Mapleton Falls National Park

Plummeting 120 metres into a fern-filled gorge, Mapleton Falls is the dramatic centrepiece of this compact national park on the Blackall Range. The lookout offers heart-stopping views across the Obi Obi Valley to the coast, while the surrounding subtropical rainforest is alive with birdlife and the constant rush of water. It’s a perfect pit stop for a short walk and a picnic with a view, especially after rain when the falls are at their most powerful.

Highlights & What to See

• Mapleton Falls Lookout – An easy 200-metre walk from the car park leads to a fenced platform with jaw-dropping views of the waterfall and the valley beyond. Great for photos.
• Palm Grove Circuit – A 1.8-kilometre loop through lush rainforest filled with piccabeen palms, giant strangler figs and tree ferns. Listen for whipbirds and satin bowerbirds.
• Wompoo Circuit – A shorter 800-metre track that branches off the Palm Grove Circuit, named after the colourful wompoo fruit-dove. Ideal for a quick nature fix.
• Picnic and BBQ Facilities – Sheltered tables and electric barbecues near the car park make this an easy spot for lunch. Keep an eye out for bush turkeys scavenging nearby.
• Birdwatching – The park is a haven for birdlife, including the noisy pitta, king parrot and occasionally the elusive Albert’s lyrebird.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours here, which allows time to walk both the Palm Grove and Wompoo circuits, enjoy the lookout and have a picnic. If you’re short on time, the lookout alone can be done in 20 minutes. The park is best visited in the morning when the light is good for photography and the birds are active.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kondalilla National Park – A 15-minute drive south, with a stunning swimming hole at the base of Kondalilla Falls and a longer rainforest walk.
• Montville – A charming hinterland village 10 minutes north, known for its art galleries, craft shops and the famous Montville Café for scones with jam and cream.
• Maleny – A 20-minute drive west, offering the Maleny Botanic Gardens, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and a strong local food scene.
• Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk – A longer 58-kilometre trail that passes near the park; sections can be done as day walks.
• Mapleton – The small town itself has a pub, bakery and the Mapleton Tavern, good for a post-walk drink.

Please check official sources for current details.