Mapleton, Queensland - Waterfalls, Rainforest Walks and Hinterland Charm

Wander * Explore * Discover
Feb 17, 2024
3 min read

Updated: 19 hours ago

Mapleton, Queensland - Waterfalls, Rainforest Walks and Hinterland Charm

Tucked away at the northern end of the Blackall Ranges, Mapleton is a peaceful Sunshine Coast hinterland town where cool mountain air, rainforest walks and sweeping valley views set the pace for the day. Located 95 kilometres north of Brisbane, Mapleton is surrounded by rolling green hills, dairy farms and national parks, making it a perfect escape for anyone who loves quiet country towns paired with memorable nature experiences.

On our recent visit to Mapleton, we started the day with a walk around the town and Lilyponds Park, enjoyed Devonshire tea at The Barn on Flaxton, viewed Mapleton Falls, wandered around the Wompoo Circuit and then hiked to Baxter Falls.

A Gentle Start in the Heart of Town

We began our day with a relaxed wander through Mapleton’s small but welcoming town centre. Despite its size, Mapleton has everything you need, including a hotel, bakery, small supermarket, cafés and a handful of local shops that reflect the town’s easygoing, creative spirit.

Just a short stroll away, the Mapleton Lilyponds provided a calm and leafy introduction to the day. Located right in the heart of town, this lovely park features a pond dotted with lily pads, walking tracks, playgrounds, picnic shelters and wide grassy areas shaded by mature trees. It’s a peaceful spot that invites you to slow down before heading further into the hinterland.

Devonshire Tea with a View

A short drive brought us to one of the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s much-loved stops, The Barn on Flaxton. Perched high in the Blackall Ranges and established in 1969, this charming café has long been a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

We settled into the gardens out the front and enjoyed a classic Devonshire tea, surrounded by fresh mountain air and greenery. Inside, the café also offers breakfast and lunch seven days a week, along with fresh produce, local art and unique gifts, making it an easy place to linger longer than planned.

Standing Above the Valley at Mapleton Falls

From here, we headed into Mapleton Falls National Park, located around four kilometres from town. The Mapleton Falls Lookout delivers breathtaking views across the Obi Obi Valley, with layers of forest rolling away into the distance.

While there’s no access to the base of the falls, the lookout allows you to see the top of Mapleton Falls, the tallest waterfall on the Sunshine Coast. Here, Pencil Creek plunges an impressive 120 metres over the escarpment into the ancient rainforest below, a dramatic reminder of the region’s rugged landscape.

Rainforest Wandering on the Wompoo Circuit

In the Mapleton Falls National Park, we followed the Wompoo Circuit, a 1.3-kilometre loop that winds through a mix of lush rainforest and open eucalypt forest. The undulating track takes around 45 minutes and is well formed, making it an enjoyable and accessible walk.

Named after the Wompoo Fruit Dove, the circuit includes informative signs along the way, helping you understand the local flora and fauna as you walk beneath towering trees and through cool, shaded gullies.

The Hike to Baxter Falls

A more adventurous walk is the hike to Baxter Falls, that starts from the northern entrance near Suses Pocket Road on the outskirts of Mapleton.

This four-kilometre return hike forms part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walks within Kondalilla National Park. The narrow track winds steadily downhill through forest before crossing a suspension bridge just before the falls come into view.

At the end of the trail, Baxter Falls drops 22 metres over the rocks into a deep, shaded pool below. The setting feels wonderfully remote, and reaching the falls is a rewarding way to experience the hinterland’s quieter side.

Why Mapleton Is Worth Exploring

Mapleton is a destination that rewards those who take their time. With gentle town walks, cosy cafés, dramatic lookouts and rainforest hikes leading to hidden waterfalls, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and adventure.

Whether you’re enjoying Devonshire tea, wandering shaded circuits or standing above deep valleys, Mapleton captures everything that makes the Sunshine Coast hinterland so special — calm, scenic and quietly unforgettable.