Hi Ken, a few years back we were living in Landsborough and Peachester area, the sky is much darker out at Rons place at Cambroon and well worth the drive out there and Ron is a good bloke great to chat with and his 16inch dob gives great views, but as you said there are some dark areas near Maleny area. The thred below mentions some areas i have used, there are still quite a few astronomers living in the Sunshine Coast area im sure they may mention other areas of interest.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=101070