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Sunshine Coast Council
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21.5km
Trail type
Skill Level
Length
Circuit
One of the most challenging and scenic trails in the northern end of this 10,064 hectare national park – the top end of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s Great Walk.
SUITABILITY
This walkers with some experience and are well prepared. There are also 26 km of trail bike paths in Mapleton National Park so there is motor bike activity near the start of this walk.
HIGHLIGHTS
Some say Mapleton National Park provides the most challenging of all the sections of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s Great Walk – and this one might take the prize.
The 10,064 hectare national park offers mountain scenery, rocky bluffs with panoramic views, numerous creeks, waterfalls, and mixed forestry.
Starting on the Gheerulla side, the trail is long, challenging and rewarding, with spectacular scenic changes from the creek deep in the valley up through the ridges and gulleys of classic Queensland bush. You’ll be amazed at the height of the grass trees in parts.
On your journey will see remnants of the area’s logging past, with numerous large tree stumps still rotting slowly.
However the forest still flourishes with several sections of beautiful tall red and blue eucalypts providing expansive canopies. In other parts there are Kauri Pines, Brush box, Iron bark, Tamarind and scrub rosewood if you know your species and where to look.
Make sure you take the side turn to Gheerulla Falls – a welcome respite.
AFTERWARDS
You will have well and truly earned your refreshments from the nearby country towns of Kenilworth or Eumundi.
It’s worth considering camping to round it out, for example at the Kenilworth homestead on the banks of the nearby Mary River. There are only 3 campspots at the start of the walk.
HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: There are 2 possible starting points:
1) On the Gheerulla side: Heading north on the M1, take the Eumundi turnoff and the road to Kenilworth. About 25 kilometres later you will come to Sam Kelly Road on your left, a single lane dirt road. From Kenilworth, it’s approximately 7.5 km.
Follow this dirt road for approximately 1.5 km when you will cross a cattle grid. Park right by the National Park sign. The marked trail starts here off to your right. (The drive to the campground is beyond here but 4WD is recommended). Note: the lower creek crossing is at the entry sign; the other at the campsite is just boulder hopping.
2) On the Mapleton side: From Mapleton township take the Obi Obi Road and turn right into Delicia Road. Drive along for about 5 km till you come to a dip in the road where you see a sign on the right to Gheerulla Falls. Park here.
To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point. However you could choose to do a one-way route with a car shuttle.
One of the most challenging and scenic trails in the northern end of this 10,064 hectare national park – the top end of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s Great Walk.
SUITABILITY
This walkers with some experience and are well prepared. There are also 26 km of trail bike paths in Mapleton National Park so there is motor bike activity near the start of this walk.
HIGHLIGHTS
Some say Mapleton National Park provides the most challenging of all the sections of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s Great Walk – and this one might take the prize.
The 10,064 hectare national park offers mountain scenery, rocky bluffs with panoramic views, numerous creeks, waterfalls, and mixed forestry.
Starting on the Gheerulla side, the trail is long, challenging and rewarding, with spectacular scenic changes from the creek deep in the valley up through the ridges and gulleys of classic Queensland bush. You’ll be amazed at the height of the grass trees in parts.
On your journey will see remnants of the area’s logging past, with numerous large tree stumps still rotting slowly.
However the forest still flourishes with several sections of beautiful tall red and blue eucalypts providing expansive canopies. In other parts there are Kauri Pines, Brush box, Iron bark, Tamarind and scrub rosewood if you know your species and where to look.
Make sure you take the side turn to Gheerulla Falls – a welcome respite.
AFTERWARDS
You will have well and truly earned your refreshments from the nearby country towns of Kenilworth or Eumundi.
It’s worth considering camping to round it out, for example at the Kenilworth homestead on the banks of the nearby Mary River. There are only 3 campspots at the start of the walk.
HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: There are 2 possible starting points:
1) On the Gheerulla side: Heading north on the M1, take the Eumundi turnoff and the road to Kenilworth. About 25 kilometres later you will come to Sam Kelly Road on your left, a single lane dirt road. From Kenilworth, it’s approximately 7.5 km.
Follow this dirt road for approximately 1.5 km when you will cross a cattle grid. Park right by the National Park sign. The marked trail starts here off to your right. (The drive to the campground is beyond here but 4WD is recommended). Note: the lower creek crossing is at the entry sign; the other at the campsite is just boulder hopping.
2) On the Mapleton side: From Mapleton township take the Obi Obi Road and turn right into Delicia Road. Drive along for about 5 km till you come to a dip in the road where you see a sign on the right to Gheerulla Falls. Park here.
To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point. However you could choose to do a one-way route with a car shuttle.
Activities and facilities
Glossary
Suitable for wheelchairs- Suitable for walking
Suitable for recreational cycling
Suitable for mountain biking
Suitable for horse riding
Suitable for kayaking
Drinking water available
No drinking water available
Barbeque on site
Picnic table on site
Toilets on site
Fires permitted
Fires prohibited
Camping permitted
Camping prohibited
- Suitable for walking
- No drinking water available
- Fires prohibited
- Camping permitted
Map
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Safety
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.
Maintenance and Enquiries
Qld Parks and Wildlife Service
National Parks, Conservation Parks and some State Forests are managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Contact details are: https://www.des.qld.gov.au/contactus/
For current information on trail conditions and alerts go to https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/#sunshinecoast
If you think something on this web site needs to change please let us know via: adventure@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
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