Mapleton, The Sunshine Coast
Mapleton STATE FOREST
Follow the signs north west from the village for Mapleton State Forest
which is 11,000 ha of forest managed by the Department of Natural Resources.
There are 3 short walks in the Forest. Pilularis Forest Walk is 400m through
wet sclerophyll forests, with a profusion of ferns and shrubs decorating
the forest floor on either side of the walking track.
Mapleton State ForestPoole's Dam has a short walk that takes you to the
top of a small waterfall where East Cedar Creek flows over the exposed volcanic
rockface creating unusual circular pools. Piccabeen Palm Groves is a 200m
stroll in the refreshing coolness of a rainforest pocket. There are numerous
picnic areas scattered throughout the forest.
Mapleton FALLS NATIONAL PARK
West of Mapleton on the Obi Obi Road is Mapleton Falls NP (26ha). Here Pencil Creek cascades 120m over an escarpment into the Mary River catchment. The falls are on the western margin of the basalt flows which make up the Blackall Range. Unfortunately due to the unstable nature of the escarpment, viewing of the Falls is no longer safe.
The Wompoo Circuit is an easy walk of 1.3klm and winds through the rainforest and eucalypt forest. Peregrine Lookout provides an excellent view of the Obi Obi Valley.
Mapleton Accommodation
Mapleton LILYPONDS
In the centre of Mapleton is the Mapleton Lilyponds Park, created by local resident Ernie Setterfield, and willed to the public when he died in 1991. A great spot for a picnic with a children's playground and electric barbecues. There is always an abundance of water birds on and around the ponds