The best doughnuts of the Hinterland? Here's Kenilworth Bakery!

Even before Yentl started planning our Southeastern Queensland road trip, I had already found something I needed to see. Actually, not just see, but eat. I got hooked on the first Australian coffee in a doughnut on another social media hall. Just the thought of that combination had me drooling. Better yet, it was also pretty close to Brisbane. The Kenilworth Country Bakery was now a must-stop location for me. After some careful begging to Yentl and preaching about how good they looked, it finally got added to the map! Were we about to eat the best doughnuts in the Hinterland?

The road trip:

If you have followed us through the website or our socials, you would have seen our Autumn road trip. If not, welcome to a rabbit hole of travel inspiration! After finishing work on Moreton Island, we desperately needed an adventure. Having only explored Brisbane, North Stradbroke and Moreton Island on our trip in 2021, we wanted to delve deeper into this region of Queensland. Surrounded by many National Parks, it is hard to believe we stayed in Brisbane for so long without getting out here!

The planning was simple. We could only go within a certain perimeter in four weeks. Therefore, we decided to go as far north as Noosa Heads and south as Byron Bay. Once they were locked in, our itinerary made itself. We plotted out pins on our Google map by taking inspiration from other blogs, social media and friends. Luckily, there were some other great locations that we planned to see in the Hinterland, so going so far out for a doughnut was not that big of a deal anymore! After the most incredible time on the Noosa Everglades, we headed into the Hinterland, with our very first stop being the Kenilworth Country Bakery.

Kenilworth Country Bakery

The Kenilworth Country Bakery is a must-visit for so many reasons. With two great locations, the Heritage Listed Bakery in Kenilworth and the Mooloolaba Bakery, you cannot miss it on a road trip! The original Kenilworth Country Bakery was established in 1924 and has since evolved into the iconic bakery it is today. Not just known for being the first coffee in a doughnut in Australia, it is also home to the 1kg doughnut challenge and the 1kg sausage rolls! Furthermore, their graffiti walls are an eye-catching addition for a quick photo. To get the whole experience, you must go to the Kenilworth location, as the 1kg products are unavailable at the Mooloolaba Bakery.

How to get to the Kenilworth Country Bakery?

Getting to the Kenilworth Country Bakery is relatively easy with a vehicle. It is a leisurely two-hour (160km) from Brisbane or 45 minutes (52km) from Noosa Heads.

When is the Kenilworth Country Bakery open?

Both locations are open seven days a week! The Kenilworth bakery is open 7 am – 1 pm (or until sold out), and the Mooloolaba bakery is open from 8 am to 3 pm.

Is there public transport to Kenilworth?

Currently, there is no public transport available to Kenilworth. Therefore, if you do not have a vehicle and want to try some Kenilworth Country Bakery Produce, check out the Mooloolaba location!

Our experience at the Kenilworth Country Bakery

Having dreamed about this day for a few weeks, I was overwhelmed when we finally got to the Kenilworth Country Bakery. Two bakery buildings are situated next to each other, with a little alley leading between them to the outdoor seating area. One building is for the savoury, the 1kg sausage rolls, and the other for the doughnuts! Having my mind set on getting my coffee in a doughnut, I wasted no time browsing the savoury building. Instead, I hurried over to the fabulous doughnuts. Greeted by the sheer delight in doughnut form, with every flavour I could want to be laid out in front of me, I almost forgot why I was there. Nevertheless, I came to my senses and ordered our $8 coffee doughnuts and then eagerly waited. Looking back, we definitely should have ordered more doughnuts to keep for a few days on the road…

Grabbing our coffee-filled doughnuts and sitting in their outdoor graffiti setting was a dream. Although the coffee was slightly burnt, which was disappointing, the doughnut was incredible! Filled and lined with Nutella and coated in sugar on the outside, it’s a sweet tooth’s dream. Had the coffee been a little better, I would happily buy ten more, but next time I will get a classic filled doughnut to try! Or even the 1kg doughnut! Living up to the high standard I had set (besides the coffee), I was content with making the long drive out here.

Visiting Kenilworth Bakery? Try these stops along the way:

There is so much more than just the Kenilworth Country Bakery in the area. Being in the heart of the Hinterland, there are some incredible things that you should visit:

Kenilworth Dairies

Literally across the road from the Kenilworth Country Bakery is Kenilworth Dairies. Using milk only from the Mary Valley region, Kenilworth Darieis is worth the visit for any cheese enthusiast.

Fig Tree Walk

A great short walk for everyone! Only a 10-minute drive from the Kenilworth Country Bakery, the Fig Tree Walk is a great way to help digest some of your treats! The circuit walk is just under 800 meters long and takes you beneath some 150-year-old Moreton Bay Fig Trees. This walk is accessible for everyone and is wheelchair accessible.

Mapleton Falls National Park

Twenty minutes up to the top of the mountain from Kenilworth gets you to the stunning Mapleton Falls National Park. The Mapleton Falls lookout is unmatched. The lookout is accessible to everyone and is only 50 meters from the car park! Furthermore, the park also offers some great short walks and picnic spots!

Kondalilla Falls

Kondalilla Falls is the best place to cool off after a long day of sightseeing. Only 30 minutes from the Kenilworth Country Bakery and 10 minutes from Mapleton Falls, Kondalilla is easily accessible. However, there is a 5km return walk required to access the falls, but it is well worth it!

Read all the 2023 Greater Brisbane Road Trip Chapters:

1: Kayaking the Noosa Everglades.

2: The Best doughnuts in the Hinterland?

3: Attempt to Climb the Glass House Mountains.

4: Camping and Hiking in D’Aguilar National Park.

5: Mt Maroon and Its Incredible Views on the Scenic Rim.

7: Is Mullumbimby the new Byron Bay?

8: Springbrook National Park.

9: Lamington National Park.

10: Mount Tamborine National Park.

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