McCarthy’s Lookout is a roadside scenic viewpoint located on Mountain View Road in Maleny, Queensland, approximately 90 kilometres north of Brisbane. This guide covers opening hours, parking, access, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
This scenic lookout is a popular stop on a Sunshine Coast hinterland tour.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours daily |
| Ticket prices | Free |
| Address | 563 Mountain View Road, Maleny, QLD 4552 |
| Parking | Free on-site parking |
| Time needed | 15–20 minutes |
| Facilities | Covered shelter, picnic tables, wheelchair access |
McCarthy’s Lookout opening hours
McCarthy’s Lookout is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. There are no gates, restricted access times, or closures. 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.
McCarthy’s Lookout ticket prices
Entry to McCarthy’s 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 McCarthy’s Lookout
McCarthy’s Lookout is located at 563 Mountain View Road, Maleny. From Brisbane, take the Bruce Highway north and exit at Landsborough onto the Landsborough-Maleny Road (Tourist Drive 23). Continue uphill for approximately 13 kilometres to Maleny town centre, then turn right onto Mountain View Road. The lookout is 5 kilometres along Mountain View Road on the left-hand side.
Public transport to the lookout is extremely limited. Bus services run from the Sunshine Coast to Maleny town centre, but the lookout is a 5-kilometre drive from the town and there is no footpath along this winding road. 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 Gerrards Lookout, Mapleton Falls and Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
Parking at McCarthy’s Lookout
Free on-site parking is available in a car park directly off Mountain View Road. The car park has space for approximately 15–20 vehicles. Parking is generally available, though the site can fill during weekends and at sunrise or sunset. The car park is surfaced and suitable for standard vehicles.
How long to spend at McCarthy’s Lookout
Most visitors spend 15–20 minutes at McCarthy’s Lookout. The site is a viewing point rather than a walking destination. Allow additional time if you plan to have a picnic at the covered shelter.
Accessibility at McCarthy’s Lookout
The lookout is wheelchair accessible. The car park, viewing area, and covered picnic shelter are all on relatively flat ground and suitable for wheelchair users. There is no need to navigate steps or steep slopes to access the main viewing area. There are no toilet facilities at the site.
What to see at McCarthy’s Lookout
McCarthy’s Lookout provides near 360-degree panoramic views across the Sunshine Coast hinterland and coastal plain. The primary view is to the south towards the Glasshouse Mountains, a cluster of 13 volcanic peaks rising from the coastal plain. On clear days, visibility extends to Moreton Bay and the Brisbane skyline. The viewing direction encompasses rolling hills, farmland, and remnant bushland across the Blackall Range.
The lookout is at roughly 450 metres elevation. A covered shelter with picnic tables is positioned to take advantage of the view. Informational signage near the car park provides context on the Glasshouse Mountains and the Blackall Range. The site is named after Joseph McCarthy, who farmed in the area in the 1880s.
Sunrise and sunset provide the best light for photography. The site can be windy, particularly in the late afternoon. Cloud cover and haze reduce visibility, so clear days offer the most expansive views. Nearby vegetation partially obscures some sections of the view.
Practical tips for visiting McCarthy’s Lookout
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit on a clear day for the best views, as cloud and haze can significantly reduce visibility across the hinterland and coast. |
| The lookout is several degrees cooler than the coast and can be windy, so bring a light jacket or jumper even on warm days. |
| There are no toilet facilities, bins, or water available on-site, so plan accordingly before visiting. |
| The covered shelter provides shade and protection from light rain, making it suitable for picnics in most weather conditions. |
| Early morning and late afternoon offer the softest light for photography and are typically less crowded than midday. |
| Drone use is prohibited at the site. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is McCarthy’s Lookout suitable for children? | Yes. The site is suitable for children. The viewing area is not fenced, so supervision is required near the edge of the lookout. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No. The lookout is open access with no bookings required. |
| Is McCarthy’s Lookout open on Sundays? | Yes. The lookout is open 24 hours every day, including Sundays. |
| Are there toilets at McCarthy’s Lookout? | No. There are no toilet facilities. The nearest public toilets are in Maleny town centre, approximately 5 kilometres away. |
| Can you see Brisbane from McCarthy’s Lookout? | Yes. On very clear days, the Brisbane CBD skyline is visible to the south, though this depends on weather conditions and visibility. |
| Are there barbecue facilities? | No. The site has a covered shelter with picnic tables but no barbecue or cooking facilities. |
Things to do near McCarthy’s Lookout
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World (3 kilometres, approximately $42 entry) features landscaped gardens, aviaries with native and exotic birds, and elevated views of the Glasshouse Mountains.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve (4 kilometres) is a subtropical rainforest reserve with walking tracks, a discovery centre, and café. Entry is by gold coin donation.
Gerrards Lookout (5 kilometres) is another roadside viewpoint on Maleny-Montville Road with coastal views and a directional dial identifying landmarks.
Maleny Dairies (2 kilometres) offers tastings and sales of locally produced milk, yoghurt, and ice cream. Entry is free with product purchases.
Gardners Falls (6 kilometres) is a swimming spot accessed by a short walk downstream from the car park on Obi Lane South.
Obi Obi Creek Boardwalk (5 kilometres in Maleny town centre) is a 300-metre elevated boardwalk through subtropical vegetation alongside the creek.
Kondalilla National Park (10 kilometres north) includes Kondalilla Falls, a 90-metre waterfall with walking tracks and a rock pool for swimming.
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?
