About Mapleton Falls
- Getting there and getting around
- Park features
- Camping and accommodation
- Things to do
- Things to know before you go
- Staying safe
- Looking after the park
- Park management
- Tourism information links
- Further information
Getting there and getting around
- Blackall Range visitor guide (maps included) (PDF, 954K)*
From Brisbane, travel 105km north along the Bruce Highway to Nambour, then travel 11km west to Mapleton. Take the Obi Obi Road and travel 3km further to the signposted turnoff to Mapleton Falls.
Wheelchair accessibility
The Mapleton Falls lookout is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Park features
Riparian rainforest and open eucalypt forest communities are protected here. Pencil Creek forms Mapleton Falls, plunging 120m into the valley below. During warmer months listen for frogs in the pool beside the causeway. Take a close look at rocks around the pool and you'll see distinctive hexagonal shapes formed by volcanic activity 25 million years ago.
- Read more about the nature, culture and history of the Blackall Range parks and forests.
Camping and accommodation
Camping
To protect the natural values of this park, camping is not permitted. Nearby, Conondale National Park, Imbil State Forest and Mapleton Forest Reserve provide forest camping opportunities.
Other accommodation
There is a wide range of holiday accommodation in and around Montville, Mapleton, Maleny and other towns in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Things to do
Walking
Mapleton Falls Lookout — 50m (Allow 10 minutes) Grade: Easy
Next to the carpark, this wheelchair-accessible lookout provides spectacular views of the waterfall and rainforest valley below. Look for Australian peregrine falcons, which often soar and roost near Mapleton Falls cliff edges during August and September. Views to the west overlook the Obi Obi Valley.
Wompoo circuit — 1.3km (Allow 30 minutes) Grade: Easy
This circuit track winds through rainforest and eucalypt forest. Wayside signs provide information about features. The Peregrine Lookout provides an excellent view of the Obi Obi Valley. Listen for the wompoo fruit-dove calling from its treetop feedings sites with a booming "wallock-a-woo" and "book-a-roo".
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
Experience the subtropical beauty of the Sunshine Coast hinterland on this 58km Great Walk through the spectacular Blackall Range. Take a half-day stroll, a full day walk or stay for overnight adventures.
- Read more about the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
Picnic and day use areas
Toilets, including a wheelchair accessible toilet, are provided beside the carpark. A short walk from the carpark leads to an open, grassy picnic area with picnic tables.
Things to know before you go
Essentials to bring
- Bring insect repellent to discourage mosquitoes, leeches and ticks.
- Bring your own drinking water — this is not provided. Creek water is unsuitable for drinking as it may contain organisms that can cause illness.
- Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, protective clothing and sunscreen.
- No bins are provided. Bring rubbish bags to remove your rubbish and recyclables from the park.
Opening hours
The park is open 24 hours a day, but for your safety walk in daylight hours only. The QPWS Maleny Office is usually open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 4pm, park duties permitting.
Permits and fees
Permits may be required for commercial or organised activities. Contact us for further information.
Climate and weather
Always check weather conditions before your visit. Be aware that forest areas are hazardous during strong winds, as tree branches may fall. After high rainfall, which occurs mostly in spring and summer, check park alerts for warnings or park closures. During severe wet weather, some tracks flood and are closed for public safety.
Local temperatures can rise above 30 degrees Celsius in summer and drop to freezing point overnight in winter. Nights can be cool at any time of the year. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available in Mapleton and other nearby towns. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Staying safe
Danger: a number of people have died or been permanently paralysed after slipping over waterfalls in this area. Stay behind fences and follow all warning signs.
Sheer cliffs and slippery rocks near the waterfalls are hazardous. Wear sturdy footwear and take extreme care when conditions are wet. Always supervise children, keep to the walking tracks and stay behind safety fences to avoid tragedy.
For more information about staying safe while visiting national parks, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Looking after the park
See Caring for parks and forests for more inf ormation about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.
Park management
Mapleton Falls National Park is part of a network of parks and forests that protect the Blackall Range's remnant forest communities, provide essential wildlife habitat and scenic places for nature-based recreation .
See the description of Blackall Range's natural environment, culture and history for more information about the history and values of Mapleton Falls National Park.
Tourism information links
- Montville Tourist Information Centre
- Main Street, Montville
- ph (07) 5478 5544
- Maroochy Tourism
- www.maroochytourism.com
- Cnr Melrose Pde and Sixth Ave, Cotton Tree QLD 4558
- ph (07) 5479 1566 or 1800 882 032
- fax (07) 5479 1761
- email admin@maroochytourism.com
For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.
Further information
QPWS Maleny
61 Bunya St, Maleny QLD 4552
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 9 June 2011