Mapleton Falls is an awe-inspiring natural attraction that’s not to be missed when visiting the Sunshine Coast.
Located just 40 minutes’ drive inland from the Mooloolaba, discover the beauty of Mapleton Falls National Park and enjoy the view from the lookout which overlooks Obi Obi Valley and the 120-meter-tall waterfall.
I have put together this complete guide which includes how to get there, the best time to visit, and what to expect when you’re there.
WHERE IS MAPLETON FALLS?
Mapleton Falls is located in Mapleton National Park just 40 minutes’ drive inland from Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.
→ Click here to see the location on Google Maps.
HOW TO GET HERE
There are no public transport options available to reach Mapleton National Park so you will need to have your own vehicle to visit.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT MAPLETON NATIONAL PARK
The best time to visit Mapleton Falls National Park is between 8 am and 12 pm for the best lighting from the sun.
If you’re not a morning person, you can still visit these falls at any time during the day.
Bear in mind that this waterfall is a very popular tourist attraction and it can get quite busy on the weekends. If you can time your visit for a weekday, you will get to enjoy it with fewer people.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT MAPLETON FALLS
When you arrive at Mapleton National Park you’ll find a large parking lot with plenty of free parking spaces available, conveniently located at the entrance to the falls and the Mapleton Falls Lookout.
There are also toilet amenities and picnic areas next to the parking lot that you can make use of before and after your visit.
MAPLETON FALLS LOOKOUT
From the parking lot, it’s a stone’s throw to the lookout where you can catch the best view of the falls and Obi Obi Valley.
This 120m tall waterfall features flowing water from Pencil Creek that gushes down a slate rock face and into the basin far below.
It’s not possible to access the base of Mapleton Waterfall, so make sure to get a few photos here at the lookout before continuing on to the Wompoo Circuit.
RELATED ARTICLE → KONDALILLA FALLS SUNSHINE COAST
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WOMPOO CIRCUIT
The Wompoo Circuit is an easy 1.3km walk through the beautiful Mapleton National Park that takes around 45 minutes return.
Wompoo Circuit is clearly signposted with an epic viewpoint along the way called Peregrine Lookout which offers spectacular views of Mapleton National Park and Obi Obi Valley.
The trail is mostly flat and leads through sub-tropical rainforest, consisting of wooden boardwalks and dirt tracks.
Take your time, marvel at the towering canopy above, and enjoy the sounds of the surrounding eucalypt forest.
WHERE TO STAY ON SUNSHINE COAST
The Sunshine Coast is a popular tourist hub meaning there is no shortage of accommodation options.
It’s first in, best-dressed, especially in the peak holiday season which is between December and February.
I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay on the Sunshine Coast to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
LUXURY: BREEZE MOOLOOLABA
MID RANGE: NIGHTCAP AT GOLDEN BEACH TAVERN
BUDGET: BEACH HOSTEL MOOLOOLABA
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY ON SUNSHINE COAST SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
WHEN TO VISIT SUNSHINE COAST
The Sunshine Coast is one of the only places on the East Coast of Australia that sees glorious sunshine almost all year round.
If you want the best of the best conditions weatherwise, I recommend visiting the Sunshine Coast between May and October (Autumn – Spring) which is most ideal for beach bumming, nature walks, and water sports.
Summer on the Sunshine Coast is between December and February which sees hot temperatures and a lot of rainfall.
BEST SUNSHINE COAST TOURS
WHAT TO PACK FOR SUNSHINE COAST
When visiting Sunshine Coast, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
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FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can!
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THANKS FOR READING
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