Kenilworth and Beyond
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Kenilworth
History
Kenilworth sits sedately on the Mary River and is named after the 16,000 acre cattle run taken up by Richard Smith in 1850. We have Mrs Smith to thank for the towns name as she was reading Scott's novel "Kenilworth" at the time the run was selected.
Known to the Aboriginal people as Numabulla, then referred to as Wide Bay River, the Mary was eventually officially named after Governor Fitzroy's wife, in 1847.
Settlers in the Kenilworth area developed a varied economy in the early period of settlement. Most grew maize and vegetables and dairy cattle were introduced to the area. In July 1898 the first Kenilworth cream was taken to the railway station at Eumundi to be sent to Brisbane.
The town of Kenilworth was surveyed on part of the old Kenilworth Station in 1921. In 1923, T.H. Gordon began a motor bus service, and in 1924 a new hall and community centre was built. The Provisional School began on 21 October, 1924. A general store and butcher shop opened in 1924.
Kenilworth
Today
Located in the heart of the Mary Valley in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Kenilworth is the perfect “country escape” destination.
Take a 2 or 3 night stay to discover what the village and the area have to offer. Wander the main street, taking time to visit the local shops and boutiques. Stop to enjoy a coffee at McGinns and perhaps savour some of the sweet delights on offer at the Kenilworth Country Bakery People drive from miles around just to do that very thing. More shopping, then enjoy a tranquil lunch at the famous Kenilworth Dairies before a visit to the local museum.
The Imbil State Forest, adjacent to the town, provides excellent opportunities for horse riding, walking and fishing.
Extend your stay for 5 to seven days and then you begin to really understand what this stunning region has to offer.
As seen from the front garden at Kenilworth House, Elizabeth St is the epitome of main street country Qld.
Take a leisurely stroll from top to bottom and return and you will be surpised by the diversity of offerings in store for you.
KENILWORTH
Where: Kenilworth Town Park
When: Wednesday
Time: 8am to 1.30pm
EUMUNDI
Where: Memorial Drive, Eumundi
When: Wednesday
Time: 8am to 2pm
When: Saturday
Time: 7am to 2pm
The Original Eumundi Markets is the biggest and the best art and craft market in Australia.
Quality art and craft with a great lineup of entertainment and 100’s of items to catch your eye as you stroll this high area each Saturday and Wednesday. Open Rain, Hail or Shine.
Local & Nearby Markets
CRYSTAL WATERS
Where: 65 Kilcoy Lane, Conondale
When: First Saturday of each month
Time: 8am to 1pm
The Crystal Waters Country Markets are a friendly and relaxing market that provides a wide variety of produce and foods.
IMBIL
Where:
When:
Time:
Come and enjoy the charm of the Imbil Markets each Sunday from 8am until 1pm.
You’ll find magnificent local produce, gifts, food, handmade creations and everything you’d expect to find at a country market.
YANDINA
Where: Yandina Sports Ground
When: Every Saturday
Time: 6am to 12 noon
Yandina is about 30 minutes drive from Kenilworth. Despite being a very busy market parking is quite good.
Established July 18, 1990, the Yandina Country Market specializes in Plants, Local Produce, Second-hand Items and in recent years, Deli Produce.
The Yandina Markets are perhaps the largest of the local markets, with a very wide range of goods on offer, from locally grown fruit and vegetables, plants and flowers, freshly baked bread, olives, spices, drinks, trash and treasure items, collectables, garden tools and much more.
Swimming Holes
If the markets aren’t your thing, or you fancy a dip on the way home, the area boasts some great swimming holes.
The best of these are found in the Conondale National Park. Take note that all require some walking and some are only accessable by 4WD vehicle.
Boolumba Creek is one where a 4wd will be required. You cane make it in to Charlie Mooreland in a 2wd depending on the weather.
If these create logistical problems for you just stop in at Fig Tree Creek only a few minutes out of Kenilworth for a swim and a small walk.
Planning an Extended Stay?
Kenilworth House is your perfect base to take in all that the Mary Valley has to offer. Here are a few suggestions ahead of time and pictured is a quiet planning spot before departure and the pefect spot for a “sundowner” when you arrive home.
The Perfect Day Trip
You wil be amazed at what you can discover in this stunningly beautiful 100k circut starting from Kenilworth House which I like to do clockwise, and there is no prettier start to a drive than the one up the Obi Valley heading to Mapleton. Depending on the time of your departure you could take a little detour to see some great local woodworking at Cedar Creations ( a few kms of gravel) but worth the effort.
Climb the Obi Range (one way surfaced on the way up).
If you are a walker, its a nice stroll to Mapleton Falls, on the left before you arrive in Mapleton Village. Wander the small offfering of shops before heading off to Flaxton (perhaps for a Devonshire Tea). On then to Montville where you can spend quite a few hours getting through all the enticements that the quaint but touristy village offers.
Walkers (and on a hot day, swimmers) will enjoy the 20 minute walk to the top of Kondalilla Falls near Montville where you can have a dip. add the walk to the bottom of the falls and back if you are fit and have the time.
The next part of the drive should be savoured, and demands a slow and steady pace. Some of the prettiest views in the Hinterland can be seen along the stretch between Montville and Maleny so be sure to take your time . If time (and your desire for lunch) allows, add the Mary Cairncross loop in to your agenda where some delightful views to the Glasshouse Mountains and Brisbane are on offer. Another worthwhile stop is Gardners Falls just a few kms before arriving in Maleny. And, this is one of the most accessible Watherfalls in the Hinterland just 300 metre from the car park on an easy path.
Maleny is the next port of call. Having lived there for some years I can tell you it is a personal favouriute of mine and is a working town with a real local heart. It is a service town where you will see and meet as many locals as you do tourists, but be assured that as a tourist you will be warmly welcomed.
The main street is always abuzz with activity. Boutiques, art galleries, fantastic book stores, endless coffee options, a really good local IGA and the Maleny Co-op which is definitely worth a walk through.
Lunch options abound so take time to carbo load before you head off on the Maleny shopping adventure.
On the drive home you will pass through some stunning Blackall Ranges views on your way to Witta and Conondale. Be aware of the steep descent from the top of the range (very near the source of the Mary River) to the valley floor below, crossing the Mary at Conondale.
Your final destination is approaching. You will have had a very fulfilling day so maybe time for a shower, an afternoon drink and a Pizza from Kenilworth Pizza which you can enjoy in the your apartment or the gardens, the Bali Hut or the Tuscan rear garden.
Tips for the Nature Lovers
A Day On The Water
Beaches & Watersports
Beaches, Rivers & Other Hidden Gems
Noosa Everglades and Upper Noosa River
Leaving the glitz and glamour behind, I really suggest you consider exploring one of the regions lesser known, but truly breath-taking areas. The Noosa Everglades and Upper Noosa River offer tranquil waterways, wildflowers, freshwater lakes and forests and is a vital refuge for coastal wildlife.
The dark tannin-stained waters of the Upper Noosa River create spectacular beautiful reflections of the twisted paperbarks and bloodwoods that line the riverbanks and the surrounding wetlands are the breeding grounds and nursery for juvenile fish and other aquatic and bird life.
My personal favourite way to take in the serenity of this beautiul World class destination is by canoe or kayak, but for the less adventurous it can also be done by boat.
My suggestion is hire canoes or kayaks for a planned departure from Habitat Noosa Camping. There are a multitude of company's offering a full range of boats, maps and plans, either self guided or group excursions. Allow a full day to get to Harrys Hut and return. And DO NOT forget your camera.
Noosa
Renowned for a lustrous blend of unspoiled nature, chic style, a wide range of dining hotspots, a north facing sheltered beach, a street full of boutiques and all the “trendy” people, Noosa is a must visit and is an easy 45 minute drive from Kenilworth House.
When you have done the surf and wandered up and down Hastings Street, be sure to leave some time for a visit to Gympie Terrace at Noosaville. Some fabulous restaurants along the river for a perfect lunch followed by an adventure on the river maybe.
Other nearby favourites of mine are Sunshine Beach and the village atmosphere of Peregian Beach which has maintained its 60’s style charm and is quiet and chilled compared to the chaos of Noosa.
For a unique experience and a great burger, on your way home call in to Mrs Browns Diner at Belli Park.
