Discovery Centre closed 4 Dec

Closed from 12.30pm on Monday 4 December to allow the installation of a new exhibition. Viewing deck, cafe & picnic grounds open regular hours.

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Come and explore the rainforest

Come and explore the rainforest

In the heart of Jinibara Country

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

Immerse your senses in a rainforest filled with plant and animal life overlooking the spectacular Glasshouse Mountains.

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Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve

See and Do

The rainforest reserve

Make the most of your visit by learning about the special creatures who live here

Birds
Conspicuous ground-dweller : Noisy pitta
Stars of the rainforest

Birds

As you enter the forest you will hear the layered orchestra of bird song around and above you. 141 different species live at Mary Cairncross and play essential roles in the ecosystem: eating insects, spreading plant seeds, turning soil and raising their young.

More about birds
Invertebrates
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.

More about invertebrates
Herpetofauna
Vulnerable colour-changer:Cascade tree frog
Reptiles and amphibians

Herpetofauna

Our reserve is home to several species of frogs, snakes, lizards, dragons and skinks, some of which are threatened. These cold-blooded masters of camouflage are important creatures in the forest ecosystem.

More about herpetofauna
Fungi
Have you seen this species? : Purple shelf fungi
Amazing mycelia

Fungi

Beneath your feet and within the plants themselves is a living network of mycelium - the kingdom of fungi.

More about fungi
Mammals
A wallaby with status : Red-legged Pademelon
Fascinating fauna

Mammals

Encounter the warmblooded creatures who hop, fly and scurry

More about mammals

History of the reserve

The rainforest holds ancient and contemporary stories

European history

European history

Learn about early settlement, timber extraction and the families and individuals who protected the forest for future generations

More about european history