Start: Mary Cairncross Discovery Centre
End: Mary Cairncross Discovery Centre
Distance: 1.8km (Loop)
Time: 1hr (Take it slow, there’s a lot see)
Grade: Easy
Winding through the Mary Cairncross Reserve this is a wonderful way to view some of the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands natural rainforests and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of some unique wildlife including the Red Legged Pademelon, a small wallaby like marsupial.
Positioned in the hinterland town of Maleny the reserve was established with land donated to the local council by the daughters of Mary Cairncross in 1966 in perpetuity to preserve rainforest.
The reserve has grown over the years and now boasts a Rainforest Discovery Centre and a great Cafe serving good coffee, breakfast and lunch.
With so much to offer, the reserve has become deservedly known as ‘the natural jewel of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’.
The walk is an easy one, along raised board walks and graded pathways that capture some of the true magnificence of the Glasshouse Mountains landscape and the subtropical rainforest flora and fauna.

