This reserve is a haven for nature lovers, offering hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and nature photography opportunities which is located on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in Queensland, Australia, and it offers breathtaking views of the Glass House Mountains.
During my visit to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, I had the chance to check out the toilets and playground facilities. I was pleasantly surprised to find that both of these amenities were modern, well-maintained and clean. The toilets are located near the entrance to the reserve and another next to the shops and are easily accessible.
As for the playground, it's located near the picnic area and is suitable for children of all ages. The equipment includes swings, a slide, and climbing ropes. I could see that the playground was well-used, as there were several families with young children enjoying the facilities during my visit. I also appreciated that there were benches nearby for parents to sit and supervise their children while they played.
I began my adventure by taking a leisurely hike along the walking trails. One of the highlights of my visit to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve was walking along the forest boardwalk. The boardwalk is located near the entrance to the reserve and offers visitors a unique perspective of the lush rainforest.
The boardwalk winds through the heart of the rainforest and is surrounded by towering trees and diverse plant life. It's a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Walking along the boardwalk, I couldn't help but notice the intricate design and construction of the structure. The boardwalk is elevated above the forest floor, allowing visitors to walk through the rainforest without disturbing the natural environment. The design also ensures that visitors are safe from any hazards that may be present on the forest floor.
The walking trails at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve are well-marked, making it easy for me to navigate through the lush rainforest.
As I walked, I couldn't help but admire the towering trees and the diverse plant life around me. The sounds of birds chirping and the rustling of leaves underfoot were music to my ears.
Of course, no trip to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve would be complete without taking some nature photography. As someone who loves to take photos, I was blown away by the stunning scenery around me. From the towering trees to the vibrant flowers, there was no shortage of beauty to capture. I highly recommend bringing a good camera to capture the stunning views.
Directions to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in Queensland, Australia. Here are the directions to get there:
By car:
- If you are driving from Brisbane, take the Bruce Highway north towards the Sunshine Coast.
- Take the exit for Steve Irwin Way and head west towards the Glass House Mountains.
- Follow Steve Irwin Way for approximately 10 minutes until you reach the roundabout at Landsborough.
- Turn right onto Landsborough-Maleny Road and continue for approximately 15 minutes until you reach the entrance to the reserve on your left.
By public transport:
- Unfortunately, there is no public transport that goes directly to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.
- The closest train station is in Landsborough, which is approximately a 20-minute drive from the reserve.
- From Landsborough, you can take a taxi or rideshare service to the reserve.
Extending your adventure to McCarthy's Lookout after a stop at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
After a peaceful walk on the forest boardwalk or enjoying the stunning views of the Glass House Mountains from the main lookout at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, visitors can continue their adventure by driving to McCarthy's Lookout.
The road leading from the reserve to McCarthy's Lookout is an adventure in itself, as visitors navigate the narrow and winding road that winds its way up the mountain. Along the way, they will be treated to spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
Once you reach McCarthy's Lookout, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains and the surrounding hinterland. The lookout offers a unique perspective on the Glass House Mountains, which are a collection of volcanic peaks that rise dramatically from the surrounding plains.
