Mary Cairncross: Rainforest Walk
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve offers 55 hectares of some of Australia’s best subtropical rainforest comprising many large and varied species.
Suitability
Suitable for walkers.
Note for wheelchair and pram users – This is a Grade 2 walk - the track is a hardened and compacted surface and may have gentle hill sections and occasional steps.
Highlights
You access the rainforest walks through the discovery centre by gold coin donation. This walk can be a loop or simple there and back as far as you wish. The walks start with a common section and then a larger outer loop, which is 1.7km. A path leads from about halfway around the loop, creating two smaller loops about 1.3km each. The extensive boardwalk does have a number of steps.
The walks have information signs pointing out the various trees in the park. Amongst its lush greenery you’ll find Australian Red Cedar, Black Bean, Yellow Carrabeen, White Beech, Tulip Oak and many large Strangling Figs as well as Piccabeen Palms in the wetter areas of the forest.
In the rainforest you may be also fortunate enough to see or hear native birdlife including wrens, whipbirds, riflebirds, bowerbirds, bush turkeys, as well as Queensland native butterflies. There are seats along the way to sit and absorb the ambience. Sit quietly and watch the small birds dart along the path, seemingly unconcerned about visitors. The cool dense forest is also home to a variety of beautiful wildlife including endangered amphibians and lizards, as well cute little wallabies.
Afterwards
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. 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.
To the end point: The walks all return to your starting point.
Accessibility guide
A 2.4m wide boardwalk, firm underfoot with some gentle hills, plus accessible parking, toilets and picnic areas. The 1.7km Rainforest Trail finishes with stairs, so wheelchair and pram users should take one of the shorter trails that join at the halfway point. The reserve is popular - arrive early for a car park.
At the park, you will find accessible parking spaces and toilets available at the restaurant, though you will have to arrive early to get a carpark as the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is very popular.
The boardwalk at Mary Cairncross is 2.4 metres wide, providing enough space for wheelchair users and others with mobility needs. The picnic areas within the park are also accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy a meal or snack. Rest areas are available at the start and finish of the trail, allowing you to take breaks along the way. The entry into Mary Cairncross Forest is gated, ensuring a safe and controlled environment. This trail is suitable for walkers and people using wheelchairs. The trail is firm and contains some gentle hills. The entire circuit is approximately 1.7km long. Other shorter trails of about 1.3km join at the halfway point along the Rainforest Trail. The Rainforest Trail does finish with stairs so for people pushing prams or using wheelchairs it is recommended to take one of the shorter trails at the halfway point.
- Mix of accessible rainforest trails and boardwalks
- Wildlife including Paddymelons, Wrens and Trap Door Spiders native to Mary Cairn Cross Reserve
- Visitor Information Centre and exhibits
- Cafe and View of the Glass House Mountains
- There is parking available nearby, making it convenient to access
- Accessible toilets means that restroom facilities are within reach.
- There is a restaurant on-site.
- The trail itself is designed to be accessible, allowing everyone to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
- Lastly, the picnic areas offer accessible spaces where you can relax and have a picnic with family or friends.
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.
After doing the Rainforest Walk, you can visit the Cafe, or have a picnic on the grass and then enjoy a short walk along the Interpretive board walk which ventures inside the visitor centre or the butterfly
Suitability
At the park, you will find accessible parking spaces and toilets available at the restaurant, though you will have to arrive early to get a carpark as the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is very popular.
The boardwalk at Mary Cairncross is 2.4 metres wide, providing enough space for wheelchair users and others with mobility needs. The picnic areas within the park are also accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy a meal or snack. Rest areas are available at the start and finish of the trail, allowing you to take breaks along the way. The entry into Mary Cairncross Forest is gated, ensuring a safe and controlled environment. This trail is suitable for walkers and people using wheelchairs. The trail is firm and contains some gentle hills. The entire circuit is approximately 1.7km long. Other shorter trails of about 1.3km join at the halfway point along the Rainforest Trail. The Rainforest Trail does finish with stairs so for people pushing prams or using wheelchairs it is recommended to take one of the shorter trails at the halfway point.
Highlights
- Mix of accessible rainforest trails and boardwalks
- Wildlife including Paddymelons, Wrens and Trap Door Spiders native to Mary Cairn Cross Reserve
- Visitor Information Centre and exhibits
- Cafe and View of the Glass House Mountains
Facilities and activities
- There is parking available nearby, making it convenient to access
- Accessible toilets means that restroom facilities are within reach.
- There is a restaurant on-site.
- The trail itself is designed to be accessible, allowing everyone to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
- Lastly, the picnic areas offer accessible spaces where you can relax and have a picnic with family or friends.
Getting there
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.
Afterwards
After doing the Rainforest Walk, you can visit the Cafe, or have a picnic on the grass and then enjoy a short walk along the Interpretive board walk which ventures inside the visitor centre or the butterfly
Disclaimer:
This trail accessibility review has been undertaken by Spinal Life Australia. Please note that the trails reviewed are not compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Instead, these reviews are intended to provide additional information to assist trail users and carers in assessing the usability of each trail, including details about accessible parking, trail surfaces, and amenity facilities.
About this place
- Suitable for walking
- Drinking water available
- Barbeque on site
- Picnic table on site
- Toilets on site
- Playground on site
- Walking track grade
- Grade 2
- A formed track with gentle hills and the occasional step. Clearly signposted, and no walking experience needed.
Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)
- Managed by
- Sunshine Coast Council
To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:
Safety
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.
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
A must do for anyone with children! Ample parking, well maintained grounds, a great playground and educational centre. The walk is flat and pram assessable. Great for little legs even if you do not make it the entire way! Lovely wildlife and spectacular trees and vines. My toddler was obsessed with the moss and fungus. The educational centre is lovely for all ages. Plus the coffee shop is right next door!
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Printed from Adventure Sunshine Coast · https://adventures.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/trails/21220/mary-cairncross-rainforest-walk
Always check current conditions and closures before you set out.