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where water plummets through the rainforestAmong the unusual species recorded in the area are the pouched frog, the platypus , red goshawk, the habitat of which has been greatly reduced by urbanization. The park is on the western escarpment of the Blackall Range, and Pencil Creek flows gently through the picnic grounds before cascading 120 metres to the valley below. Although the lookout over the falls has been closed for safety reasons, there is ample opportunity for walking and birdwatching. It preserves remnants of the rainforest and wet eucalypt forest that once dominated the Blackall Range and provides a valuable wildlife habitat. Mapleton Falls was once a popular destination for Brisbane day trippers who came from Brisbane to Nambour by train and then to Mapleton on the now defunct Mapleton tramway. The remains of the old flying fox on which they were taken over the gorge to view the falls are still discernible in one of the large trees near the parking area.You can view the valley from Peregrine Lookout, accessed by a walk of about one kilometre through the park. The park is reached by turning north off the Mapleton - Kenilworth Road, 4 km west of Mapleton or 28 km east of Kenilworth (this section not suitable for caravans). Alternative travel from Brisbane via Landsborough, Montville and Mapleton (12 km total) A range of accommodation, food and fuel is available in nearby towns. To protect this small park’s natural values, camping is not allowed. |
