Mapleton National Park: Linda Garrett Circuit
Enjoy a small section of Mapleton National Park
Suitability
Suitable for walkers of all ages as it’s a short, pleasant, easy walk.
Highlights
This section of Mapleton Park is named after its benefactor Linda Garrett, who donated the $500,000 parcel of land for conservation.
At the start of the walk is a large information board and shelter marking the starting point of many walks, including a section of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.
This short circuit leads through rainforest, a Piccabeen Palm grove, and a tall wet Eucalypt forest featuring blackbutt, brushbox, turpentine and flooded gum. There is a seat overlooking Gheerrulla Creek close to the halfway point with a pleasant outlook.
This small world heritage park protects a rainforest remnant on the Blackall Range and is home to the Great Barred Frog. On this walk you may also hear and see the Bell Birds!
If you want to make your walk longer by following the Great Walk signage for some distance, or simply return to the starting point.
Afterwards
There are several other walks to enjoy nearby at the Mapleton Day Use Area including Piccabeen Circuit (6.7km) and the Kureelpa Falls Circuit (8.5km).
Otherwise, head back into Mapleton and support one of the local establishments. Why not grab a coffee and take a walkaround the beautiful lily ponds? The lily ponds are surrounded by serene parkland, in the centre of the village.
How to get there
To the starting point: Head to Mapleton and take the Obi Obi Road out of town and take the first right onto Delicia Road. After about 2kms you will come to the Mapleton National Park on your right. The walk’s entrance is on the right, just after the Mapleton Recycle centre.
To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point as it’s a small circular route.
Accessibility guide
Difficult. The circuit is rainforest floor - leaf litter, exposed tree roots, logs and growing saplings - with no boardwalk or other built surface, and wayfinding signage only where the circuit starts. Assessed using a Freedom Trax FT1.
This trail has been assessed using a Freedom Trax FT1 and is considered difficult to navigate due to exposed tree roots, high grass. The trail does not have physical infrastructure such as boardwalks. It consists of a rainforest floor with leaf litter, exposed tree roots, logs, and growing saplings and there the only way finding signage is the start of the Circuit. There is a choice of two trails at the start of the walk.
- Firm natural surface at the carpark
- Natural trails with minimal man-made structures, except for the information point and gate
- Immerse yourself in the peacefulness of the surrounding bushland
- Park shelter with information board
- Sealed Pathway from carpark to the shelter and information board
Head to Mapleton and take the Obi Obi Road out of town and take the first right onto Delicia Road. After about 2km's you will come onto the Mapleton National Park on your right. The entrance is on the right after the recycle centre.
The End point is the same as your start point.
Head towards the Mapleton Lookout and take the sights on the Mapleton National Park from above.
Suitability
This trail has been assessed using a Freedom Trax FT1 and is considered difficult to navigate due to exposed tree roots, high grass. The trail does not have physical infrastructure such as boardwalks. It consists of a rainforest floor with leaf litter, exposed tree roots, logs, and growing saplings and there the only way finding signage is the start of the Circuit. There is a choice of two trails at the start of the walk.
Highlights
- Firm natural surface at the carpark
- Natural trails with minimal man-made structures, except for the information point and gate
- Immerse yourself in the peacefulness of the surrounding bushland
Facilities and activities
- Park shelter with information board
- Sealed Pathway from carpark to the shelter and information board
Getting there
Head to Mapleton and take the Obi Obi Road out of town and take the first right onto Delicia Road. After about 2km's you will come onto the Mapleton National Park on your right. The entrance is on the right after the recycle centre.
The End point is the same as your start point.
Afterwards
Head towards the Mapleton Lookout and take the sights on the Mapleton National Park from above.
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
- Dogs prohibited
- Picnic table 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
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
- Mapleton National Park(opens in a new tab)
To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:
Safety
Hazards on this trail
leeches in summertime
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)
The "Blackall 100" will be held in national parks and areas surrounding Mapleton Township on the weekend of 17th and 18th Of October. Applies: 17—18 October 2026
Read the alert on Queensland ParksQPWS are conducting road maintenance on Oaky Lookout Road in Mapleton National Park starting Tuesday 6 October (weather permitting). Applies: 6—16 October 2026
Read the alert on Queensland ParksIn 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.
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Printed from Adventure Sunshine Coast · https://adventures.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/trails/44432/mapleton-national-park-linda-garrett-circuit
Always check current conditions and closures before you set out.