Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny: Sunshine Coast rainforest

The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve near Maleny offers rainforest walks in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and fabulous Glasshouse Mountains views from the Rainforest Discovery Centre.

What is the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve?

The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a remnant of the rainforest that once covered the Blackall Range in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Queensland.

The 55 hectare reserve preserves subtropical rainforest, and is an important haven for hundreds of plant and animal species.

Where is the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve?

The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve lies just off the Landsborough-Maleny Road in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The closest town is Maleny, a 6.5km drive to the north-west.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve tours

Those without their own transport can visit the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve on a Sunshine Coast hinterland day tour from Brisbane. This packed tour also include the Eumundi Markets, Montville, Noosa Main Beach and the Buderim Ginger Factory in Yandina.

At the time of writing, tickets cost $139, and are bookable online.

It’s also the final stop on a rainforest, views and Montville day tour from the Sunshine Coast beach towns. With pick-ups available in Noosa, Peregian Beach, Marcoola, Mooloolaba and more, this $225 tour also includes a two course lunch overlooking Lake Baroon and a visit to Mapleton Falls National Park. Again, advance booking is required.

Sunshine Coast rainforest walks

The rainforest walks at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve are open between 07.00 and 18.00 daily. There is a series of short, Grade 2 walks that you can combine for a longer stroll if you wish. The individual circuits are between 1.3km and 1.7km long.

You can also go on a volunteer-guided walk if you prebook.

12 fantastic Sunshine Coast experiences to book now

Taste coffee and ginger, do rainforest walks, and visit the best lookouts on a highlight-packed hinterland tour.
Take a serene Noosa Everglades cruise along the mirror-like waterways – or canoe through the Everglades.
Learn to surf at a Sunshine Coast surf school – or try paddleboarding instead.
Combine sight-seeing and thrills on a fast boat tour.
Go e-mountain biking on the downhill trails of Tewantin National Park.
Kayak with dolphins as part of a beach 4WD tour.
Explore the Sunshine Coast from above on a seaplane flight.
Take an indigenous cultural tour – with bush tucker tasting.
Visit the region’s best craft breweries and distilleries on a drinks tasting tour.
Go jetskiing through the gorgeous Pumicestone Passage.
Taste wines, cheeses and chocolates on a hinterland food tour.
Watch migrating humpbacks on a whale-watching cruise.

Rainforest Discovery Centre, Maleny

The other key highlight of the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny is the Rainforest Discovery Centre. This offers themed displays that use all the senses to interpret and explore the rainforest.

There’s also a café, a children’s playground, an elevated walkway and a viewing deck offering fabulous views over the Glasshouse Mountains.

Entry to the Rainforest Discovery Centre at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is by gold coin donation. There is no charge to visit the rest of the reserve. For more information, visit the reserve website.

Other attractions in Maleny include Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, Gardners Falls and Maleny Dairies.

Top Maleny accommodation choices

The best places to stay in Maleny are:

For luxurious pampering surrounded by rainforest: Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa.
For rooms at a classic Aussie pub: Maleny Hotel.
For charm and mountain views: Maleny Terrace Cottages.