GREAT WALKS OF QUEENSLAND

Since 2000 the Queensland Government has been developing a series of spectacular bushwalks, opening up national parks, never before accessible to walkers.

The Ponds on Mapleton B&B is very close to some of the best walks in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, ranging from easy walks just over 1km through to much longer ones especially designed for the serious walker.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Gorges, waterfalls, rock pools and views.
• Forests — including warm subtropical rainforest and tall open eucalypt forest. There are rainforest remnants with bunya pines, piccabeen palm groves, tall open blackbutt forests and picturesque mountain scenery.
• Scenic and impressive natural areas — including Kondalilla and Mapleton Falls National Parks, Maleny and Mapleton Forest Reserves, and Delicia Road Conservation Park
• Wildlife — more than 100 species of birds, about 70 reptile species and more than 30 frog species recorded in the area. Watch overhead for soaring peregrine falcons. Listen for the wompoo fruit-dove or the rare Australian marsupial frog.

Mapleton Falls Lookout — Grade: Easy

Next to the carpark, this wheelchair-accessible lookout provides spectacular views of the waterfall and rainforest valley below. Look for Australian peregrine falcons, which often soar and roost near Mapleton Falls cliff edges during August and September. Views to the west overlook the Obi Obi Valley.

Wompoo circuit — 1.3km (Allow 30 min) Grade: Easy

This circuit track winds through rainforest and eucalypt forest. Wayside signs provide information about features.

The Peregrine Lookout provides an excellent view of the Obi Obi Valley. Listen for the wompoo fruit-dove calling from its treetop feedings sites.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk:

Experience the subtropical beauty of the Sunshine Coast hinterland on this 58km Great Walk through the spectacular Blackall Range. This, the longest walk, can easily be divided up into shorter sections from an hour or two to a half-day stroll.

Baroon Pocket to Kondalilla National Park (about 10km)

The first section will be along the existing track leading north from the first carpark towards Kondalilla National Park. This track features a number of small creek crossings, a lovely piccabeen palm gully, and a wet sclerophyll forest featuring large turpentine, blackbutt and brush box trees.

The track will then enter Kondalilla National Park parallel to the Obi Obi Creek and link with the existing Picnic Creek circuit. This section will consist of about 6km of new track.

The Kondalilla section will have two low-key viewing platforms, one located south of the Narrows, adjacent to a small waterfall and offering glimpses of the beautiful Obi Obi Gorge.

The second platform will be at the top of the gorge, with views overlooking the extensive forested ranges to the west, Lake Baroon to the south, and the gorge itself directly below.

Maleny Forest Reserve to Mapleton Falls (about 10km): From Kondalilla National Park the track will head north, across Flaxton Mill Road and into the Maleny Forest Reserve.

Delicia Road Conservation Park to Mapleton Forest Reserve (about 25km): From Mapleton Falls the track links to Delicia Road – Linda Garrett Conservation Park and Mapleton Forest Reserve. This section will be a more difficult stretch with some steep slopes and relatively narrow tracks.