Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a 55-hectare subtropical rainforest reserve located in Maleny, Queensland, approximately 88 kilometres north of Brisbane. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
This chunk of protected rainforest is a key stop on a Sunshine Coast hinterland tour.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Rainforest walks: 7:00am–6:00pm daily | Rainforest Discovery Centre: 9:30am–3:30pm daily |
| Ticket prices | Free entry by gold coin donation |
| Address | 148 Mountain View Road, Maleny, QLD 4552 |
| Parking | Free on-site parking available |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours for walking tracks |
| Closed | Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Anzac Day (Discovery Centre opens 12:30pm), Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day |
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve opening hours
The rainforest walking tracks are open from 7:00am to 6:00pm every day. The Rainforest Discovery Centre opens from 9:30am to 3:30pm daily. On Anzac Day, the Discovery Centre opens at 12:30pm instead of 9:30am.
The reserve is closed on Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
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.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve ticket prices
Entry to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is free. A gold coin donation is requested to support the maintenance of the walking tracks and boardwalks. Donations can be made at the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in February 2026.
How to get to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
The reserve is located at 148 Mountain View Road, Maleny, approximately one hour north of Brisbane by car. From Brisbane, take the Bruce Highway north and turn left at the Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Drive (Route 24), also known as Steve Irwin Way. At Landsborough, turn left onto Tourist Drive 23 (Landsborough-Maleny Road) and continue up the hill to Maleny. Turn left onto Mountain View Road at Cairncross Corner and follow the brown directional signs.
Public transport to Maleny is limited. Bus services run from the Sunshine Coast, but you will need to check local schedules in advance as services are infrequent.
Several Sunshine Coast tour operators offer day trips to the Sunshine Coast hinterland including Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. It’s often combined with other attractions such as Gerrards Lookout, Mapleton Falls and McCarthy’s Lookout.
Parking at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Free on-site parking is available at the reserve. The car park is located directly adjacent to the Rainforest Discovery Centre and walking track entrance. Spaces are generally available, though the car park can fill during weekends and school holidays.
How long to spend at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at the reserve. The main walking loops range from 1.3 kilometres to 1.7 kilometres and take between 40 minutes and one hour to complete at a leisurely pace. Allow additional time if you plan to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre or have a meal at the on-site café.
Accessibility at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
The reserve offers wheelchair access on the Glider Gallery boardwalk (accessed through the Rainforest Discovery Centre) and the Butterfly Walk along the open lawn perimeter. The main rainforest circuits (Pademelon Loop, Piccabeen Loop, Rainforest Loop) are classified as Grade 2 tracks with hardened, compacted surfaces, gentle hills, and occasional steps.
A 4WD all-terrain electric wheelchair is available for hire at no charge between 10:00am and 2:00pm daily. The wheelchair allows access to the Pademelon Circuit (1.3 kilometres). Advance booking is recommended. Contact the reserve on 07 5494 2826 or via the website to book.
What to see at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
The reserve protects a remnant of the subtropical rainforest that once covered the Blackall Range. The Rainforest Discovery Centre features interactive displays about the local ecosystem, including information on the 141 bird species, threatened reptiles and amphibians, and over 300 plant species found within the reserve. The centre also houses educational exhibits and a short film on the reserve’s history.
Three main walking circuits wind through the rainforest. The Pademelon Loop (1.3 kilometres) is relatively flat and passes ancient strangler figs and rainforest vines. The Piccabeen Loop (1.3 kilometres) descends to Fryer’s Creek through a grove of piccabeen palms and includes a raised boardwalk and steps. The Rainforest Loop (1.7 kilometres) combines sections of both loops. Viewing platforms along the tracks provide elevated perspectives of the forest canopy.
Wildlife commonly spotted includes red-legged pademelons (small rainforest wallabies), brush turkeys, and a variety of bird species such as whipbirds, catbirds, and riflebirds. Early morning visits offer the best chance of seeing wildlife. Across Mountain View Road from the reserve entrance, there is an open viewing area with picnic facilities and views of the Glasshouse Mountains.
Practical tips for visiting Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
| Tip |
|---|
| Arrive before 9:00am to walk the trails before tour groups arrive and to increase your chances of spotting wildlife, particularly pademelons. |
| The reserve is several degrees cooler than the coast, so bring a light jacket or jumper even on warm days. |
| The tracks can be slippery after rain, so wear closed-toe shoes with good grip. |
| Mosquitoes and leeches may be present, particularly after wet weather, so consider wearing insect repellent and long trousers. |
| Dogs are not permitted within the reserve. Assistance dogs are allowed. |
| The Mountain View Café on-site serves breakfast and lunch daily, but if you prefer, bring a picnic to enjoy at the outdoor tables or barbecue facilities. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve suitable for children? | Yes. The walking tracks are suitable for children and pushchairs. There is a playground near the picnic area. The Rainforest Discovery Centre has interactive exhibits designed for families. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No. Entry is by gold coin donation on arrival, and no advance booking is required. |
| Is Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve open on Sundays? | Yes. The walking tracks are open 7:00am–6:00pm and the Rainforest Discovery Centre is open 9:30am–3:30pm on Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed? | Yes. Small bags and backpacks are permitted. There are no bag storage facilities, so carry only what you need on the walking tracks. |
| Can you see platypus at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve? | No. Platypus are not found at Mary Cairncross. They may occasionally be seen at the Obi Obi Creek boardwalk in central Maleny. |
| Is there mobile phone reception? | Yes. Most major Australian mobile networks have coverage at the reserve, though signal strength may vary in dense forest areas. |
Things to do near Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World (6 kilometres, approximately $42 entry) features landscaped gardens, aviaries with native and exotic birds, and views of the Glasshouse Mountains.
Kondalilla National Park (8 kilometres north) includes Kondalilla Falls, a 90-metre waterfall with walking tracks and a rock pool for swimming.
Gardners Falls (5 kilometres) is a swimming spot accessed by a short walk downstream from the carpark on Obi Lane South.
Baroon Pocket Dam (7 kilometres between Maleny and Montville) offers picnic facilities, walking tracks, and water activities including canoeing.
Montville (10 kilometres south) is a tourist village with galleries, cafés, and shops housed in European-style buildings.
Maleny Cheese (5 kilometres) and Maleny Dairies (3 kilometres) offer tastings and sales of locally produced cheese, milk, and yoghurt.
Glasshouse Mountains National Park (25 kilometres east) includes walking tracks to several volcanic peaks with panoramic views.
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?
