Take a Hike with Andrea Taylor

from Your Local: May 2022

Arts

TAKE A HIKE IN THE HINTERLAND with Andrea Taylor Mary Cairncross Park

THE weather is cooling off which is perfect for hiking.

Mary Cairncross Park Maleny has 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest with magnificent views over the Glass House Mountains. There are a couple of short trails between 1.3km and 1.7km with plenty of wild life including, red-legged pademelons, plenty of birds like the Noisy Pitta - a little ground-dweller, and Flying foxes.

Keep an eye out for crayfish and even the Trapdoor Spider Burrows. This time of year is great for fungi - you will definitely come across the purple shelf fungi. The walk is easy and suitable for prams and wheelchairs in dry weather and the paths are nice and wide.

Also if you are lucky enough you may spot the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly - one of Australia’s largest, with a wingspan of up to 16cm in females. The walk starts near the toilets and goes behind the playground. After you have got yourself lost in the beautiful rainforest, don’t forget to pop into the Discovery Centre with plenty of interactive learning for the kids.

I have been here a few times but recently visited this tranquil place with my beautiful sister. I got there a little early and walked up the road to One Tree Hill. We enjoyed lunch at the Mary Cairncross Café before our walk. I also stopped at Gardeners Falls on the way home. It is only a 200m walk to the falls and very picturesque.

I have also taken the grandkids which was loads of fun. They really enjoyed everything about his park, we gave them our phones this day taking hundreds of photos. The playground, picnic area and discovery centre were also a hit.

I also suggest if you want to make a day visiting Maleny, the Botanic Gardens and Bird World are great, also with views over the Glass house Mountains. There is a cost to Bird World but definitely worth it. The kids were a little nervous at first but ended up enjoying the experience of having the large Macaw and other birds sitting on their shoulders. Happy Hiking and as always remember plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen.