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Mary Cairncross: Interpretive Boardwalk

Mary Cairncross: Interpretive Boardwalk
Maleny
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Trail type
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Skill Level
0.2km
Length
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Circuit

The main attraction of this location is the magnificent rainforest and views of the Glass House Mountains, all wonderfully explained via this discovery experience.

SUITABILITY
Suitable for walkers, prams and wheelchairs

HIGHLIGHTS
The Rainforest Discovery Centre – opened in 2017 – is the main access point into the rainforest and the rainforest walks. It provides a rich interpretive experience of the park's environment. Go through the Discovery Centre to a rising boardwalk that gently curves through the diverse forest before leading back to level 2 of the Centre and out onto a viewing platform for the Glasshouse mountains. There is a lift or stairs to drop back down to the café for a cuppa.

AFTERWARDS
Experience more of the Mary Cairncross scenic subtropical rainforest reserve with 2 other walking options – the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Path or the longer (3km) Rainforest Walk.

When you are done you can take in the spectacular view of the Glass House Mountains as you relax at the café or enjoy a picnic on the open grass and watch the pademelon wallabies.

Souvenirs can also be bought at the kiosk, including many books featuring the flora and fauna of this rich environment. Facilities include disabled toilets.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is perched high in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Travelling from Landsborough, turn off Landsborough-Maleny Road into Mountain View Road at Bald Knob. Head to 148 Mountain View Road (about 1.4 km along) where you’ll find a car pack, picnic grounds, a kiosk and café,as well as a natural history / interpretive centre known as the Discovery Centre.

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Glossary
  • Icon showing this activity is suitable for wheelchairsSuitable for wheelchairs
  • Icon showing this activity is suitable for walkingSuitable for walking
  • Icon showing this activity is suitable for recreational cyclingSuitable for recreational cycling
  • Icon showing this activity is suitable for mountain bikingSuitable for mountain biking
  • Icon showing this activity is suitable for horse ridingSuitable for horse riding
  • Icon showing this activity is suitable for kayakingSuitable for kayaking
  • Icon showing this activity has drinking water availableDrinking water available
  • Icon showing this activity does not have drinking water availableNo drinking water available
  • Icon showing this activity has a barbeque on siteBarbeque on site
  • Icon showing this activity has a picnic table on sitePicnic table on site
  • Icon showing this activity has toilets on siteToilets on site
  • Icon showing fires are permitted at this activityFires permitted
  • Icon showing fires are prohibited at this activityFires prohibited
  • Icon showing camping is permitted at this activityCamping permitted
  • Icon showing camping is prohibited at this activityCamping prohibited
  • Suitable for walking Suitable for walking black lines Suitable for walking
  • Drinking water available Drinking water available Drinking water available
  • barbeque on site barbeque on site Barbeque on site
  • Picnic table on site Picnic table on site Picnic table on site
  • toilets on site toilets on site Toilets on site
  • Fires prohibited Fires prohibited Fires prohibited
  • Camping prohibited Camping prohibited Camping prohibited
Write a review

Review Date: 06/10/2020

Listen deeply, watch attentively and tread lightly! With more than two kilometres of different walking tracks, boardwalks and viewing platforms, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is an absolute must-do for the whole family to visit. Please click link for additional information and a detailed map of walks. https://www.weekendnotes.com/walks-mary-cairncross-scenic-reserve

Reviewed By: Elaine

Review Date: 19/11/2018

Short little wander off the visitors centre that is excellent for mobility concerns. My Mother and children got to do a small wander inside the rainforest without much effort and saw beautiful flora and fauna. nobody got to miss out on appreciating the amazing sights and sounds of Mary Cairncross park - another thoughtful part of an incredible Visitor Centre. something for everyone.

Reviewed By: Yvette

Review Date: 04/11/2018

This is a great walk for the family with lots to see. There is a bat colony, loads of lizards and butterflies and also if you are quiet you might even be lucky and see some pademelons. Only downfall is the mozzies which can only be expected in a rainforest environment. Bring repellant. Other than that, there is a great playground and open grass area for the kids. At the Mary Cairncross Discovery Centre you will also learn so much about the rainforest area with fantastic volunteers there to answer any of your questions. They only ask for a gold coin donation in return. Great family day out!

Reviewed By: Rebecca

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IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL '000'.

Always Adventure Safely!

  • Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
  • Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
    • Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/.
    • Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
    • Always bring more water than you think you will need.
    • Be Sun Safe!
    • Always let someone know where you are going that isn’t going with you.
  • Just getting started try this site for good useful information: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hike-safety/
  • Sunshine Coast Council does it’s best to maintain current information but things can change so always be aware that a trail may not be as listed in this guide, and report and issues via our feedback link.

Sunshine Coast Council

For any issues with this experience please contact:

Sunshine Coast Council via 07 5475 7272 or via e-mail: adventure@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

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