Day 3 Melany and Sunshine Coast Trip

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve comprises 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains National Landscape. A remnant of the rainforests that once covered the Blackall Range, the Reserve is a living museum of diverse plant and animal life which will delight with its tranquillity and beauty.

Take a relaxing walk along our rainforest tracks from 7am to 6pm (Gold Coin donation appreciated). Entry to the new after hours rainforest track is located on the right at the bike racks in front of the Rainforest Discovery Centre. The pristine tract of rain forest includes a 2km easy walking loop track that is flat and suitable for ‘off-road’ pushchairs and wheelchairs. Opposite the park you’ll get incredible views back over the glasshouse mountains National Park and there’s a large reserve area with plenty of space for kids to run around and a popular activity playground. For your picnics there are sheltered picnic tables in good supply and clean toilet facilities are available onsite. If you prefer there is also a cafe onsite serving drinks, snacks and meals during the day.

The information centre opens at 9am but if you want to get out on the track while it’s relatively quiet you are able to get access from 7am. The caretaker opens the side gate just past the information centre early each morning and you can access the track from there.

As you enter this sub-tropical rainforest, you will hear the collective sounds of many Sunshine Coast rainforest birds, especially early in the morning during spring. With a little patience, they can be closely observed.

1. Yellow-throated scrubwren
2. Eastern yellow robin
3. Rufous fantail
4. Golden whistler
   
5. Eastern whipbird
6. Noisy pitta
7. Regent bowerbird
8. Emerald dove
9. Rose-crowned fruit dove
10. Green catbird
11. Paradise riflebird
12. Wompoo fruit-dove

Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World - an unforgettable experience - The 'Jewel' of Maleny.

Enjoy the panorama of waterfalls, ponds and colourful plantings on three hectares of magnificent, privately owned gardens. Positioned high on the escarpment, uniquely landscaped layers, idyllic rainforest surroundings and the spectacular Glasshouse Mountains backdrop create a truly unique garden.

The Bird Aviary is a haven for colourful birds from around the world. Interact and get "up close and personal" with birds from finches to macaws via daily guided tours. Sit near the waterfall, watch, listen and photograph birds as they alight upon you, an awesome experience.

Enjoy the scrumptious Devonshire Tea served any time throughout the day. A picnic is another way to enjoy the peace and serenity. Dogs are welcome on a lead!

Our Aviaries cover over 1400 m2 , opening on November 16th 2013 and is currently housing over 600 birds throughout 3 separate walk-through aviaries.

From finches, Australian cockatoos and lorikeets to exotic parrots and macaws, you will meet hundreds of cheeky and colourful birds, many of whom will land right on your shoulder.

FINCH AVIARY Our Finch aviary has an ever growing collection of finches and small birds from all parts the world! Walk through and discover the wonders of these tiny creatures as they go about their daily antics.

SMALL PARROT AVIARY Our small parrot aviary embraces species from all over the world from the Beautiful Australian king parrots to the cheeky South American Conures! With approximately 250 birds on display you will not be disappointed!

LARGE PARROT AVIARY Our most interactive aviary gives you the opportunity to get eye to eye with some of the most stunning birds in the world, get up close and personal with a some some of our amazing macaws or stunning Eclectus parrots. With over 30 different species from all over the globe you will be left in awe!

Entry to the aviary is available through guided walk-through tours offered daily. One of our friendly and experienced birdkeepers will introduce you to our wide variety of birds, in a tour lasting 50 minutes.

Tour times vary according to demand, beginning at either 10:30am or 11:00am daily, offered hourly or every 1.5 hours.

Maleny is an overtly tourist town on the southern edge of the Blackall Range with dramatic views across to the Sunshine Coast and to the Glass House Mountains. In the 1980s it attracted sculptors, painters, craftspeople and potters who provided the local galleries with their works. Soon the galleries and craft shops were complemented by cafes, coffee lounges and restaurants. Today the town is permanently busy on weekends with daytrippers. The reasons are simple. The Blackall Ranges rise sharply behind Nambour. The air is cool and fresh. The views are panoramic. The edge of the range means that as the visitor drives towards Maleny and Montville they can pause and admire the verdant mountains and valleys to the west and the broad coastal plain and Pacific Ocean to the east. The area is dotted with gracious gardens and small national parks (all protecting remnants of rainforest and many with dramatic and beautiful waterfalls) and there is an abundance of boutique accommodation and chic eateries.

There is something so special about walking through the bush, listening to the native birds singing with the trickling of water in the background slowly getting louder as you approach the stunning falls and rockpools. You have just arrived at one of South East Queensland’s little hidden treasures, Gardners Falls. The falls are a picturesque pool surrounded by rock ledges of varying heights and sizes. There is also beautiful tropical Australian bush surrounding the waterhole which makes it feel like an oasis. There is even a rope swing to entertain the brave and nimble folks out there, so if you’re a dare devil get out there and have a go! Just remember to always check the water depth first and this can vary depending on recent rainfalls.