Mary Cairncross Park

Mary Cairncross Park is at 148 Mountainview Road, only a kilometer from Maleny Bird World. The park boasts stunning views south over the Glasshouse Mountains. 

This scenic reserve is on 55 Hectares of land, containing the last remnant sub-tropical rainforest in the area.

The varied and diverse flora in the Reserve, once covered the entire Maleny area. The Mary Cairncross Reserve is managed and maintained by the Sunshine Coast Council, and preserved under a Trust.

The land was donated to the Trust by the daughters of Mary Thynne (Nee Cairncross) in memory of their mother.

A Popular place with locals

This beautiful place is an ideal location for Families, it offers numerous ways to entertain the kids for a few hours and is one of the areas most family friendly attractions.

The parkland is ringed by the Rainforest, and the lawns offer space to play.

Youngsters can explore the multi-faceted playhouse.

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted anywhere in the park or the Reserve.

The perimeter has well sheltered and shaded picnic facilities, and electric Barbeques.

On the South Western corner of the Park are the Mountain View Café and the Mary Cairncross Visitor Center.

Mountain view Cafe

One of Maleny’s favourite Cafes, is open for breakfast and Lunch is also licensed. Seating is available both inside and out. And, with the Glasshouse mountains right outside, the scenery on a clear day is spectacular.

Above the Café is a viewing deck with views all the way to Gold Coast. Storyboards explain the Dreamtime legend of the ancient Glasshouse peaks.

The Café offers sandwiches, cakes etc and a full breakfast menu and lunch menu.

Menus include Gluten free, Vegan and Vegetarian options.

Whether you are barbecuing, picnicking, or enjoying the Café menu, after your meal is done, you really should check out the Visitor Center.

This is the gateway to the Mary Cairncross Rainforest Walk.

For the cost of a gold coin donation, you can enjoy a leisurely walk through the remnant, original Rainforest.  Tracks are well maintained and the walks are easy.

You will find magnificent examples of Australian native trees, each sign posted for easy identification. Specimens include White Birch, Black Bean, Red Cedar and Tulip Oak. There also Strangler Figs, ferns, and ancient vines. 

Spot the local wildlife in Mary Cairncross Park.

Red Legged Pademelons

The forest is home to a resident population of Pademelon, and you are likely to see a few whenever you visit.

The Red Legged Pademelon is rare. Found only in Northern New South Wales, South East Queensland and Southern New Guinea.

These guys are will move slowly around in front of you feeding. And will stay near as long as there are no sudden movements or noises.

If you are lucky you might see a mother with a Joey in her pouch.

Noisy Flying Foxes

A Flying Fox colony comes and goes from the site. They are supposed to be sleeping during the day. However the level of noise, and constant movement makes you wonder how they get any rest at all.

If they are not in the Park, and you would still like to see them you can. Take the path from the Maleny Library, along the River and they should be in the trees at the end of the path.

Even if the Flying Foxes are not here, the foliage at Mary Cairncross Reserve is always full of bird life.

There are Bowerbirds, Wrens, Bush Turkeys Whipbirds and tiny Finches. All of which casually go about their business paying you little attention as you pass.

Trap Door Spiders

These guys are harder to see, and it took a wildlife officer to point them out to me.

They live in small burrows, with a removable trap door like this one. They are often just off the path, but will not trouble you at all.

Apparently, these little spiders will live their entire lives in the one burrow.

According to the officer, the one we saw had been in his/her burrow in the Reserve for 20 years that he knew of.

Mary Cairncross walk.

You can vary the length of your walk by choosing clearly marked trails which included distances. You can choose to follow any of the indicated loops. Trails are Grade 2 walks, and there a small number of steps to negotiate.

Trails all measure less than 2 Kilometers in length. Alternatively simply walk in for a distance that suits your party, then leave by retracing your steps.

Once back at the Visitor center, take the time to explore the numerous interactive displays. As an example, images of all the local bird life is accompanied by a button. When pushed you will hear the call of that bird. You should be able to identify many of the birds you have just seen, or heard, in the forest.

There are numerous displays and simulations, including a brief audio visual representation of a night in the rain forest.

an inexpensive day out

All excellent value for a gold coin donation, the visitor center opens daily at 9am. Early access to the rain forest is possible via the side gate which is opened at 7am each day. For a few dollars more book a tour of the park with a knowledgeable guide.

If you do not have time for the walks, or if the steps are a problem, there is a short board walk only option just beyond the Visitor center. It will give you a sense of the environment but the large trees and wildlife are found deeper into the Reserve