Mapleton Falls National Park

Mapleton Falls National Park is a pocket-sized rainforest wonderland in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, where a thundering waterfall plunges into a lush gorge and walking trails wind through towering hoop pines and piccabeen palms. The star attraction is the 120-metre Mapleton Falls, best viewed from the lookout just a short stroll from the car park — the misty spray and constant roar are utterly mesmerising, especially after rain. This is the perfect spot to stretch your legs on a drive from the coast to the Blackall Range, offering a quick but immersive dose of ancient Gondwana rainforest.

Highlights & What to See

• Mapleton Falls Lookout: An easy 300-metre walk leads to a fenced platform with breathtaking views over the waterfall and the Obi Obi Creek gorge. Come in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds.
• Wompoo Circuit: A 2.8-kilometre loop through subtropical rainforest, named after the colourful wompoo fruit-dove. Allow 45 minutes to an hour to spot palms, strangler figs, and maybe a brush turkey or two.
• Picnic Area & Grassed Clearing: A shady spot with tables and barbecues near the entrance — ideal for a quiet lunch surrounded by birdsong. Keep an eye out for satin bowerbirds and their blue bowers.
• Kondalilla Falls (nearby): While technically in Kondalilla National Park, a short drive south takes you to another stunning waterfall with swimming holes — well worth pairing with Mapleton Falls for a full day of hinterland waterfalls.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour — enough to take in the lookout, enjoy a short walk, and have a picnic. If you pair it with the Wompoo Circuit, budget around 1.5 hours. The park is small but perfectly formed, making it an ideal quick stop on a longer loop through the Blackall Range villages like Montville and Maleny. For a full day, combine with Kondalilla National Park and a lunch stop in Mapleton village.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mapleton Village: A charming hinterland town with cafés, galleries, and a friendly pub — just a 5-minute drive from the park.
• Kondalilla National Park: Home to the 90-metre Kondalilla Falls and a swimming hole, located 10 minutes south by car.
• Montville & Maleny: Quintessential Sunshine Coast hinterland villages with artisan shops, wineries, and stunning valley views, 15–20 minutes away.
• Noosa: World-famous beaches, national park walks, and coastal dining, about 45 minutes east — a perfect contrast to the rainforest.
• Australia Zoo: The legendary zoo founded by Steve Irwin, located 30 minutes south-east near Beerwah — a must for wildlife lovers.

Please check official sources for current details.