Rainforest Adventures at Mary Cairncross Park

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There are just so many interesting places to visit – either on a day trip to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland area or better still, on a weekend or longer stay in the region. One very popular destinations is the Sunshine Coast Council's Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve at Maleny.



The history of the reserve is recorded in the brochure, which states that Hon. Andrew Joseph Thynne bought land in 1902, and in 1941 three of his daughters gifted 40 hectares of rainforest from that property to the public, to be held in trust. Later, one of the daughters gave a further 2 hectares in 1966, in honour of their mother, Mary Thynne (nee Cairncross) – hence the name of the Reserve.


It was a condition of the gift that the reserve be maintained as a nature reserve. The Rotary Club of Maleny has maintained great for support of the reserve, and there is much evidence of their contribution to the park as you walk around the Rainforest Walk.

The area is popular as a picnic and family meeting place and many enter the Education Centre, to gain entry to the marvellous rainforest walk that takes visitors through some 2kms of extra ordinary rainforest tracks and boardwalk. As well there is a café, BBQs and picnic tables, and "breathtaking" views of the Glass House Mountains.



The Education Centre is run by volunteers and is open from 9 am to 4 pm all year round with an extra hour (to 5 pm) between September and May. In the Education Centre are displays, documentaries, interpretive displays and information about the many birds, history, geology, flora and other wildlife. The rainforest is dotted with information boards about many aspects of the park. There is a gold coin donation requested to enter the Rainforest and all donations to the Rainforest are most welcome.

Photographers are most welcome with a myriad of opportunities for great shots.



For more information about the Reserve phone 07 5492 6122, and the Café phone number is 07 5494 2287, and there is more detail at the website www.mary-cairncross.com.au.



#day_trips
#escape_the_city
#lookouts
#nature
#parks
#sunshine_coast_hinterland
#tourist_attractions
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