Mapleton Falls is an often mentioned attraction in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Not only is there the 120m falls to see but you can also do a short scenic walk on the Wompoo Circuit through the rainforest. But is it as good as it sounds?
Read on to see if Mapleton Falls National Park is worth putting on your itinerary when you visit the Sunshine Coast.
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Where is Mapleton Falls National Park?
Mapleton Falls is only 35 minutes from Maroochydore, so it is an easy day trip if you are based near the coast. And if you are in the hinterland enjoying the cafes and coffee in Montville, the falls are only 15 minutes away or 30 minutes from Maleny’s attractions.
Mapleton Falls Lookout
Mapleton Falls is a good news, bad news story.
The good news is that the falls are 120m tall and cascade down into the rainforest valley over a series of black basalt rock platforms. Sounds spectacular, right?
And more good news is that falls and lookout are only 50 metres from the car park so they are very accessible.
Now for the bad news. Despite the tantalising description of the falls, you really don’t see much of them.
The gangplank style lookout and sound of falling water is all very promising. However, at the end of the lookout, you only get a glimpse of the falls. If there is more water around, they could be better, otherwise we recommend keeping a lid on your expectations.
If you want some more spectacular falls, you can go to nearby Kondalilla Falls 15 minutes away. You will have a longer walk to take in the views but at least, views you will have.
Picnic Area & Walks
When you have finished being underwhelmed at the waterfall lookout, we recommend venturing further into the park and doing the family-friendly Wompoo Circuit Walk.
From Mapleton Falls Lookout, it is a 50m walk to a grassy picnic area that has tables and shelters then another 120m to the start of the Wompoo Circuit.
From the Wompoo Circuit, you can also access the multiday 58km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk through the Blackall Ranges. The trail goes 2.1km north to Delicia Road or 5.9km south to the Flaxton Walkers camp if you are doing the walk in sections.
Wompoo Circuit Walk
Today we settled for the easy 1.3km Wompoo Circuit Walk and it was a lovely wander through the forest. The track is mostly on a well-worn, impossible to lose dirt path. There is also a short boardwalk section that has a handful of steps.
This is a beautiful forest walk. For us the air was full of the sound of whip birds. There are plenty of ornate Piccabeen palms, strangler figs and towering forest trees many of which are named so you can know what you are looking at.
If you take your time, you’ll spot birds flitting around, see colourful fungi growing on tree trunks and carpets of moss on fallen logs. You can take a short detour to Peregrine Lookout for views over the valley and the chance to see falcons soaring above you.
Can you see a Wompoo Pigeon?
One of our main goals on the walk was to see or even hear the forest dwelling Wompoo pigeon (or Wompoo fruit dove). As they spend a lot of their time in the treetops eating the fruit on the Piccabeen Palms, we didn’t expect to spot one – and we didn’t.
We would have been happy to hear their distinct call. Unfortunately, no deep, throaty Wompoo-like sounds were heard ringing out through the forest. If you go to Mary Cairn Cross Reserve, you can see a stuffed Wompoo in the visitor centre. It’s not quite the same as a live sighting, but for most people it will be as good as you get.
Final words
Even though the waterfall was average and the Wompoo pigeon eluded us, this was still a pretty spot to visit. The Wompoo Circuit is a beautiful forest circuit that walkers of all ages can enjoy. There are plenty of other forest sights and sounds to take in even if the Wompoo Pigeon eludes you.
It was also a very quiet spot. Compared to the Buderim Forest Walk or Mary Cairn Cross Reserve, we saw far fewer people here, so it is a good option if you want a quieter forest experience.
If you enjoyed this story you might also like:
Mount Ngungun Walk | Brisbane Day Trips | Noosa Everglades Cruise
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