The Story of Tolly’s Eumundi: Breathing New Life into a Local Favourite
Every great café has a story, and Tolly’s is no exception. Housed in Eumundi’s iconic Old Bakery, this much-loved café has quickly become a favourite with locals and visitors alike. But behind the great coffee, generous brunches and warm atmosphere is a family passionate about creating a place where everyone feels welcome.
Read on to hear Tolly’s personal story behind this gorgeous venue.
Continuing a Much-Loved Legacy
“We wanted people to feel like they were walking into a friend’s home.”
When Tolly took over what many locals knew as Bella 101, she recognised they were inheriting something special. Rather than changing what people loved, they set out to build on the café’s strong reputation while creating a fresh identity that reflected their own vision. The result is Tolly’s-a place that honours its history while embracing the future.
Housed within one of Eumundi’s most recognisable heritage buildings, the café combines rustic charm with a relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy everything that makes country hospitality so appealing.
🌿 The Beginning
“Our favourite part of the day is seeing locals catching up over coffee.”
Tolly’s started with a simple idea: a community‑focused brunch spot designed for locals rather than market crowds. When the venue first appeared, it felt like an opportunity waiting to be shaped into something meaningful. With a long-standing passion for hospitality and a soft spot for great coffee, the vision came naturally – a warm, relaxed space where people could settle in, feel known, and feel at home.
Choosing Eumundi wasn’t a business decision so much as a personal one. Living nearby, with kids at school just ten minutes away, meant the town was already part of daily life. The parks, the familiar faces, the rhythm of the community – it all made opening Tolly’s feel like the right move.
At the Heart of the Community
“Community has always been our priority.”
One of the things that makes Eumundi so special is its strong sense of community, and Tolly’s has embraced that spirit from day one.
The café has become a place where neighbours catch up over coffee, visitors receive local recommendations and families gather to enjoy good food in a welcoming setting. It’s more than somewhere to eat-it’s part of the daily rhythm of the town.
That connection with the local community is reflected in everything from the friendly conversations across the counter to the relaxed atmosphere that encourages guests to linger just a little longer.
When Tolly’s opened in July 2024, the goal was clear and remains unchanged today – simple, done‑well food and drinks paired with warm, country-style service. No fuss, no frills, just honest quality.
🍳 Food & Experience
The food philosophy at Tolly’s is grounded in freshness and simplicity. Most sauces are made in-house and ingredients are sourced locally.
Signature favourites include the much-loved corn and zucchini fritters – often declared the best in Australia – and the crowd-pleasing eggs benedict.
Dining at Tolly’s feels different from a typical café visit. The venue itself has a treehouse-like charm, offering a calm, elevated space surrounded by greenery. Pair that with staff who genuinely care, and you get an experience that feels personal, not transactional.
🌞 The Visitor Experience
Ask anyone at Tolly’s and they’ll tell you: 10am is magic hour. The early rush has passed, and a new wave of diners arrives – brunch groups, slow-moving holidaymakers, and visitors easing into their day. It’s lively, warm, and full of character.
Something many visitors don’t realise? Tolly’s is fully licensed, offering wine, beer, and cocktails from 10am. It’s not just a breakfast /brunch spot – it’s a place to linger.
Locals and travellers return here for many reasons: the consistently great coffee, the friendly team, and the food that keeps people coming back again and again.
🛍️ Discovering Eumundi
If you’re visiting Eumundi for the first time, the Tolly’s team has a few favourite recommendations:
- Boutique shopping at Eumundi & Co, Days of Rays, and Pearls for Girls
- An afternoon drink at Matsos
- A short scenic drive to the local lookout
Eumundi is a special destination for food lovers and travellers because it blends creativity, community, and character. It’s a town where makers, growers, and storytellers come together – and where good food is always close by.
A perfect day in Eumundi?
Slow breakfast at Tolly’s, a wander through local boutiques, a drink in the afternoon sun, and a sunset view from the lookout. Simple, relaxed, and full of charm – just like the town itself.
Pair your visit with:
✨ Browsing the stalls at Eumundi Markets
🌿 Exploring nearby hinterland walks and scenic drives
🛍️ Discovering local boutiques, galleries and artisan stores
🍷 Enjoying Eumundi’s growing food and drink scene
🏡 Staying overnight in boutique accommodation
Why Eumundi is becoming a Sunshine Coast food destination
The Sunshine Coast hinterland has long been loved for its natural beauty and rural setting, but unsurprisingly it is also recognised for its incredible dining experiences.
From farm-fresh produce and artisan makers to historic pubs, cafés and restaurants, Eumundi offers visitors a genuine taste of regional Queensland.
Places like Tolly’s reflect the character of the region – relaxed, creative and connected to the local community.
A perfect day in Eumundi
Morning
☕ Breakfast and coffee at Tolly’s
🛍️ Explore local shops and galleries
Midday
🌿 Wander the village
🍴 Enjoy lunch and local flavours
Afternoon
🚶 Discover nearby walking trails
🍷 Relax with a drink at a local venue
Stay overnight
🏡 Extend your visit with boutique accommodation and experience Eumundi after the day-trippers leave.
Getting to Eumundi
Eumundi is located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, approximately:
20 minutes from Noosa/ 35 minutes from Maroochydore/ 1 hour 45 minutes from Brisbane
The village is an easy day trip destination and one of the most popular places to visit during school holidays on the Sunshine Coast.
Author: Hayley Gee, Experience Eumundi
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