Adventure: Mary Cairncross – Rainforest Walk, Maleny (1.7km)

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve has it all: stunning subtropical rainforest, breathtaking views across the Glasshouse Mountains, an engaging discovery centre and a picnic ground to relax after your adventure! This is seriously a must-do adventure for all the family.

Suitability

Suitable for walkers.

*Note for wheelchair and pram users – this is a Grade 2 walk - the track has a hardened and compacted surface with gentle hill sections and occasional steps.

Highlights

The reserve features a number of walk options. The 1.3km Piccabeen Loop circling down to Fryer’s Creek and through the piccabeen grove is the perfect spot to look for crayfish burrows and the giant red cedar. This loop includes a long section of raised boardwalk and steps. The 1.3km Pademelon Loop is relatively flat and circles past ancient strangler figs and giant rainforest vines. The 1.7 km Rainforest Loop combines sections of both loops. The elevated Glider Gallery boardwalk rises amongst the forest understory and offers a birds-eye view of the rainforest. This short loop is wheelchair accessible. All rainforest walks can be accessed through the discovery centre by donation.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve now offers an all-terrain electric wheelchair for visitors. Bookings are free but must be made in advance. Contact the team for information [email protected].

The reserve is home to a rich diversity of fungi, plant and animal life. You may be fortunate enough to see the shy pademelon, a rainforest wallaby or listen to the loud call of the eastern whipbird. Stop at one of the seats along the path and soak in the forest ambience. You’ll be amazed at how close the little forest birds come when you are still and quiet. Careful observers may even see the well camouflaged forest dragon.    

Afterwards

Explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the interactive displays. Take in the spectacular view of the Glass House Mountains from the viewing deck or enjoy a BBQ in the picnic grounds while the kids enjoy the playground.

How to get there

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is perched high in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Travelling from Landsborough, turn off Landsborough-Maleny Road onto Mountain View Road at Bald Knob. Head to 148 Mountain View Road, where you’ll find a car pack, picnic grounds, Rainforest Discovery Centre and café.

For more than 250 walking, running, paddling, cycling, mountain biking and horse-riding trails on the Sunshine Coast, choose your next adventure with Adventure Sunshine Coast.