The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve has long been one of Maleny‘s, and indeed the Sunshine Coast‘s most popular attractions – comprising over 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest, overlooking the iconic and breathtaking Glass House Mountains and its surrounding beauty. For many years the reserve housed an ecological education centre and small cafe that played a vital role in educating young students on the importance of not only that particular reserve, but similar conservation efforts in general – as well as providing a much needed and tasty snack and coffee break for all visitors. In recent times this entire operation, including the little cafe with its incredible views, has been closed for renovations which has resulted in a brand new and state of the art Rainforest Discovery Centre – as well as a the new look Mountain View Cafe.

The Cafe has now been open to the public for a number of months and word on the grape vine is the renovations and change of management has done the little Cafe good. Aside from the breathtaking view, which I’d order for every meal – the breakfast and lunch menu has a whole host of tasty options. Start your day off light with some smashed avo’ on sourdough with crumbled feta, salsa and lemon.

Big day ahead? Fuel up with the fantastic Mountain View Big Breakfast, complete with eggs, bacon, chorizo sausage, hash browns, spinach, mushrooms and sourdough toast. No matter what your appetite there is an option for you – I’m particularly partial to their French crepes with Berry Compote and ice-cream. For lunch the selection is noticeably larger, including Falafel, soups, the Ploughman’s Plate (a selection of meats and cheeses served with chutney and sourdough), beef and chicken burgers, steak sandwiches and a lot more. During our visit we were a little early for lunch – and filled up on breakfast before we noticed the fantastic offering of cakes and baked goods on offer in the dessert display. Even with a belly full of crepes and ice cream. I was seriously considering an after breakfast dessert.

Aside from the food, the coffee was warm, rich and flavourful and complemented the chilly, early morning, mountain air perfectly as we admired that un-paralleled view set out before us. Definitely set to become a new weekend lunch spot.

For more information visit their website.