Overseas Walks: Sunshine Coast Hinterland walks
With lush green rainforest, waterfalls, rock pools to swim in, and national parks full of wildlife, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in Queensland, Australia is a nature lovers’ paradise.
Forest bathing. It’s a thing. The practice originated in Japan where it is called “shinrin-yoku” and is embraced by those seeking to de-stress by connecting with the naturally rejuvinating power of nature. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland has a myriad of places for ‘forest bathing’ - and the bushland areas are home to a multitude of wildlife with plenty of scenic spots to relax and enjoy a picnic.
Glass House Mountains National Park
The Glass House Mountains were named by Captain Cook as he mapped the Queensland coast in 1770. The “Glass Houses” are distinctive volcanic plugs that rise abruptly from the surrounding countryside.
These 20 million year-old monoliths are part of the Aboriginal ‘songlines’, navigational landmarks once used by Aborigines to find their way, and are a prominent feature of local Aboriginal legend.
Let the awe-inspiring landscape wash over you as you take a leisurely drive through the Glass House Mountains National Park, stopping at picturesque lookouts along the way, or get the blood pumping with some hiking, rock climbing or abseiling.
Make some time to visit the Glass House Mountains lookout where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the mountains as they tower over a scenic patchwork
of national parks, plantations and cultivated farmland.
Kondalilla National Park
A refuge for many species of native animals and plants, Kondalilla National Park is a popular place for birdwatchers and nature photographers as well as bushwalkers.
With a magnificent waterfall, rock pools and freshwater creeks - is it any wonder the park gets its name from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘rushing waters’. Five rare and threatened frog species - as well as the bopple nut, a rare macadamia species - can be found in the park.
There is a wonderful day-use area which is ideal for picnics and can be reached on an easy 1.7 kilometre circuit track. For more of a challenge, take on the 4.6 kilometre Kondalilla Falls circuit or a section of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.
Conondale National Park
Conondale National Park forms the heart of an extensive area of unspoilt mountain scenery in the Conondale Range.
With magnificent forests, deep gorges and spectacular views, this park and the adjacent State forest offer scenic drives, picnic areas and a choice of four grassy camp sites near rainforests and mountain streams.
Walks range from a short stroll beside crystal clear streams, to challenging hikes including to Mount Allan fire tower or along the four-day 56 kilometre Conondale Range Great Walk. It is a picturesque and ecologically important area, protecting the habitats of many rare and threatened animals, including several species of frogs and the seldomseen yellow-bellied glider.
Access is via gravel roads suitable for conventional vehicles with care. Birdwatchers will enjoy Little Yabba Creek, while mountain bike and horse riders can explore the park and forest along vehicle tracks.
Mapleton Falls National Park
Mapleton Falls National Park marks the point just west of Mapleton where Pencil Creek cascades 120 metres over an escarpment.
This small, day-use-only park shelters many bird species, including the peregrine falcon, eastern whipbird and wompoo fruit-dove. From the carpark, enjoy a short walk to Mapleton Falls lookout (wheelchair access to toilet and lookout). The panoramic view takes in the waterfall, rainforest valley and Obi Obi Valley.
Look for peregrine falcons soaring above - in early spring they roost on the edges of the falls. From the open, grassy picnic area, the Wompoo circuit winds through eucalypts and rainforest. Listen for the fruit-dove’s booming calls, ‘wallock-a-woo’ and ‘book-a-roo’. Near the causeway pool, listen for frogs and look for distinctive hexagonal volcanic rocks.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
The enchanting Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is located a few minutes from Maleny. The Reserve features remnants of the ancient forests that once covered the Blackall Range and is a living natural museum of diverse plant and animal life.
For a gold coin donation you can stroll the boardwalk and bush track through the sub-tropical rainforest be delighted with the tranquillity and beauty of this special place. This 55 hectare rainforest overlooks the Glass House Mountains and is home to the mountain crayfish, great barred frog, marbled frogmouth and the red-necked pademelon.
Mooloolah River National Park
This park on the banks of the Mooloolah River, protects one of the few remaining coastal rainforest areas in this region. Also known as Jowarra, this is an important home for wildlife, including the wompoo fruit-dove, eastern yellow robin and the vulnerable Richmond birdwing butterfly.
The river is home to platypus, which may be seen at dawn and dusk. Two short, easy walks lead from the rest area: the Mooloolah River circuit and the Melaleuca walk. The tracks are not sealed but in dry weather they are wheelchair accessible. Use insect repellent to deter mosquitoes and leeches.