Mary Cairncross rainforest, the Mapleton Falls circuit and the Gardners Falls swimming hole — distances, surfaces, what it costs and what to watch for.
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Three walks within easy reach of Maleny — a rainforest reserve right on the edge of town, a national-park falls circuit on the way to Mapleton, and a free swimming hole on Obi Obi Creek. Distances, surfaces, what it costs and what to watch for, so you can pick the right one before you set off.
Rainforest, so come prepared
The Blackall Range is wet and cool — about 2,000 mm of rain a year — and paths can be slippery and leech-y after rain. Wear shoes with grip, and check the Mary Cairncross and Queensland Parks pages for any track closures before a long drive.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
A pocket of original Blackall Range rainforest on the edge of town, with red-cedar giants, pademelons at dusk and big views to the Glass House Mountains. Easy, well-made loops that suit families and older walkers.
Walks are open 7am–6pm daily (gates locked overnight); entry is free with a gold-coin donation for the rainforest walks. The Butterfly Walk is closed on and off through June and July for maintenance.
Distance
Three loops, about 1.3–1.7 km each (round trips)
Surface
Hardened, compacted paths with gentle slopes and the odd step — Grade 2. The Glider Gallery boardwalk (through the Discovery Centre) is the most level.
Good for
(3 months ago)
Families, older walkers and most prams on the easier loops. A free all-terrain electric wheelchair can be booked for the 1.3 km Pademelon circuit, 10am–2pm, one hire a day, weather permitting. No dogs except disability companion animals.
Start from
Mountain View Road, Maleny — the Rainforest Discovery Centre is the start.
Parking
On-site car park off Mountain View Road.
Facilities
Rainforest Discovery Centre (9:30am–3:30pm daily) and the Mountain View Café (hours vary — phone 07 5499 9180). Toilets on site.
Mapleton Falls National Park — Wompoo circuit
A short rainforest-and-eucalypt circuit to the Peregrine lookout, where Pencil Creek drops over Mapleton Falls into the Obi Obi valley. A quiet half-hour's drive north of Maleny.
Stay behind the railings at the lookouts — the cliff edges are unfenced beyond them.
Distance
1.3 km circuit (round trip), allow about 45 minutes
Surface
Formed bush track with some gentle ups and downs — Grade 2.
Good for
Most walkers. For a step-free option, the separate Mapleton Falls lookout is a 50 m wheelchair-accessible path right by the car park. No dogs or other pets in the national park.
Start from
Mapleton Falls National Park, off Obi Obi Road, Mapleton.
Parking
Car park at the day-use area.
Facilities
Gardners Falls
A free swimming hole on Obi Obi Creek a few minutes from town, with small cascades and pools under the trees. Popular on a hot day and busy on summer weekends.
Swim at your own risk. The water hides submerged rocks and logs, depth and current change, and there have been serious injuries and deaths here — including from the rope swings, which are unofficial. Don't dive, watch children closely, and read the warning signs before you get in.
Distance
About 300 m on a flat track from the car park to the falls (round trip a little over half a kilometre)
Surface
Short, mostly level formed path.
Good for
Families and a cool-off swim — but there are no lifeguards and the Council does not encourage swimming or jumping here.
Start from
End of Obi Lane, off Maleny–Montville Road.
Parking
Small car park that fills early on weekends and holidays.
Facilities
Toilets (including an accessible toilet) and a grassy picnic area with tables by the car park. No camping.
None at the falls — no toilets or water; bring your own.