[Back to the blog](/blog/) # Sometimes You Don’t Need an Itinerary – You Just Need Somewhere to Be > No itinerary, no alarm clock, no rush. A few slow days in a Montville rainforest cabin, with warm croissants delivered to your door. - By [Karen McMichael Cross](/about/karen-mcmichael-cross/) - Tag: Guides - Published: 2026-10-23 --- We spend so much of our lives planning things. Work, family, appointments, people depending on us, and all those little jobs that somehow fill every spare moment. I know how easy it is to get caught up in it all. Even when we finally arrange a few days away, we can find ourselves planning every hour of the holiday too. But wouldn’t it be lovely, just for a little while, to wake up knowing the day is entirely yours? No alarm clock, no list of jobs waiting, no need to rush off anywhere. Just the freedom to take your time and decide what you feel like doing, without that little voice reminding you of everything you should be doing. Even if that turns out to be nothing at all. Here at [Montville Country Cabins](/accommodation/) in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Michael and I see guests arrive with very different ideas for their few days away. Some can’t wait to explore Montville and the surrounding countryside. Others tell Michael they’re looking forward to doing very little – perhaps sitting on their cabin patio listening to the birds, enjoying one of our rather old-fashioned DVDs, or having one of his delicious home-cooked dinners delivered to their cabin, accompanied by a glass or two of lovely local wine. With no Wi-Fi in the cabins and limited access available on request, there’s a very good excuse to switch off from the outside world for a while. And I have to smile, because I’m usually the one with a list of things to do as long as my arm. Perhaps our guests have the right idea. Michael has a lovely way of getting straight to the point, often in just a few heartfelt words. He says some of our guests come here simply to “just be”. I love that. Two little words that say so much. And really, when did something so simple become such a luxury? ## The pleasure of a slow morning There’s something I love about mornings here at Montville Country Cabins. Some days the mist drifts through the gardens and settles softly over our spring-fed lake. Slowly it lifts, then gently returns, curling and swirling between the rainforest trees and through the leaves. It’s quite mesmerising to sit and watch. On other mornings, the birds have plenty to say – and they’re certainly not shy about it. Michael quietly makes his morning rounds, hanging warm croissants on the hook outside each cabin door. With the continental breakfast hamper already waiting inside, guests can wake up and enjoy breakfast whenever they please. ![Fresh croissants on a wooden board](/assets/photos/offerings/croissants/croissants-fresh.jpg) For me, there’s nothing better than sitting on the patio, snuggled up in my cosy robe with a hot cup of tea, just breathing. Watching it all unfold, listening to nature, letting the world pass me by for a little while, and allowing my busy mind to finally quieten. It’s such a simple pleasure, but sometimes it feels like just what the soul needs. ![Sunlight over the lake and rainforest at Montville Country Cabins](/assets/photos/building/hero-2.jpg) ## Sometimes the best moments are unplanned Sometimes, the loveliest part of a few days away is simply being able to do whatever you feel like, whenever you feel like it. You might wander down to our spring-fed lake, find a quiet spot to sit and watch the birds, or just let the peace of nature settle around you as the world goes quietly about its business. Or perhaps a long soak in your cabin’s double spa bath sounds far more appealing. Later in the evening, there’s no need to head out for dinner unless you feel like it. You can enjoy one of our [BBQ hampers](/menu/) on your private patio, or have a delicious [hot dinner hamper](/menu/) delivered to your cabin. During the cooler months, when we provide firewood from April to September, there’s something particularly comforting about lighting the fire and settling in together. And if you feel like stretching your legs, there’s plenty of room to enjoy our 16 acres of gardens and remnant rainforest. But there’s no pressure to see or do everything. Sometimes, the nicest moments are simply the ones you allow to happen. ![Spa bath beside a window overlooking the rainforest](/assets/photos/cabins/seclusion/cabin-seclusion-9.jpg) ## Explore the Hinterland, if you feel like it Of course, you might wake up one morning and decide you’ve done quite enough of doing nothing – for now. Montville village is a lovely place to explore without a plan. Browse a gallery, stop for a coffee, or, like me, pop into [Chocolate Country](https://www.chocolatecountry.com.au/) for a little chocolate tasting. Purely in the interests of research, of course. Perhaps you’ll fancy some delicious home-cooked food at [Priscilla’s Gallery Kitchen](https://priscillasgallery.com.au/), with its gluten-free choices. Or pick up one of those seriously good pies from Montville Bakehouse and see what else catches your eye. Then again, a leisurely wine tasting and a charcuterie board at [Flame Hill Vineyard](https://flamehill.com.au/), overlooking the Sunshine Coast, might be just the thing. That’s what I love about the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. There’s plenty to discover, but absolutely no need to squeeze it all into one visit. You might head out for an hour and find yourself still enjoying lunch well into the afternoon. Or decide you’ve had quite enough exploring and head back to the peace of your cabin. After all, who says you have to make a day of it? ![A couple walking along Main Street in Montville](/assets/photos/location/montville-cafes-restaurants.jpg) ## Closer than it feels However you make your way up into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the last stretch to Montville Country Cabins takes you along Western Avenue. I love this little road, winding between beautiful old trees with sunlight filtering through the leaves. And on a misty evening, the lights glowing amongst the trees as you turn into our driveway are something quite special. It still makes me smile that somewhere so peaceful can feel a world away, yet be about 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast beaches and airport, under two hours from Brisbane, and still within easy reach of the Gold Coast. (Drive times are a guide only, as traffic can vary.) Open your cabin door and the soft music is already playing. Put your bags down, pour yourself a glass of wine or bubbles from the stocked mini-bar, find somewhere comfortable and just breathe. Let the day slip away. And if you’ve pre-ordered dinner, Michael will bring it to your cabin at the time you’ve arranged. No need to head out again unless you want to. And the unpacking? Oh, that can wait. The bags aren’t going anywhere. ## A little more time to simply be Have you ever come home from a few days away and thought, “I could have done with just one more day”? I certainly have. Just when you’ve finally remembered how lovely it feels not to be in a hurry, it’s time to pack the bags again. Typical. Whether you’re enjoying time with someone you love or a little peace on your own, there’s no prize for how much you manage to fit in. Sometimes, the nicest thing you can do is give yourself time to enjoy the little things. And if you feel like staying a little longer, or making your time away something special, have a look at our [current packages and offers](/specials/). There’s a variety of ways to enjoy Montville Country Cabins, with packages and available dates changing throughout the year. Or give us a call on [07 5442 9484](tel:+61754429484). We will be happy to help you find something that suits. After all, isn’t it lovely to have somewhere you can simply be? ## [Karen McMichael Cross](/about/karen-mcmichael-cross/) I’ve spent my life working in tourism and hospitality, marketing and sales, and business management, and I’ve been fortunate to live and travel extensively throughout the world. I’ve always loved exploring interesting places, meeting people and discovering those unexpected little moments that make a journey memorable. Often, it’s the people you meet and the stories they share that stay with you long after you’ve come home. Together with my husband Michael, I own and operate Montville Country Cabins in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland, where my love of travel, nature and new experiences continues to inspire my writing. [More about Karen McMichael Cross](/about/karen-mcmichael-cross/) ## Other articles ### [In-cabin dining: breakfast hamper, BBQ packs and hot dinner hampers](/blog/in-cabin-dining-hampers/) Eat ### [Spring/Summer Escape \| Stay 3, Pay 2](/blog/stay-3-pay-2/) Stays ### [Over-50s midweek getaways at Montville Country Cabins](/blog/over-50s-midweek-getaways/) Stays ### [Sculpture on the Edge 2026: Flaxton art and lunch](/blog/sculpture-on-the-edge-2026/) Guides ### [Pacific Coast Way southbound: a Montville detour](/blog/sunshine-coast-road-trip-southbound/) Drives ### [Kondalilla Falls from Montville: choosing the right walk](/blog/kondalilla-falls-walks-from-montville/) Walks