A Rainforest World Above the Coast
Behind the beaches of the Sunshine Coast, the land rises sharply into the Blackall Range — a 500-metre escarpment cloaked in subtropical rainforest, threaded with waterfalls, and dotted with some of Australia's most beautiful botanic gardens. This is the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, and it is an entirely different world from the surf and sand below. Within thirty minutes of leaving the coast you can be walking through ancient rainforest where strangler figs wrap around towering red cedars, pademelons forage in the undergrowth, and regent bowerbirds flash electric yellow through the canopy.
The jewels of the hinterland's nature experiences are many. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve protects 55 hectares of National Estate–listed subtropical rainforest on the edge of Maleny, with boardwalk trails, a Rainforest Discovery Centre, and panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains. Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World spreads 23 acres of terraced gardens across a 110-acre property, with waterfalls, lakes, over 700 birds in four walk-through aviaries, a farm friends petting zoo, and Glass House Mountain views that stretch all the way to Brisbane on clear days.
Beyond these headline attractions, the hinterland delivers waterfall after waterfall — Kondalilla Falls plunges 90 metres into the Obi Obi Valley, Gardners Falls offers freshwater swimming under a canopy of water gums, Mapleton Falls thunders into a forested gorge, and the hidden gem of Serenity Falls (Buderim) cascades through suburbia into a mossy rock pool. Four distinct botanic gardens — from the sculpted private paradise of Maleny to the wild 82-hectare bushland of Maroochy — ensure that nature lovers never run out of trails to explore.
The Must-Visit Nature Attractions
The two unmissable hinterland nature experiences — a world-class botanic garden and bird sanctuary, and a National Estate–listed ancient rainforest.
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
A privately owned 23-acre paradise set on a 110-acre property high on the Blackall Range escarpment. Layered and terraced gardens cascade down the hillside, interspersed with stunning waterfalls and lakes, with a backdrop of the Glass House Mountains stretching to Brisbane on clear days. Over 8km of walking paths meander through thousands of plant species — roses, azaleas, orchids, and some of the rarest cycads in the world.
Bird World houses 700+ native and exotic birds across four walk-through aviaries. Guided interactive tours let you get up close — birds will happily perch on your shoulder or head. The Farm Friends petting zoo features miniature donkeys, goats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Golf buggy hire makes the 23 acres accessible to all. The onsite café serves Devonshire tea with panoramic mountain views.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Fifty-five hectares of ancient subtropical rainforest on the edge of Maleny, overlooking the Glass House Mountains National Landscape. A remnant of the rainforest that once covered the entire Blackall Range, the reserve is a living museum of 107 tree species, 50 vines, 26 shrubs, and rare wildlife including red-legged pademelons, regent bowerbirds, paradise riflebirds, and wompoo fruit-doves.
Two kilometres of well-maintained boardwalks and gravel tracks wind through the forest, much of it wheelchair and pram accessible. Viewing platforms include the Butterfly, Hollow Strangler Fig, and Rose Gum lookouts. The award-winning Rainforest Discovery Centre features interactive displays on the forest's ecology and history. The Jinibara people are the Traditional Custodians of this land. Free BBQs, picnic grounds, an interactive children's playground, a café, and an Elevated Glider Gallery Boardwalk complete the experience.
Hinterland Waterfalls & Swimming Holes
The Blackall Range is threaded with cascading waterfalls — from the Sunshine Coast's tallest plunge to hidden freshwater swimming holes surrounded by ancient forest.
Kondalilla Falls
The Sunshine Coast's hallmark waterfall — Skene Creek tumbling 90m into the Obi Obi Valley. The 4.7km Kondalilla Falls Circuit descends through lush rainforest with rock pools at the top and base. "Kondalilla" means "rushing water" in the Gubbi Gubbi language. Over 300 steps on the return.
Gardners Falls
A hidden gem on Obi Obi Creek near Maleny. Short level walk from the car park past shallow rock pools to a large freshwater swimming hole beneath the falls. Grassy banks, native forest, and perfect for a hinterland picnic. Popular on hot days — arrive early.
Mapleton Falls
Dramatic waterfall plunging into a forested gorge in Mapleton Falls National Park. Stunning lookout over the Obi Obi Valley. Short walk from the day-use area. Lush rainforest trails rich in birdlife. Quieter than Kondalilla.
Serenity Falls (Buderim)
A stunning hidden waterfall tucked inside Buderim Forest Park — just minutes from Maroochydore. The creek plunges 10m off an overhang into a clear shallow pool. Mossy rocks, birdsong, and towering gums. The closest waterfall to the coast.
Four Gardens to Explore
From sculpted private paradises to wild bushland — the Sunshine Coast has four distinct botanic gardens, three of them free.
Maleny Botanic Gardens
23 acres of terraced gardens, waterfalls, lakes, 8km of paths, rarest cycads in the world, Glass House Mountain views. Ticketed. Bird World & Farm Friends included. Golf buggy hire. 233 Maleny Stanley River Rd.
Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden
82 hectares of natural eucalypt and riparian forest at Tanawha. Themed zones showcasing Sunshine Coast native plants, nature play spaces, art installations, creeks, and lagoons. Free. Open 7am–5/6pm daily.
Noosa Botanic Gardens
Manicured gardens at Lake MacDonald. Lily ponds, amphitheatre, diverse plantings, and excellent picnic spots. Peaceful and less visited. Free. A lovely morning or afternoon stroll away from the coast.
Ben Bennett Botanical Park
Bushland botanical park in Caloundra with short walking tracks through native vegetation, BBQs, picnic tables, and a quiet retreat from the beach. Free. A good complement to a Caloundra coastal day.
What You Might Spot
Regent Bowerbirds
Electric yellow and black. Found in Mary Cairncross rainforest canopy.
Paradise Riflebirds
Iridescent bird of paradise. Males display in the forest understorey.
Red-Legged Pademelons
Rainforest wallaby. Dawn and dusk at Mary Cairncross forest edges.
Angle-Headed Dragons
Rainforest-dwelling lizard. Grows to 40cm. Bark-like camouflage.
Peacocks
Free-roaming at Maleny Botanic Gardens. Spectacular colour displays.
Great Barred Frogs
Among leaf litter at night near streams. Listen for their distinctive call.
Rainforest, Gardens & Waterfalls
Everything You Need to Know
Getting There
The hinterland is 30 minutes' drive from the coast via winding scenic roads. From Brisbane, take the Bruce Highway and exit at Steve Irwin Way to Landsborough, then up the range to Maleny (~1 hour). From Mooloolaba, take the Nambour Connection Road. A car is essential — no public transport to most sites.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. Winter (Jun–Aug) offers cool, crisp mornings and the best Glass House Mountain views. Summer brings afternoon storms — waterfalls are most impressive after rain. Spring wildflowers bloom from September. Cooler hinterland temperatures make summer hiking more pleasant than the coast.
Suggested Itinerary
Half day: Mary Cairncross rainforest walk + Maleny village lunch + Gardners Falls swim. Full day: Add Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World + drive to Montville + Kondalilla Falls. Combine with Montville galleries and a Maleny creamery visit for the ultimate hinterland experience.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes (trails can be muddy after rain), water bottle, camera, insect repellent (especially summer), and layers — the hinterland is 5–10°C cooler than the coast. Swimmers and a towel for waterfall swimming holes. Sun protection for open garden areas.
Accessibility
Mary Cairncross: main circuit wheelchair and pram accessible. Maleny Botanic Gardens: golf buggy hire, accessible parking and toilets. Maroochy Bushland: accessible paths in main garden areas. Waterfalls have uneven terrain and steps — Gardners Falls is the most accessible.
Food & Dining
Maleny and Montville are packed with cafés, restaurants, and artisan producers. Mary Cairncross has an onsite café. Maleny Botanic Gardens has a café with Devonshire tea. Try Maleny Food Co (cheese and gelato), Maleny Dairies, and Kenilworth Cheese Factory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes — entry is by gold coin donation. The rainforest walks are open 7am–6pm daily and the Rainforest Discovery Centre is open 9:30am–3:30pm. Free BBQs, picnic grounds, and playground. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. The reserve is a dog-free zone.
Maleny Botanic Gardens is a ticketed attraction — check the website for current pricing. Entry includes gardens access and Farm Friends. Aviary tour tickets include a guided walk-through with 700+ birds. Combo packages with buggy hire and Devonshire tea are available. Open daily 9am–4:30pm, closed Christmas Day.
Very. Mary Cairncross has pram-accessible boardwalks, an interactive playground, and a Discovery Centre. Maleny Botanic Gardens has Bird World aviaries, a petting zoo with miniature animals, and buggy hire. Gardners Falls has shallow rock pools perfect for small children. Serenity Falls in Buderim is a short easy walk. Kondalilla Falls Circuit (4.7km with 300+ steps) is better suited to older children.
Yes — Gardners Falls and Kondalilla Falls both have freshwater rock pools for swimming. Gardners Falls is the easiest to access (short flat walk) with a large pool beneath the falls. Kondalilla has rock pools at both the top and base of the 90m waterfall — the base requires the full 4.7km circuit with 300+ steps. Always check conditions after heavy rain as creek levels can rise rapidly.
Kondalilla Falls is widely considered the Sunshine Coast's premier waterfall — 90m plunge, spectacular circuit walk, and rock-pool swimming. For easy access and swimming, Gardners Falls near Maleny is unbeatable. Mapleton Falls has the best lookout views. Serenity Falls in Buderim is the most convenient if you're staying on the coast and short on time.
A suggested route: start at Mary Cairncross for the morning rainforest walk, then drive to Maleny Botanic Gardens for the 11:30am aviary tour and lunch, follow with Gardners Falls for an afternoon swim, and finish with a scenic drive through Montville for galleries, coffee, and craft shops. Allow a full day. Most attractions are within 15 minutes of each other along the Blackall Range.
Yes — several operators run guided day tours covering the hinterland's nature highlights including Mary Cairncross, Gardners Falls, Montville, Maleny, and Mapleton Falls with hotel pickup from the coast. Cooee Tours offers customisable hinterland tours. Maleny Botanic Gardens runs daily guided aviary tours at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1pm, and 2pm.
More Sunshine Coast Adventures
Step Into the Rainforest
Ancient rainforest, 90-metre waterfalls, 700 exotic birds, and panoramic Glass House Mountain views — all within thirty minutes of the beach. The hinterland is waiting.