Mapleton National Park: Kureelpa Falls Circuit

Highlights

On horse, bike or foot, travel through this tall, thriving and open forest as you make your way down the hill. About halfway around the the circuit, take a short walk (400m return) down to see Kureelpa Falls. Here you’ll discover water from the South Maroochy River cascading over boulders before falling 30m into a hidden gorge.

You might come across large monitor lizards racing up trees, cascade frogs and lots of birdlife as well. Over 295 species have been counted including, finches, robins, woodswallows, honeyeaters, wrens and much more.

There are a number of side trails so make to stay on the main trail as many of these dead end and it's easy to get turned around. You’ll need your water with you.

How to get there

To the starting point: There are 2 ways to access this trail and the falls.

1) From Mapleton township take the Obi Obi Road and turn right into Delicia Road. Shortly thereafter turn right into Mapleton Forest Road, which is a dirt road but generally ok for 2WD and recreational bikes. Follow this road for about 2 km and you will come to Lookout Road on your left and then the Mapleton Day Use area, set amongst towering Blackbutts.

The Kureelpa Falls Circut starts from here. Cross over Mapleton Forest Road and take the path that begins before (nearly opposite) Lookout Road.

The end point: The end point is the same as your starting point.

About this place

Suitable for walking
Suitable for mountain biking
Suitable for horse riding

Walking track grade: Grade 4; A rough track, possibly long and very steep, with few signs to follow. Suited to experienced bushwalkers.

Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)

Managed by

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

Mapleton National Park

To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:

Contact Queensland Parks(opens in a new tab)

Safety

Hazards on this trail

boggy bits

Queensland Parks alerts

Mapleton National Park is managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. These are their current alerts for the park, and some may be about other parts of it. Park alerts in the Sunshine Coast region(opens in a new tab)

Competitive Running Event - 17th and 18th October

Planned road works in Mapleton National Park

In an emergency, call 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: Bureau of Meteorology — Queensland(opens in a new tab)
- 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: Trail Hiking Australia — hike safety(opens in a new tab)
Sunshine Coast Council does its best to keep this information current, but things change, so be aware that a trail may not be as listed here.

2 ratings

Lisa5 years ago

Great walk to do - lots of up and down and the beautiful waterfall is well worth the walk. We were the only ones there the days we walked and it was very peaceful. A challenging walk in a good way!

Brooke7 years ago

I absolutely love this trail. If you are looking for a long hike with a beautiful reward (the waterfall and gorge), this is definitely one to do. I will do this hike many more times!