Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

Just north of Brisbane, the Blackall Range is one of the most dramatic terrains in Queensland. Enjoy spectacular views of rolling mountains and valleys to the West and the Pacific ocean to the East. The 58km Sunshine Coast Great Walk crosses the Maleny-Mapleton Plateau and the Blackall Range. View the tumbling cascades of Kondalilla Falls, cool off by a rainforest rock pool or experience the meandering Obi Obi Gorge, carved by water over millions of years. Be enthralled by the ever changing scenery as you traverse this dramatic terrain, over a number of days. You’ll discover a pristine environment with refreshing water holes, dense rainforest, an abundance of birdlife, and breathtaking views and scenery.

Montville Getaways provides a range of luxury accommodation to use as a base while exploring the natural scenery of this area.

Relax by Baxter Falls.

Enjoy stunning views.

Walk Safely

Some sections of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk are remote and isolated. Accidents can happen, even to the experienced bushwalker. You must aim to be well prepared and responsible for your safety – even on short walks. Walk with
a companion.  Walk softly – only your footprints, take only photographs.

Pick up and Drop off points

Transport can be pre-arranged through your Montville Getaways hosts or you can contact Mystic Mountain Tours who are happy to provide a pick up or drop off service.

Facilities

Toilets are located at each of the 3 walkers camps, as well as at the picnic areas at Lake Baroon, Kondalilla Falls and Mapleton Falls. Please be advised that mobile phone reception is generally poor.

What to Bring

Wear adequate clothing, a cap and sturdy footwear to suit all weather conditions. To ensure your Great Walk is trouble free and enjoyable, your Montville Getaways hosts can provide you with a day pack containing a thermos flask, drinking water, tea, coffee, sugar, milk, insect repellant, suntan lotion, mini first aid kit, a laminated map and information for your chosen day walk. Picnic hamper packs are also available on request. Please ask your hosts for costs of the daily pack hire. A topographic map can be purchased when making your booking in order to plan your walks before arrival.

Enjoy a sumptuous Montville Getaways Picnic Hamper.

Fully equipped hikers facilities for your use.

Use the stepping stones creek crossing.

Lake Baroon to Baroon Lookout or Kondalilla Falls

 

To the Lookout and back (Easy)

4.4km Time: 2-3hrs Pickup/Drop off: P1 Lake Baroon

An enchanting short walk featuring boardwalks, bridges and waterfalls. Baroon Lookout has beautiful views of Lake Baroon and the Obi Obi Gorge.

Baroon to Kondalilla (Medium/Hard)

11.7km Time: 5-6hrs Pickup/Drop off: P1 Lake Baroon and Kondalilla Falls Carpark P2

Cross bridges over palm and vine forested streams. See spectacular views of the Gorge, Lake Baroon & Obi Obi Creek. Walk along boardwalks built to protect rare frog habitat. Walk among the giant strangler figs in lush rainforest and end the walk with a refreshing swim in the Kondalilla Falls natural rockpool.

Lake Baroon from the lookout

The start of Kondalilla Falls

Refreshing swim at Kondalilla Falls

Magnificent view of the Narrows

Flaxton to Mapleton Falls (Medium)

 

7.3km Time: 3hrs Pickup/Drop off: P3 Flaxton Mill Rd and Mapleton Falls Carpark P4

This is a moderate walk for the reasonably fit, taking in open eucalypt forest, rocky outcrops and Baxter Creek with its beautiful waterfall. Cross Baxter Creek by suspension bridge and walk through a tranquil palm filled grove. Finish at the Mapleton Falls picnic area with superb valley views.

Taking in beautiful Baxter Falls

Crossing the suspension bridge

The self composting toilet facilities

Delicia Circuit (Medium)

 

10.5km Time:4-5hrs Pickup/Drop off: Delicia Road near P5 entry point

Maurie ‘rock-hopping’ on the Delicia circuit

Resting by Gheerulla Falls

Spectacular Delicia circuit views

Meeting up with one of the locals

Delicia Road toThilba Thalba Walkers Camp (Medium)

 

14 km Time:6 -8 hrs Pickup/Drop off: P7 Thilba Thalba Walkers camp/ Delicia Road near P6 entry point

Ancient ‘Black Boy’ palms

The views from Gheerula Bluff

Taking a break at Gheerula Creek

The perfect place to meditate

Other short walks on and near The Range

Mary Cairncross Park – Maleny   |   Gardners Falls – Maleny   |   Mapleton Falls – Wampoo circuit   |   Lake Baroon – Obi Obi gorge walk – Montville

Notes

Maps are not to scale.

Photography by Carl Roe, Maurie Dunphy and George Johnston.

Special thanks to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.