Mapleton National Park: Pilularis Forest Walk

Highlights

This is the first parking spot along Mapelton Forest Drive and one of the gateways into Mapleton National Park.

The Pilularis Forest Walk is an 800 m return forest walk through tall and impressively straight Blackbutts. (Eucalyptus pilularis, being the botanical name for blackbutt.) The trail is also quite tight in places through thick vine forest with an understorey of rainforest shrubs and ferns. It’s also close enough to walk to here from the lilly ponds (lagoon) in town, which is certainly an option.

Alternatively, you could make this a loop through Mapleton National Park to the M4 trailhead over on the Delicia road and back along Delicia Road and Mapelton Forest Road to your starting point – should be about 5.5 km or so.

There are great options for all length of walks, mountain bike rides and horse trails from this little spot, with a good turn around for horsefloats. Mapleton National Park is section four of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s Great Walk.

How to get there

To the starting point: From Mapleton township take the Obi Obi Road and turn right into Delicia Road. Shortly thereafter turn right into Mapleton Forest Road, which after awhile becomes a dirt road but generally ok for 2WD and recreational bikes. After about 1.7 km you will come to the Leafy Lane Trail Head on your left. The walk starts here.

To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point as it’s a small circular route.

About this place

Suitable for walking
Dogs prohibited

Walking track grade: Grade 3; A formed track with some obstacles, up to 20km. Expect short steep sections and plenty of steps. Some walking experience helps.

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

leeches and slippery leaf litter

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.