Visiting Kenilworth Bakery on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast
Are you a traveller with a passion for mouthwatering pastries and hearty treats? If so, then you're in for a sweet surprise when you visit the picturesque town of Kenilworth in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in Australia. Tucked away in this charming town is a hidden gem known as Kenilworth Bakery, a must-visit destination for foodies far and wide. In this blog post, I’ll take you on a tasty journey through Kenilworth Bakery, highlighting why this country bakery must be on your travel itinerary when visiting the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
A Slice of Kenilworth's History
Before we dive into the scrumptious details of the Kenilworth Bakery, let's touch upon the rich history of this country town. Kenilworth is a rural town in Queensland, nestled amidst lush rainforests, rolling hills, and flowing waterways. With its quiet streets and friendly locals, this country town offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
In the heart of the Mary Valley area of the Sunshine Coast, Kenilworth is a country town with deep roots in the dairy farming industry. It is a rural area, about 50 kilometres (31 mi) from the coast, with a population of around 600 people.
The Kenilworth Bakery, established in 1924, has been serving up delectable treats for nearly a century, preserving time-honoured recipes and architecture. The bakery itself is World Heritage listed, with its old woodfired bread oven and enchanting character, it’s easy to transform back into time when visiting this bakery.
Getting to Kenilworth Bakery
Kenilworth Bakery now has two great locations on the Sunshine Coast. The original country bakery in Kenilworth is located at 8 Elizabeth Street, Kenilworth QLD, and is roughly an hour inland from the Sunshine Coast, and 2 hours from Brisbane City. Kenilworth Country Bakery is open every day although they close at 1 pm, or when sold out so be sure to get there early to secure your baked treats! Street parking is readily available, as well as parking in nearby parks and side streets.
Kenilworth Bakery Mooloolaba is their second store located at 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD. The Kenilworth Coastal Bakery offers sweet treats by the coast for those looking for a more accessible location. This is a takeaway-only venue, so grab your baked goods and enjoy what the coastal surroundings have to offer or try to steal a seat in the alleyway and watch the bakers at work. Make sure to get in early because this coastal bakery is known to sell out early.
Kenilworth Bakery's Culinary Delights
As you walk through the doors of Kenilworth Bakery, your senses will be tantalized by the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked goods. This bakery is renowned for its artisanal approach to baking, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional techniques. Here's what you can expect during your visit:
1. Donuts for Days
Kenilworth Bakery is well-known for its wide array of doughnut flavours. With so many flavours to choose from, the only sensible option is to get your hands on one of their 6 packs, where you can choose any 6 donuts for $30. With everything from Nutella-filled, cookies and cream, jam-filed, lemon curd, Caramilk, glazed and more, it’s hard to just choose 6.
Feeling up for a challenge? Kenilworth Bakery is dubbed the home of the 1KG donut challenge. Yep, that’s right, a 1KG (2.2 lbs for my American friends) donut! If you can eat the Kenilworth 1KG donut in one sitting while visiting the bakery you receive your money back and a personalised signed plate to hang up on their wall of fame. Talk about all the glory! For those who want to savour the moment instead, the 1KG donut can be ordered to take home and comes in a variety of flavours including jam and cream, Nutella and cream, and custard and cream.
2. Award-Winning Pies
Kenilworth Bakery is celebrated for its mouthwatering pies that have garnered numerous awards over the years. Whether you're a fan of classic beef and mushrooms or prefer something more adventurous like kangaroo and red wine, there's a pie to suit every palate. Flaky, buttery pastry encases flavorful, savoury fillings, making Kenilworth Bakery pies an absolute must-try. My partner still talks about the pie he ate here, and probably will for years to come!
3. Sweet Treats
If you have a sweet tooth, Kenilworth Bakery has you covered. From scrumptious lamingtons and creamy custard tarts to cinnamon scrolls, you'll be spoiled for choice. Be sure to try their iconic "Kenilworth Vanilla Slice," a layered puff pastry delight that's both sweet and creamy.
For those sourcing gluten-free goodies, fear not! Kenilworth Bakery has a range of gluten-free sweet treats and donuts available.
4. Locally Roasted Coffee
Pair your baked goods with a cup of coffee made from locally roasted beans. Kenilworth Bakery's baristas take their coffee seriously, ensuring that every sip is a perfect complement to the rich flavours of their treats
If you’re feeling brave, try out The Kenilworth Coffee Donut. A cinnamon donut with its centre carved out and coated in rich Nutella acts as a delicious mug for coffee. It’s recommended to drink the coffee from the donut before devouring the coffee-infused donut. If you are not a coffee drinker, you can also get a hot chocolate or a chai latte.
5. Insta-worthy Murals
The Insta-worthy moments don’t end with the food. Near the entrance of the country bakery, visitors are drawn to the mural of Crocodile Dundee wrangling a crocodile with a doughnut in hand that says “That’s not a doughnut, that’s a doughnut.” The mural is a cheeky ode to Australian humour and a personal favourite of mine. But the fun doesn’t end there.
On a corrugated tin wall along the back of the bakery, a 15m airbrush mural features legendary musicians including Biggie Smalls to David Bowie. In 2020, Kenilworth Bakery owner Jenna Sanders welcomed back artist Daus Von Roe to paint the wall of the adjoining building, adding another 30 musicians to the mix.
The murals are the perfect backdrop to snap a pic and admire while enjoying all those tasty treats.
Dog-Friendly Dining
Wait, it gets better! Kenilworth Bakery welcomes your furry friends - big and small. The bakery is pet friendly, so much so that they’ve created a range of doggy doughnuts and biscuits so that they don't have to miss out. Pop in with your pup and treat yourselves to some mouth-watering treats.
Explore Kenilworth's Beauty
After indulging in the delightful pastries, take a leisurely stroll through Kenilworth and its surroundings. The town is nestled in the stunning Mary Valley, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The Mary River and lush rainforests provide the perfect backdrop for a post-feast exploration.
Things To Do in Kenilworth:
Get a cheesy fix at Kenilworth Dairies
Wander the Kenilworth Country Markets
Refresh at Kondalilla National Park
Plan Your Visit
Kenilworth Bakery is open daily and is a convenient stop for those travelling along the Sunshine Coast. Whether you're on a road trip, a nature lover, or a dedicated foodie, a visit to Kenilworth Bakery will certainly delight your senses and make your journey an unforgettable one.
So, why not add a visit to Kenilworth Bakery to your travel itinerary when you're next in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland? You'll not only enjoy a mouthwatering country bakery experience but also become a part of a warm and welcoming community, surrounded by the natural beauty of Australia's Sunshine Coast Hinterlands.
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