Visiting Mapleton Falls safely
Wheelchair accessible facilities.
Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer
Getting there and getting around
From Brisbane, travel 105km north along the Bruce Highway to Nambour, then travel 11km west to Mapleton. Take the Obi Obi Road and travel 3km further to the signposted turnoff to Mapleton Falls National Park.
Wheelchair accessibility
The Mapleton Falls lookout is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. The paths are bitumen and cement. From the disabled carpark you travel slightly uphill to the toilet facilities, and gently downhill to the lookout.
Staying safe
- Sheer cliffs and slippery rocks near the waterfall are hazardous. Always supervise children, keep to the walking tracks, stay behind safety fences and follow all warning signs to avoid tragedy.
- Stay on track. Remain behind barriers at lookouts and waterfalls. Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you should return. Wear sturdy shoes. Carry adequate clothing, water and snack food.
- Supervise children. Natural areas have hazards that children are unfamiliar with, including creeks, cliff edges, stinging plants and wildlife.
- Water hazards—never dive into creeks or rock pools. They contain submerged rocks and logs. Water depth is variable and unpredictable. Rock surfaces can be slippery.
- Carry a first-aid kit—and know how to use it. Use repellent on exposed skin and shoes to discourage mosquitoes, leeches and ticks. Remove ticks immediately.
- Carry fresh water. Creek water is unsuitable for drinking as it may contain organisms that can cause illness.
- Check park alerts for current warnings or closures. Walking tracks are closed during severe wet weather due to flooding of the tracks. For your safety, do not enter the park when closure signs are displayed.
- Do not attempt to cross flooded creeks. If you are caught out on the tracks when creek crossings flood, wait until the water no longer covers the track. Water rises and falls in a short period of time.
In an emergency
In case of accident, other emergency or for reporting a bushfire or acts of arson, please:
- Call Triple Zero (000).
- Advise the location and nature of the emergency.
- Stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.
Mobile phone reception is poor in this area.
The closest hospital is Nambour.
For more information about staying safe while visiting national parks, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
- Bring insect repellent to discourage mosquitoes, leeches and ticks.
- Bring drinking water as it is not available at the park.
- Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, protective clothing and sunscreen.
- Bring rubbish bags to remove your rubbish and recyclables from the park. Rubbish bins are not provided.
Opening hours
The park is open 24 hours a day, but for your safety walk in daylight hours only.
Permits and fees
Permits may be required for commercial or organised events. View permits and fees for further information.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Mapleton Falls National Park.
Climate and weather
Local temperatures can rise above 30°C in summer and drop to freezing point overnight in winter. Nights can be cool at any time of the year.
Always check weather conditions before your visit. Be aware that forest areas are hazardous during strong winds, as tree branches may fall.
During severe wet weather, which occurs mostly in spring and summer, some tracks flood and are closed for public safety. Check park alerts for current warnings or park closures.
For more information see the Bureau of Meteorology website and tourism information links.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available in Mapleton and other nearby towns. For more information see tourism information links.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.