Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve comprises 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest overlooking the Glass House Mountains 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 tranquility and beauty.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring the multi-sensory, interactive educational displays
Visiting as a school group? Visiting as a tour group? click here .
-
Conspicuous ground-dweller Noisy pitta
-
Endangered beauty Richmond birdwing butterfly
Bugs in the system
Invertebrates
An abundance of invertebrates inhabit the undergrowth in our forest: ants, butterflies, wasps, bees, spiders, centipedes and even crustaceans. Invertebrates are thought to make up 97% of all animals on earth. They are crucial workers in the ecosystem as pollinators, garbage collectors and food sources. Many species remain to be identified, here we have profiled a few known to live in the reserve.
-
Vulnerable colour-changer Cascade tree frog
-
Have you seen this species? Purple shelf fungi
-
A wallaby with status Red-legged Pademelon
-
Geological history
Learn about the ancient and changing landscape and how the Glass House Mountains were formed
-
European history
Learn about early settlement, timber extraction and the families and individuals who protected the forest for future generations
-
Traditional Owners
Learn more about Jinibara people - their history, culture and future
Exhibition dates: Friday 3 June - Sunday 19 June 2022 The realistic fine art sculptures of German Australian artist Bodo Muche will inspire and enthral visitors. Bodo’s works reflect the great Classical tradition of the 19th Century French School of naturalistic sculptors, “Les Animaliers”- the Animal Artists. Before visiting please consider Queensland Covid-19 restrictions.
Did you know macropod means big foot? Come and learn more about this special group of pouched, hopping wildlife. Local ecologist and wildlife rehabilitator, Marc Russell will provide an overview of the macropods found in our region such as the swamp wallaby and pademelon. This talk follows the Winter pademelon survey at 7am. A World Environment Day Festival event.
