Local for local: A new Sunshine Coast event for woodworkers

Pulling the drawknife, photo by Adam Friend

There’s an exciting new event for woodworkers and wood lovers on the horizon, and it’s happening in the Queensland Sunshine Coast hinterland 2–3 May in 2026. Following the demise of the Maleny Wood Expo last year, local makers and Montville Wood Gallery have banded together to create an event that will continue to celebrate local woodcraft and wood art.

The Montville Timber Trail is a free, all ages, two-day, community focused event that focuses on timber, craft and sustainability. It aims to bring together furniture makers, designers, woodworkers, artists, and educators in a relaxed village environment that encourages visitors to explore and engage directly with craft. The event takes place in the historic Montville mountain village in the Blackall Ranges just 1.5 hours north of Brisbane.

Carved spoons by Danny Holmes, Sunshine Coast artisan. Photo: Adam Friend

Set across three main venues within walking distance of each other, the event offers a journey through the world of woodworking and contemporary craft. Expect sales of locally sourced timber at St Marys Hall, and a variety of wood stalls, tools, exhibitions, demonstrations and hands-on experiences including woodworking workshops at Montville Village Hall. Adjacent to the Village Hall, The Edge will house the Makers’ Design Fair featuring displays of crafted furniture and objects. 

The Glass House at Montvale will house the 2026 Wootha Prize exhibition.

The Montville Timber Trail will also host this year’s Wootha Prize exhibition in The Glass House at Montvale where prize winners will be announced.

The event is designed to be a multi-dimensional experience for woodworkers and craft enthusiasts set within an attractive regional setting.

For more info visit the website: www.montvilletimbertrail.com

Images courtesy Ben Adams Studio and Montville Wood Gallery