Gerrards Lookout is a roadside scenic viewpoint located on Maleny-Montville Road in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Queensland, approximately 90 kilometres north of Brisbane. This guide covers opening hours, parking, access, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
The lookout is a popular stop on Sunshine Coast hinterland tours.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours daily |
| Ticket prices | Free |
| Address | Maleny-Montville Road, Maleny, QLD 4552 |
| Parking | Free on-site parking (limited spaces) |
| Time needed | 15–20 minutes |
| Facilities | Gazebo, picnic tables, directional dial, accessibility ramp |
Gerrards Lookout opening hours
Gerrards Lookout is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. There are no gates or restricted access times. The site is accessible at any time, including sunrise and sunset.
Why book the Montville & Maleny private tour?
- Personalised private experience: Enjoy a bespoke day exploring the Sunshine Coast hinterland at your own pace with a private guide.
- Scenic hinterland towns: Visit charming villages such as Montville and Maleny, known for boutique shops, cafés and art galleries.
- Stunning views: Take in panoramic scenery of rolling hills, lush valleys and forests that are characteristic of the hinterland.
- Local insights: Your guide shares stories about regional history, culture and natural highlights as you explore.
- Convenient transport included: Round-trip transfers from Noosa or Sunshine Coast accommodation make for a stress-free day out without driving yourself.
Gerrards Lookout ticket prices
Entry to Gerrards Lookout is free. There are no admission fees or charges.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in February 2026.
How to get to Gerrards Lookout
Gerrards Lookout is located on Maleny-Montville Road, approximately halfway between the towns of Maleny (5 kilometres) and Montville (6 kilometres). From Brisbane, take the Bruce Highway north and exit at Landsborough onto the Landsborough-Maleny Road (Tourist Drive 23). Continue uphill to Maleny, then turn right onto Maleny-Montville Road heading towards Montville. The lookout is signposted on the left-hand side of the road.
Public transport to the lookout is extremely limited. The nearest bus stop is in Maleny town centre, requiring a 1.5-kilometre walk along a steep, winding road with no footpath. A car or taxi is strongly recommended.
Alternatively, take a Sunshine Coast hinterland tour, which visits the lookout as well as other scenic spots including McCarthy’s Lookout, Mapleton Falls and Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
Parking at Gerrards Lookout
Free on-site parking is available in a small car park directly off Maleny-Montville Road. The car park has approximately 10–12 spaces, including designated disabled parking bays. Parking can fill quickly on weekends, during school holidays, and at sunrise or sunset. The entrance is on a steep section of road with no dedicated turn lane, so approach with caution, particularly when travelling from Montville towards Maleny.
How long to spend at Gerrards Lookout
Most visitors spend 15–20 minutes at Gerrards Lookout. The site is a roadside rest stop rather than a walking destination. Allow additional time if you plan to have a picnic or if you wish to watch paragliders launching.
Accessibility at Gerrards Lookout
The lookout includes a wheelchair-accessible ramp as an alternative to stairs. Disabled parking bays are located in the car park. The viewing area is on relatively flat ground once you reach the top of the ramp or stairs. There are no toilet facilities at the site.
What to see at Gerrards Lookout
The lookout provides 180-degree panoramic views across the Mooloolah River catchment and the Sunshine Coast. On clear days, visibility extends from Noosa Heads and Mount Tinbeerwah in the north to Bribie Island in the south, taking in Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Mudjimba Island, Nambour, and Caloundra. The Glasshouse Mountains are visible to the southeast. A directional dial at the lookout identifies landmarks and their distances from the site.
The lookout is at approximately 450 metres elevation on the Blackall Range. Views encompass coastal plains, agricultural valleys, and remnant bushland. Sunrise and sunset are particularly popular times to visit. The site can be windy and cooler than the coast, even on warm days.
Gerrards Lookout is a recognised paragliding launch site. The natural slope of the mountain creates favourable conditions for paragliders, and visitors may see launches, particularly in suitable weather conditions. A memorial plaque near the rotunda honours Charlie and Hazel Gerrard, who donated the land for public use.
Practical tips for visiting Gerrards Lookout
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit on a clear day for the best views, as cloud and haze can significantly reduce visibility across the coastal plain. |
| Sunrise and late afternoon provide the best light for photography, though these are also the busiest times for parking. |
| The car park entrance can be difficult to access when approaching from Montville due to the steep downhill gradient and fast-moving traffic, so slow down well in advance. |
| Bring a light jacket or jumper, as the lookout is exposed and can be several degrees cooler and windier than the coast. |
| There are no toilet facilities, bins, or water available on-site, so plan accordingly. |
| A mobile coffee van sometimes operates from the car park on weekends, though this is not guaranteed. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Gerrards Lookout suitable for children? | Yes. The site is suitable for children, though the viewing area is not fenced. Supervision is required near the edge. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No. The lookout is open access with no bookings required. |
| Is Gerrards Lookout open on Sundays? | Yes. The lookout is open 24 hours every day, including Sundays. |
| Are there toilets at Gerrards Lookout? | No. There are no toilet facilities. The nearest public toilets are in Maleny or Montville. |
| Can you see the coast from Gerrards Lookout? | Yes. On clear days, you can see the Sunshine Coast from Noosa to Bribie Island, including beaches and coastal towns. |
| Is paragliding allowed at Gerrards Lookout? | Yes. The site is a recognised paragliding launch point. Paragliders may be present, particularly in suitable weather conditions. |
Things to do near Gerrards Lookout
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve (6 kilometres) is a subtropical rainforest reserve with walking tracks, a discovery centre, and café.
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World (7 kilometres, approximately $42 entry) features landscaped gardens, aviaries, and views of the Glasshouse Mountains.
Montville (6 kilometres) is a tourist village with galleries, cafés, and European-style architecture along the main street.
Kondalilla National Park (9 kilometres) includes Kondalilla Falls, a 90-metre waterfall with walking tracks and a swimming hole.
Balmoral Lookout (2 kilometres towards Montville) offers additional coastal and hinterland views from a similar elevation.
McCarthy’s Lookout (4 kilometres towards Maleny) provides views of the Obi Obi Valley and the Glasshouse Mountains.
Baroon Pocket Dam (8 kilometres) is a water storage facility with picnic areas, walking tracks, and fishing access.
More Queensland travel
Other Queensland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan your visit to the Queensland Maritime Museum in Brisbane.
- What you need to know about the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves and Curtis Falls in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
- Organising a visit to Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park.
- What to expect at Hinze Dam near the Gold Coast.
- Should you visit Eumundi Markets on Wednesday or Saturday?
