About Our Area
"THE BLACKALL RANGE"
on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, One hour North of Brisbane.
http://www.hinterlandtourism.com.au/index.php
AT HOME IN THE HIGH COUNTRY
Rising high above the coastal plain of the Sunshine Coast is the Blackall Range, stretching from Mapleton in the North down through Flaxton , Montville and Maleny in the south. At a height of around 450 metres (1,500 feet) you will relish the cool mountain breezes and breathtaking valley and coastal views.
The Blackall Range can be approached from Nambour in the North or from Landsborough in the south, it offers the visitor a vista of unequaled natural beauty. To the east of the Range stretches a panoramic view to the Pacific Ocean from Moreton Bay to Noosa. While to the west are the rolling green Obi Obi and Mary River valleys.
Within easy driving distance of Brisbane and twenty five minutes to the Sunshine Coast beaches, the Blackall Range is the place to escape the bustle and pressures of city life.
Once here you can enjoy the peaceful tranquillity and unspoilt beauty the unique region has to offer.
How Far Is It ?
Brisbane 1hr
Noosa 35min
Maroochydore 25min
Alexandra Headlands 30min
Mooloolaba 32min
Caloundra 35min
Nambour 10min
MAPLETON
Mapleton, the "Tree-Change" capital of Queensland is a small quiet village, which was settled in 1888 and has retained its rural charm and friendly atmosphere.
Situated at the northern end of the Range the appealing village of Mapleton welcomes the visitor to its relaxed and unhurried style. Take in the captivating views from the verandah of the original hotel.
A few kilometres down the Obi Obi Road is the picturesque Mapleton Falls National Park. Pull on your day pack and unwind on a nature walk through majestic rainforest and wet eucalypt forests covered by the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.
Back in the centre of Mapleton is the Lilyponds an attractive and popular picnic spot. The park has playgrounds, barbecue and toilet facilities. Enjoy your lunch as you admire the abundance of water birds on the Lilyponds.
Mapleton Falls National Park
Covers 26 hectares of rainforest and wet eucalypt valuable wildlife habitat. Some of the rarer species in the area are the Pouched Frog, the Platypus Frog and the Mount Glorious Torrent Frog. The occasional Koala and Red Goshawk can be sited, the habitat of which, because of urbanisation, has been greatly reduced.
The park is situated on the westerly escarpment of the Blackall Range of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Flowing gently through the picnic grounds we find Pencil Creek, cascading 120 metres to the valley below. The lookout over the falls offers spectacular views of the gorge, valleys and Ranges to the West and there is ample opportunity for walking and bird watching.
Social Points of Interest
- Library
- Bowls Club
- Jazz Nights
- Craft Groups
- Poets Society
- Fitness and Yoga
- Tennis Club
- Community Gym
- Walking Groups
The Mapleton Tavern
Mapleton boasts an historic tavern which has catered to the social life of the area for approximately 100 years. The tavern commands one of the most spectacular views in Australia and is popular with visitors as far away as Brisbane. Meals are served on the verandah affording diners views of the Sunshine Coast.
FLAXTON
Travelling south you arrive at Flaxton with its cluster of enticing restaurants, motels, gift shops and galleries. You will also delight in the fine examples of early "Queenslander" style homes.
A little further down the range is Kondalilla Falls National Park. This spectacular park with its rainforest walks and waterfalls is a must for the sightseer. Work up an appetite on one of the many walking tracks and relax in the well appointed picnic area.
Kondalilla takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning "rushing waters". Covering an area of 128 hectares, the parks main attraction is Kondalilla Falls where Skene Creek drops 90 metres into a valley of lush tropical rainforest. To view the falls requires a downhill walk and some people might find the return journey a little strenuous. The park is popular for picnicking, bird watching and bush walking. Excellent barbeque facilities are provided. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see the wildlife which include platypus, wallabies, goannas and bush turkeys.
MONTVILLE
The quaint "English Style" village of Montville is a Mecca for the tourist. You will be tempted by its many and varied galleries, art and craft shops, restaurants, museums and walks. This is an ideal spot to browse for an hour or two, enjoy some refreshments, soak up the historic atmosphere and breathtaking views.
Montville is as close to an English village as you will ever find in Australia. First settled in 1887 by citrus growers, Montville has a village green nestled between the local school and village hall. Attractions of Montville are tiny timber churches, a three story timber restaurant, originally the general store. Garden paths meander between charming shops, potteries, restaurants and galleries.
A "Heritage Trail" is sign posted throughout the village and a "Senses Trail" starts in front of the village hall. Bushwalking tracks take the visitor to the shores of Lake Baroon.
A diverse range of accommodation is available within the village and the immediate surrounds, offering well appointed motel suites, cosy guest houses and luxury private cabins.
Baroon Pocket Dam with its tranquil waters provides picnic areas, walking tracks, fishing, sailing and canoeing. Continuing your journey of discovery there is more to see as you head on towards Maleny along the Balmoral Road stopping, perhaps, at the Balmoral Lookout and take in the magnificent views to the coast.
