The Weekend Edition - Sleep In. Slow Down. Enjoy.

See diversity, creativity and sustainability shine at the Sunshine Coast’s brand new The Rangebow Festival See diversity, creativity and sustainability shine at the Sunshine Coast’s brand new The Rangebow Festival See diversity, creativity and sustainability shine at the Sunshine Coast’s brand new The Rangebow Festival See diversity, creativity and sustainability shine at the Sunshine Coast’s brand new The Rangebow Festival See diversity, creativity and sustainability shine at the Sunshine Coast’s brand new The Rangebow Festival See diversity, creativity and sustainability shine at the Sunshine Coast’s brand new The Rangebow Festival See diversity, creativity and sustainability shine at the Sunshine Coast’s brand new The Rangebow Festival

See diversity, creativity and sustainability shine at the Sunshine Coast’s brand new The Rangebow Festival

At a time when the news can leave us recoiling at current events, it's so important to find moments of light to serve as an anchor for our happiness. Events like festivals tend to bring out the best in people as they gather to celebrate, sing, dance and enjoy life as part of a collective. The Sunshine Coast's newest festival is focused on doing that and more, championing inclusivity, sustainability, diversity and reconciliation. The inaugural The Rangebow Festival is gearing up to take the Sunny Coast Hinterland by storm with four days of music, workshops, art and conversations. In order to make the most of your time up north, we've put together a guide not only for the The Rangebow Festival but the very best places to stay, play and eat during a long weekend nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.


Running from Wednesday August 10 until Sunday August 13, The Rangebow Festival has extended an open invitation to everyone. The festival program is packed with more than 30 events hosted at various locations across the Blackall Range (in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland), with plenty of options that are free to attend. Those looking to dip their toes into the fabulous art of drag are invited to participate in The Pageant of Pineapple Queens and Bunya Kings. Open to folks of all ages and abilities, the pageant begins with drag performance workshops before you get the chance to parade your creativity and flair on the Maleny runaway. If you’re hoping to enjoy some music, we recommend the Moonlight Symphony with the Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra, Golden Days Cabaret at Nambour Cinema or the intimate opera experience Chapel of Love. Black tie, gowns and tiaras are a must for this event. Those looking to learn more about the land and gain insight from our First Nations Peoples should check out Walk on the Wild Side, where you have the opportunity to take a guided walk through the Barung Seed Forest and Obi Obi creek to learn more about native plants, garden design and wildlife. You can also experience a gourmet First Nations dining experience Forage Fire Feast with award-winning Indigenous chef Aunty Dale Chapman. Jinibara Culture Man BJ Murphy will also share his wisdom during the Glass House Mountains Dreamtime Stories event. If you have an afternoon free, take some time to wander through Montville’s Village Green, where The Enchanted Garden will see live music, poetry and conversations with Australian Olympians, First Nations Peoples, climate specialists and even an equine therapist.

When you’re not learning from First Nations Aunties and Uncles, practising your drag or exploring nature’s goodness, you’ll likely need a bite to eat and a comfy spot to sleep. When it comes to food, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland has plenty to satiate you. In case you weren’t aware, the fine folks of Maleny, Montville and the surrounds know a thing or two about cheese and wine. So, in the spirit of treating yourself, set aside a few hours dedicated to pure hedonistic pleasure at Maleny CheeseMaleny Food Co.Flame Hill Vineyard and the Barrel at Clouds Vineyard. We recommend bribing your designated driver with plenty of cheese, antipasto, gelato and sorbet from Maleny Food Co. while you sip and savour your way through a red or two at the vineyards. If you’re after something a little more substantial, look no further than The Edge Restaurant. Perched on the edge of a valley in Montville’s quaint township, The Edge offers breathtaking panoramic views that can be enjoyed while you feast on an array of fine food, modern Australian cuisine, coffee and cakes. Finally, treat yourself to the exquisite flavours on display at The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly Estate. This award-winning restaurant perfectly balances elegant country charm with fine dining and culinary creativity.

If you’ve exhausted The Rangebow Festival’s suite of activities and are keen to sink your teeth into more Sunny Coast goodness, then take a trip to the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. This lush conservation park is just east of Maleny and boasts walking tracks through 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains. Make sure you also stop in at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World. Perfect for avid botanists and nature lovers, the Botanic Gardens is packed full of hidden surprises, remarkable gardens and aviaries positively squawking with a kaleidoscope of birds just waiting to make your acquaintance. If you still have time to spare, then the High Tea at Flaxton Gardens and Brouhaha Brewery offer prime spots to perch and watch the world go by. Whether your fingers crave the soft embrace of some tiny sandwiches or the cool touch of an ice-cold brew, these two locations are bound to make everyone happy. “But where shall we sleep?”, we hear you cry. You can’t possibly be expected to clamber on the Bruce Highway and brave the traffic after such a glorious day out. Fear not! Book in advance and stay at the oh-so-cosy Altitude on Montville, within walking distance of many of The Rangebow Festival events and The Edge Restaurant. Alternatively, the newly opened Maleny Lodge offers a country-style retreat in a renovated heritage house. Complete with luxury finishes, modern comforts and a heated magnesium pool, we think you’ll be more than satisfied with a stay at this curated space.

Tickets to The Rangebow Festival are now on sale! Books yours and nab a night or two at some lush accommodation so that you can make the most of both the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and the festival’s celebration of culture, creativity and diversity.

This article was written in partnership with our friends at Visit Sunshine Coast

To find out more about what’s on in the Gold Coast, head to our Event Guide.



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