Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
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Menu & prices
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What's on here
Spring Pademelon Survey
Friday, 16:30
Meet the Rainforest Guided Walk
Saturday, 19:00
Meet the Rainforest Guided Walk
Saturday, 22:30
Summer Bird Survey - Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Friday, 16:30
Why go
- A 150-metre elevated boardwalk crosses the rainforest mid-storey.
- The viewing deck overlooks the Glass House Mountains.
- More than 300 plant species grow here, including several threatened species.
Opening hours
Today09:30 – 13:30Show all
Don't miss
- Rainforest Discovery CentreStart at the reserve’s gateway and explore interactive displays for all ages.
- Mountain View CaféChoose indoor or outdoor seating with mountain views.
- Cairncross theatretteThe theatrette hosts environmental exhibitions, workshops and speakers.
With kids
- The playground is suitable for children aged 12 and under.
- The open park has barbecues, picnic shelters and space for children to play.
Tips for your visit
- Explore the reserve using its walking tracks.
- A visitor car park is available.
- The reserve receives more than 600 visitors daily.
- The reserve is at 148 Mountain View Road, Maleny. Call +61 7 5494 3023.
Know before you go
- Open Monday to Saturday, 09:30–15:30; Sunday, 09:30–13:30.
- Groups must book ahead for visits.
History
The reserve preserves a remnant of the rainforests that once covered the Blackall Range. It was established to safeguard the Maleny region’s plant and animal life, and the forest holds both natural and cultural heritage.
- 1941Three Thynne sisters gave the reserve to Landsborough Shire Council and named it for their mother, Mary Thynne.
- 2017The Rainforest Discovery Centre opened, designed by Norman Richards building design + interiors and Guymer Bailey Architects.
Accessibility
- Boardwalk The 150-metre elevated boardwalk is described as suitable for all abilities.
Shorts
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Mary Cairncross ReserveStories and Scenery
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Photos from Mary Cairncross ReserveStories and Scenery
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Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Discovery Centre - Mountain View Deck毛利小松郎 & 太太大人
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Mary Cairncross Nature ReserveCarolyn’s Travels
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Mary Caincross Scenic ReserveMontville Mountain Inn Resort
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MARY CAIRNCROSS SCENIC RESERVE at MALENYSteve Smith
Interesting facts5
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107 tree
The reserve has 107 tree species, 30 herbs, 50 vines, three palms and 26 kinds of shrubs.
Mary Cairncross Reserve - Wikipedia -
Australian red cedar is the rainforest’s main tree species.
Mary Cairncross Reserve - Wikipedia -
A living network of fungi lies beneath visitors' feet and within the plants.
Come and explore the rainforest -
Invertebrates inhabit every forest layer, though their activity often goes unseen.
Come and explore the rainforest -
The reserve shelters frogs, snakes, lizards and skinks, including some threatened species.
Come and explore the rainforest
Sources: Mary Cairncross Reserve - Wikipedia · Come and explore the rainforest · Rainforest Discovery Centre · Plan Your Visit · checked 29 Sep 2026
- Phone
- +61754943023
Plan from here: Evening walk →
Questions and answers
Where is Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve?
148 Mountain View Road, Maleny, Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
How can I contact Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve?
Call +61 7 5494 3023.
What mammals live at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve?
The reserve has 11 marsupial species and three bat species.
What reptiles and amphibians live at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve?
The reserve has 20 lizard species, 14 snake species and 14 frog species.
How many fungi species are at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve?
The reserve has 21 recorded fungi species.
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