Discover a world of rainforest wonders

Stunning subtropical rainforest, breathtaking views of the Glass House Mountains, an engaging Discovery Centre and a picnic area to relax after your adventure – this is a must-do day out for the whole family.

Suitability

• Suitable for walkers.
• Note for wheelchair and pram users: This is a Grade 2 walk, featuring a hardened and compacted surface with gentle hills and occasional steps.
• Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve also offers a free all-terrain electric wheelchair. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting [email protected] .
  Dogs and domestic pets are not permitted in the reserve.

Highlights

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve offers several walking options through one of the Sunshine Coast's most beautiful rainforest remnants.

Piccabeen Loop (1.3km): wander beside Fryer's Creek and through a grove of piccabeen palms. Keep an eye out for crayfish burrows and the giant red cedar. This loop includes a long raised boardwalk and some steps.

Pademelon Loop (1.3km): a relatively flat walk passing ancient strangler figs and giant rainforest vines.

Rainforest Loop (1.7km): combines sections of both tracks for the ultimate rainforest experience.

Glider Gallery Boardwalk: this elevated, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk rises through the forest understory, offering a bird's-eye view of the rainforest.

All rainforest walks can be accessed via the Discovery Centre with a gold coin donation.

The reserve is home to an incredible diversity of plants, fungi and wildlife. You may spot a shy pademelon, hear the distinctive call of the eastern whipbird or even glimpse a well-camouflaged forest dragon.

Take a moment to sit quietly along the track and soak up the rainforest atmosphere. You might be surprised how close the little forest birds come.

Afterwards

Explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where visitors of all ages can enjoy interactive displays and learn more about this unique ecosystem.

Take in the spectacular Glass House Mountains views from the viewing deck or enjoy a BBQ in the picnic area while the kids make the most of the playground.

How to get there

148 Mountain View Road, Maleny

Located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve offers parking, picnic facilities, a café and the Rainforest Discovery Centre.

Looking for your next outdoor escape? Discover more than 250 walking, running, cycling, paddling, mountain biking and horse-riding trails through Adventure Sunshine Coast.