Camp and hike in cool forests with cascading waterfalls near Mapleton.
Set high in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, about 105 kilometres north of Brisbane, Mapleton has all the hallmarks of a country village. Although it’s a popular—sometimes crowded—tourist destination, campers can get respite in the nearby national parks, Mapleton and Mapleton Falls, even if just visiting for the day before retiring to a nearby tourist park or tent campsite. The town is known for its stunning views of the surrounding countryside, which includes the Blackall Range, and across the coastal plains to the Pacific Ocean. A great spot to enjoy the views is from the veranda of the colonial-style Mapleton Tavern. Visitors to Mapleton can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and birdwatching.
Mapleton Falls National Park
Mapleton Falls National Park is the place to see magnificent bunya pines, piccabeen palm groves, and tall open blackbutt forests. Camping is not allowed in the park, but it is well worth a visit, even if only to see the 120-metre drop of Mapleton Falls—the best viewing point is the lookout platform at the end of Mapleton Falls Road. Find a Mapleton campsite nearby for easy access and amenities like barbecues, picnic tables, and hookups. Hikers, mountain bikers and bird-watchers are all equally thrilled by this small park.
Mapleton National Park
Mapleton National Park has three camping areas, two of which are part of the four-day, 58-kilometre Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, which passes through the park. The Great Walk offers shorter half-day or full-day sections, with the closest entrance points at Mapleton Falls National Park and from Delicia Road, near Mapleton township. To access the Gheerulla camping area, which has toilets and barbecues, you will need 4WD.
Conondale National Park
Conondale National Park’s Booloumba Creek Camping Ground is about a 45-minute drive from Mapleton, offers a range of campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and toilets. The park is popular for hiking and swimming in the nearby creeks.
Mapleton is a great year-round destination, though temperatures can climb to 30°C in summer (December to February) and drop to zero overnight in winter when nights are cool and days are mild. The best time for Mapleton walking is from March to September.