Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
4.5
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
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The area
Address
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Best nearby
Restaurants
63 within 3 miles
Attractions
75 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
950 reviews
Excellent
691
Very good
229
Average
22
Poor
3
Terrible
5
Freddie jay B
Caloundra, Australia538 contributions
Feb 2020
A lovely place for photographers to get stunning pics on the right day of the valley and mountains.
Half hr from caloundra
The cafe is in a nice setting but the prices are a bit rich for me. Burgers which are just average are $16 even a simple bowl of chips was $9.
The walk around is nice and cool. Parking just needs to be added,there is t enough and people park out on the street on the yellow lines where they aren’t supposed to and can be dangerous. An observation deck I top of the cafe has magnificent views, donation to take the forest walks which we did and came upon pademelons,which was nice, the walks are about 30/45 min to an hour so if you have time take the stroll.
Half hr from caloundra
The cafe is in a nice setting but the prices are a bit rich for me. Burgers which are just average are $16 even a simple bowl of chips was $9.
The walk around is nice and cool. Parking just needs to be added,there is t enough and people park out on the street on the yellow lines where they aren’t supposed to and can be dangerous. An observation deck I top of the cafe has magnificent views, donation to take the forest walks which we did and came upon pademelons,which was nice, the walks are about 30/45 min to an hour so if you have time take the stroll.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crazylittlething_82
Glass House Mountains, Australia16 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Our family are frequent visitors to Mary Cairncross, it's a beautiful place and the new upgrades are fantastic. Recently we've noticed new signs have been put up saying 'no Takeaway packaging to enter forest'. Ive personally never seen any sign of visitors with takeaway packaging, nor any sign of visitors feeding animals or any litter, still the signs show pictures of steaming coffee cups, I could only think maybe they are having trouble with rubbish from the nearby cafe. I was at our usual stop on the walk handing my toddler a snack from his lunchbox, even though it was not a takeaway food product I was interrupted by a volunteer policing the rules this and told no food was allowed at all and I would have to put it away. My toddler was expecting food right at that moment so of course we then had to cut out walk short so we could give him something to eat outside. My toddler spent his own money on the donation box to get in to the park today - I honestly felt like demanding it back on my way out.
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wildsight7388
Perth, Australia2 contributions
Oct 2019
I nearly didn't have enough time to visit but I'm so glad I managed to squeeze it in during my last morning in Maleny. I easily spent a couple of hours (and could definitely spend more) meandering through this stunning rainforest remnant, admiring the majestic trees and keeping a keen eye and ear out for the different bird species that call this little slice of paradise home. It got busier as the morning crept on so I can definitely recommend getting there for opening if you want to enjoy Mary Cairncross at its most serene.
Written May 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bevlyn11
Wimmera3 contributions
Aug 2019
One of the most beautiful places to visit. Set among the wonderful rainforest with the sounds and smells of nature at your fingertips. Take time to walk through here and see the smallest creatures to the larger ones and also enjoy the beautiful cafe with its wonderful food and the magnificent views of the GlassHouse Mountains. A special place to linger with friends
Written April 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrs A
Brisbane, Australia515 contributions
Sep 2020
Spectacular views, information centre, bush walk and cafe. We came along to check out the views and sit down for a family coffee. The rainforest discovery centre is an added attraction which we aim to revisit into the future. Well worth a visit for nature lovers and those seeking a place to relax in the hinterland. So much history captured there.
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventureswithemj.com
Brisbane, Australia315 contributions
Jun 2021
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve comprises 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains. The reserve is a remnant rainforest. This means it has never been completely logged. Although trees such as red cedar, white beech and bunya pine were selectively harvested in the late 19th century, many of the trees you will see are hundreds of years old.
There is a fantastic visitors centre on-site, with friendly volunteers who are happy to tell you about all the great things you can get up to, plus a cafe, a playground and plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy a picnic. There are a couple of different walks through the rainforest that you can do and all are fairly flat, on wide paths with minimal steps, so almost everyone will be able to enjoy it. If you are lucky, you will spot the resident Pademelons - they are super cute!
Please remember to make a gold coin donation when you visit, as this money goes towards maintaining the facilities, flor and fauna conservation efforts and making sure this place continues to exist for future generations to enjoy.
There is a fantastic visitors centre on-site, with friendly volunteers who are happy to tell you about all the great things you can get up to, plus a cafe, a playground and plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy a picnic. There are a couple of different walks through the rainforest that you can do and all are fairly flat, on wide paths with minimal steps, so almost everyone will be able to enjoy it. If you are lucky, you will spot the resident Pademelons - they are super cute!
Please remember to make a gold coin donation when you visit, as this money goes towards maintaining the facilities, flor and fauna conservation efforts and making sure this place continues to exist for future generations to enjoy.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dianne R
1 contribution
Jul 2021
We met family for lunch at the cafe here. It was delightful. Blustery, cloudless day made the view crystal clear and fantastic. We did choose to eat inside in a sunny spot and could not fault the food and service. As I am a coeliac, and need gluten free food, it was a pleasant surprise to see so many choices - in the cake cabinet as well. Due to the size of the meal, I didn't need to go near that cabinet but they looked delicious. It is licensed so a nice glass of wine to go with lunch was welcome. I had a crisp (g/f) chicken burger on gf bun with hand cut chips and the other meals were a steak burger and chilli prawns with spaghetti - all delicious.Co-vid practices were in place, with check in, masks worn by staff and tables wiped down after use. Parking, although onsite, stretched down the road in both directions but will plenty of room to drop off close to the cafe. We shall be happy to return.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pandy D
Sydney, Australia1,560 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny QLD
Also in Maleny and near Gardners Falls & Monville is this really nice rainforest walk with fallen trees, beautiful vegetation and some animals, mainly through a natural trail with some boardwalks. Apparently the land was donated to the public by the children of the owner to preserve it. Entry is with a gold coin donation, and it’s run by volunteers, who where very helpful. There is a shorter and longer trail, the shorter trail is a good 50mins. Don’t forget the cafe.
#MaryCairncross_ScenicReserve
Also in Maleny and near Gardners Falls & Monville is this really nice rainforest walk with fallen trees, beautiful vegetation and some animals, mainly through a natural trail with some boardwalks. Apparently the land was donated to the public by the children of the owner to preserve it. Entry is with a gold coin donation, and it’s run by volunteers, who where very helpful. There is a shorter and longer trail, the shorter trail is a good 50mins. Don’t forget the cafe.
#MaryCairncross_ScenicReserve
Written March 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JuneofBrisVegas
Samford, Australia58 contributions
Nov 2022
lovely park with very tight parking very busy any day . Lots parked on street. Plenty of tables and toilets were adequate. There were walks in the rainforest but did not do them this time and noticed there is a cafe right next to the park doing a thriving business.
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cherie S
Brisbane, Australia65 contributions
Aug 2020
Have enjuoyed this excelent place. Always the incredible good safe walking tracks, educational area though this part not open at present, great cafe with one of the best light scones we have tasted, good coffee and great views. Cosy inside if you wish. Or have enjoyed the spacious lovely grassed picnic areas in the complex. Very popular. Never miss visiting this Reserve more than once when we are staying up on the mountain. Ladies Bus Trips have always been popular here too in the past.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long does it take to walk through? No children with us.
Written August 30, 2020
Hi it was about an hour
Written September 11, 2020
Opening hours for Cafe? Tried calling lunchtime on a Sunday, no answer, tried several times. Hours on website would be helpful for those of us who live an hour away.
Written August 20, 2017
Tania W
Robina, Australia
It wasn't open when we were there.
Written August 24, 2017
If its open over the next few days
Written December 24, 2016
Sorry don't know. it should be on the Internet
Written May 3, 2017
Can I take my little dog on a lead?
Written March 31, 2015
No, I'm sorry you can't take your dog. There is an amazing variety of wildlife- birds of many varieties, reptiles and Pademelons (a type of marsupial).
Written April 1, 2015
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