Mapleton

Travel Guide

Mapleton featuring wetlands, a lake or waterhole and a garden
Mapleton showing a small town or village and street scenes
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Look down over the coast from this hinterland town in the Blackall Range surrounded by rainforests, waterfalls and wildlife.

The views from Mapleton are the kind that will take your breath away. The small town lies on the Blackall Range and looks back over the coast. Gaze across green fields and lush rainforest to the Pacific Ocean beyond. Nearby, there are national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that provide opportunities for hiking and picnics in the beautiful natural surroundings.

Mapleton is small but the handful of cafés and restaurants provide delicious food to the travellers who pass through on their way to the national parks. Stop to enjoy a coffee and try fresh local produce. You can take in the views that Mapleton is known for from almost anywhere in town. Some of the best vistas are from the local pub on the main street.

Bring a comfortable pair of shoes and a water bottle and head for the Mapleton Falls National Park. Walk on trails through rainforest and spot native birds such as lorikeets, owls and the rare paradise rifle bird. See the impressive Mapleton Falls that cascade off the ranges. There are dedicated lookout points throughout the park.

The Mapleton Forest Reserve, Lilyponds area and Linda Garrett Park surround Mapleton and all have signposted walks and picnic areas in the forest. Pick up maps and brochures from the Mapleton Information Centre on the main street in town.

Stay until nightfall to gaze at the stars from the Mapleton Observatory. Phone ahead and make a booking to see the observatory. Once a month there is an open night that you can attend without a booking. Check the observatory website for details.

Mapleton is a 25-minute drive from Maleny and a 1.5-hour drive from Brisbane. It is about 30 minutes from the coast by road. Most visitors choose to come for a daytrip to see the town and then explore the surrounding region. If you want to stay there is a selection of accommodation.

Continue along the Blackall Range to see nearby towns Maleny and Montville. There is free parking in Mapleton and at the national parks and nature reserves.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is P7,050 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
P7,050
P7,755 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (632 reviews)
"Was there for 1 night for business, would love to come back for a holiday"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
The price is P7,604 per night from 1 May to 2 May
P7,604
P8,364 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Underwhelming for price. Resort where as many rooms in double story concrete blocks are arranged around lovely gardens. Not my cup of tea. Breakfast variety was good but kinda cold. Entrance to reception is lovely."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2025

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
4 out of 5
923 David Low Way, Marcoola, QLD
The price is P6,525 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P6,525
P7,178 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
2020 vs 2025
"Very good. Have been here back in 2020 and now in 2025. Have seen amazing upgrades and grounds is beautiful. Ordered Takeaway from the hotel restaurant and it was delicious."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Koala Cabins Mapleton
Koala Cabins Mapleton
3 out of 5
136 Flaxton Drive, Mapleton, QLD
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Mapleton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Woompoo Circuit Trailhead and Mapleton Falls ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Lovely spot, very clean and tidy. Bed was super comfy and the cabin was very quiet."

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2025

Koala Cabins Mapleton
Landmark Resort
Landmark Resort
4 out of 5
11 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba, QLD
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,965 reviews)
"Couldn’t be happier with our stay here, the apartment was comfortable and well appointed and the view overlooking the ocean was amazing. The location was right in the heart of everything. Reception staff were very helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Landmark Resort
Lowanna Beach Resort by Direct Collective
Lowanna Beach Resort by Direct Collective
2 out of 5
42 Lowanna Dr, Buddina, QLD
Stay at this aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, air conditioning, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Mooloolaba Beach and Mooloolaba Esplanade ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (52 reviews)
"Beautiful brand new property that was in fantastic location, easy to access, grocery shopping nearby for cooking in the highly appointed kitchen, luxurious bed and bedding, superb ensuite, close to great beaches & restaurants perfect stay highly recommend this property - we will be back for sure ..."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2025

Lowanna Beach Resort by Direct Collective
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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