Getaway Guide: The Best of Mary Valley

For a lot of Brisbane locals, the perfect weekend away usually means heading straight for the coast. But this month, the smart move is inland. While GourMay Mary Valley takes over the region with food events, long lunches and farm experiences throughout May, the valley itself becomes the kind of place you accidentally end up staying longer than planned.

Mary Valley is the kind of place where you end up pulling over every 20 minutes. One stop for a bakery, another for a local brewery, then suddenly you’re at a farm gate buying cheese you definitely didn’t plan on taking home. Towns like Kenilworth, Imbil and Kandanga are laidback, scenic and full of places worth stopping for. Think country pubs, winding drives, local produce and plenty to do without needing a packed itinerary.

So if you’re looking to swap crowded beaches for rolling hills and long lunches, Mary Valley is calling. We’ve rounded up the best places to eat, stay and experience across the region to help you plan the ultimate getaway.

Imbil Town & Country Bakery

Nestled in the heart of the small Queensland village of Imbil, the Imbil Town & Country Bakery has become a beloved stop for locals and travellers alike. Known for its warm country charm and early-morning starts, this bakery opens its doors before sunrise, serving up freshly baked goods to...

ART ON YABBA FINE ART GALLERY

Set along the banks of Yabba Creek in Imbil, Art on Yabba Gallery is a small but character-filled stop that adds a creative layer to any Mary Valley visit. Run by Mary Valley Artslink, the artist-led space showcases a rotating mix of local works, from paintings and ceramics to jewellery...

Kenilworth Bakery

If you’ve ever found yourself cruising through the Mary Valley with the windows down and a snack on your mind, chances are you’ve already heard whispers about Kenilworth Bakery. And if you haven’t, well, consider this your official heads up. Set in the heart of Kenilworth, this country bakery isn’t...

Kenilworth Dairies

You can’t come through the Mary Valley and not stop at Kenilworth Dairies. It’s one of those places that feels properly tied to the region, not just because of what they make, but because of the story behind it. This spot has been part of the local fabric for decades....

Kandanga Farm Store

Alright, enough of the grab-and-go stops. If you’re heading through the valley and feel like actually slowing things down for a bit, Kandanga Farm Store is where you do it. This is where the whole “know where your food comes from” thing stops being a slogan and just becomes… obvious....

Bluff Creek Campground

Possibly one of the most scenic campgrounds, full stop, Bluff Creek Campground is an easy addition to your Mary Valley itinerary, especially if you’re turning the trip into an overnight stay. Set across a wide stretch of rolling farmland, the sites are spaced out so you’re not on top of...

The Avocado Tree Farm

Alright, if pitching a tent isn’t quite your thing but you’re still keen to get out of the city, The Avocado Tree Farm is your answer. Set on a working avocado farm near Amamoor, the stays are limited to just a few options, which keeps things quiet and spaced out....

Mary Valley Rattler

If you’re breaking up a day of driving and food stops, the Mary Valley Rattler is an easy way to see more of the region without being behind the wheel and you’ve got a few ways to do it depending on how much time you’ve got. The train runs out...

Kandanga Hotel

Set among the rolling green hills of the Mary Valley, Kandanga Hotel has long been a well-loved meeting place in Kandanga and a picturesque stop for those exploring the region, sitting just 20 minutes south of Gympie. Originally established in 1914, it carries that classic country pub feel, with...

Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum

It would be a mistake not to stop by the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum while exploring the region. Sitting high on a hill overlooking town, this local gem is packed with stories from Gympie’s gold rush era and feels more like a time capsule than a traditional...