Sunshine Coast Council

Be at one with the butterflies on this short walk at Mary Caincross picnic grounds.

SUITABILITY
Suitable for walkers, prams and wheelchairs. It’s an easy grade.

HIGHLIGHTS
The Richmond Birdwing is one of Australia's largest and rarest butterflies with a wingspan of up to 16 cm in females. In the park is the birdwing butterfly vine, an important food source for developing caterpillars and attracting the butterflies. The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Walk starts near the toilets (no need to go through the Discovery Centre). The walk leads behind the playground and to the bottom end of the field with information panels describing the lifecycle of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly and a viewing deck in the forest.

AFTERWARDS
Make sure do you do the Rainforest walks accessed via the Discovery Centre – but before you do check out the birdcall sound board so you can identify birds you hear while walking through.

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.

To the end point: This walk returns to your starting point.