Join us for an event What's on

Find out about upcoming opportunities to learn and engage

  • 01-Jul-22 The Natural Wonders of the Australian Rainforest

    Exhibition dates: Friday 1 July - Sunday 10 July 2022 Members of the Queensland Wildlife Artists Society display their art works depicting the natural wonders of the Australian Rainforest. From the tiniest insects and fungi to the spectacularly colourful birds and gorgeous marsupials, the artists will show their connection to the rainforest fauna and flora in this exhibition. Before visiting please consider Queensland Covid-19 restrictions.

  • 15-Jul-22 Mary Cairncross Bird Survey

    Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is haven for bird life. Join a team of volunteers to help survey the birds present in the reserve during the cooler winter months.

  • 16-Jul-22 Save Our Species - an exhibition by Jim Cox

    Exhibition dates: Friday 16 July - Sunday 31 July 2022 Most Australians haven’t seen or heard of some of the animals featured in this collection of artworks by Jim Cox. Before visiting please consider Queensland Covid-19 restrictions.

The rainforest reserve Make the most of your visit by learning about the special creatures who live here
  • 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
  • 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.

    See more
  • Vulnerable colour-changer Cascade tree frog
    Amphibians and reptiles 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 reptiles and amphibians
  • 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
  • A wallaby with status Red-legged Pademelon
    Fascinating fauna Mammals

    If you are quiet in the forest you may be lucky enough to spot a Red-legged Pademelon hopping across the track. The Pademelon is a solitary, shy animalthat is active both during the day and night, feeding on fallen rainforest leaves and fruits.

    More about mammals