Creek that winds around it. From where we camped at the showgrounds, it was a short walk into town through a replanted walkway that hugged the creek.

Given the time of year, we rugged up and wore our hiking boots when leaving the campground as we puddle-hopped our way along the path leading to the village. The lure of seeing wild platypus in the creek had us hanging over railings each time we ducked into town. However, we weren’t lucky enough to spot any.

The annual Knit Fest happened over the weekend and
everything in town was duly draped in woollen garments.

Trunks were clad in winter woollies and knitted mobiles hung
from trees and shrubs around the village

The village is nestled in undulating verdant green dairy country and a large variety of cows mooch about up to their knees in lush grass. Successful dairying make this an affluent area,, reflected in the selection of boutique retail opportunities. It has an eclectic meld of country and chic fashion, independent bookshops, gourmet menus at street cafes and health food outlets manned by dreadlocked staff and garbed in gear straight from the 60s. It is a magical town.

An example of an older building having been reclaimed and repurposed.

More than 1, 000 vintage and rare motor cars and caravans turned into the showgrounds overnight providing a day of entertainment.

Dairy country is broken by remnant rainforest and the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is an opportunity to get up close and personal with rainforest flora.

From Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve across to Glasshouse Mountains

Day Thirteen of the 2019 A-Z Challenge during the month of April. The challenge is to post six days a week, Sunday respite from writing or catching up with other participants and their posts. Each of the twenty-six days represents a letter of the alphabet and while each post stands alone they form part of a loose theme reflecting our retirement trip around Australia: Our Big Fat Aussie Road Trip.