The Sunshine Coast Hinterland has a plethora of great walks, here are some of our favourites.
These walks range from wheelchair friendly to overnight. Hopefully we have listed a walk option to suit your fitness and relaxation option. If not check out the lists provided by Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tourism, Visit Sunshine Coast or use the Sunshine Coast Council Adventure planner to find your next outdoor challenge.
Maleny Trail
One of our favorite walks is the Maleny Trail, which you can do from your villa when staying at Tranquil Getaways On Obi Maleny. This 6.7km walk takes you along the Obi Obi Creek and then around the Golf Course. This walk is wheelchair friendly. If you are lucky you might spot a platypus. Another great way to do this walk is with the Platypus Whisperer, who can provide you with details about where to look and how to spot a platypus.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Another of our favourite walks that allow us to take a deep breath in nature is at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. It is only a 7 minute drive from Tranquil Getaways on Obi. The reserve provides views of the Glasshouse Mountains from the viewing platform above the cafe. The Glider Gallery Walk through the forest to the second level of the Rainforest Discovery Centre is wheelchair friendly. Families with young children can enjoy the stroller friendly walking tracks.
We enjoy spending time at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. So much that we have listed it as the number one thing to do on our list of Top 10 things to do on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Kondalilla National Park
A short drive along the Sunshine Coast hinterland will bring you to Kondalilla National Park . Here you can be challenged by walking the Kondalilla Falls Circuit. We head here when we want to get our heart rate up. There are a number of stairs, with the 4.8km circuit taking you from the top to the base of Kondalilla Falls. In summer it can be nice to cool down mid-walk with a dip in the rockpool at the base of the falls.
There is a shorter 1.7km walk which provides views of the valley from a lookout. These walks are not wheelchair friendly. There are a number of picnic tables in the park, if you let us know in advance we can organise a picnic lunch for you.
Mapleton Falls and Wompoo Circuit
Driving further along the range you will get to Mapleton Falls lookout. This lookout provides spectacular views of the rainforest and across to the waterfall. The lookout is located close to the carpark with wheelchair access.
Mount Ngungun Walk
Another favourite is the Mount Ngungun walk, within the Glasshouse Mountains National Park. This hike includes some of the best views of the Glasshouse Mountains. The 2.4km walk takes around 2 hours to complete, time it right and you can get amazing sunrise and sunset photos. We love taking our guests to Mount Ngungun with a picnic lunch or a tasting platter.
Great Hinterland Walk
One of the longer walks on the Sunshine Coast is the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. This is a 58 km, four day walk. If you plan to do the whole walk there are three remote walkers campsites along the way. You do need to book these sites well in advance. However there are several access points allowing people to explore a shorter section on day walks.
Regardless of what length of walk you are planning, always ensure you let someone know where you are going. Bring water, wear a hat and take plenty of food. We are very happy to organise drop off, and pick up, for anyone looking to complete part, or all, of this walk.
Conondale National Park Walks
A 40 minute drive inland from Tranquil Getaways on Obi Maleny will get you to Booloumba Creek Campsite and Day Use Area. The start of several walks within the Conondale National Park. You do need to have a high clearance 4WD to get through the creek crossings, or you will need to park your car and walk into the campground.
Our favourite walk in the Conondale National Park is to the Strangler Cairn. The Strangler Cairn is a sculpture by artist Andy Goldsworthy, completed September 2011. The sculpture is made from hand-cut granite and metamorphic blocks and includes a rainforest strangler fig sapling that is growing from the top of it. The artist’s intention being that over time the fig’s roots will grow to eventually cover and ‘strangle’ the cairn. You do need a reasonable degree of fitness to complete this 6.5km return walk. The walk includes a number of stairs and uneven ground. This Arts Queensland video details the development of the sculpture by Andy Goldsworthy.
For those looking for a more challenging walk there is the option of doing the Mount Allan walk. This 11km walk ascends steadily through a variety of plant communities to the top of Mount Allen. There you can climb the 9.6 m fire tower for views of the surrounding valleys.
A shorter option is the Gold Mine Walk, which is only 5.2km. This walk will take you through the rainforest to a closed 1920 gold mine which is now a roosting site for micro bats.
There are plenty of picnic and BBQ spots in the day use area. Or you might decide to camp here for a night or two, allowing you to complete more than one walk. If you are on a day trip you could head into Kenilworth township after your walk. Where you can enjoy either have a cooling ale at the pub or a coffee in one of the coffee shops.
The Fig Tree Walk
If you do not have a high clearance 4 WD vehicle allowing you to get to Booloumba Creek, then you might enjoy the Fig Tree Walk at Little Yabba Creek. This is just a couple of kilometres further on from the Booloumba Creek turnoff, if you are driving from Maleny. Park your car at Little Yabba Creek picnic area, walk across the bridge to the boardwalk entry. This 2 km path is wheelchair friendly. A great walk for viewing the mighty Moreton Bay Fig tree. Little Yabba Creek picnic area is a lovely spot to enjoy nature and splash in the pristine water of Little Yabba.
Whatever your level of fitness the Sunshine Coast Hinterland will have a walk for you. Talk to us when you book your stay at Tranquil Getaways On Obi Maleny and we can suggest something to suit.
See you soon,
Barb and Greg
