Mapleton Falls National Park

Plummeting 120 metres into a fern-cloaked gorge, Mapleton Falls is the dramatic centrepiece of this compact national park in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. While the park is small, its lush rainforest, panoramic views and the thunderous cascade make it a rewarding stop for anyone exploring the region. The cool, misty air and the sound of water crashing onto the rocks below create an instantly immersive experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Mapleton Falls Lookout – A short, wheelchair-accessible walk leads to the main lookout, offering an unobstructed view of the falls plunging into the Obi Obi Creek valley. It’s especially impressive after rain.
• Wompoo Circuit – This 1.5 km walking track winds through subtropical rainforest and open eucalypt forest, rewarding walkers with birdlife (listen for the call of the wompoo fruit-dove) and glimpses of the gorge from different angles.
• Picnic Area & Rainforest Boardwalk – The picnic area near the car park is a peaceful spot for lunch, and the short boardwalk loop offers an easy stroll through towering palms and giant strangler figs.
• Kondalilla Falls – While not within the park, the nearby Kondalilla National Park features another stunning waterfall (Kondalilla Falls) and a popular swimming hole, easily combined into one trip.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend between 1 and 2 hours here, which is enough time to take in the lookout, walk the Wompoo Circuit, and enjoy a picnic. If you plan to combine it with Kondalilla National Park or a longer walk in the area, allow half a day. The park is best visited in the morning when the light hits the falls, or after rain when the waterfall is at its most powerful.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kondalilla National Park – Just a 10-minute drive south, this park offers the impressive Kondalilla Falls and a scenic swimming hole in the rainforest.
• Montville – A charming hinterland village with art galleries, cafés and craft shops, perched on the range above the park.
• Maleny – A picturesque town known for its dairy farms, cheese factories and stunning views over the Glass House Mountains.
• Sunshine Coast Beaches – The golden sands of Noosa, Mooloolaba and Caloundra are about a 40-minute drive east, perfect for a coastal end to your day.

Please check official sources for current details.