Access and inclusion
 
 

Access and inclusion


Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve welcomes all visitors. We are working to provide accessible spaces and inclusive experiences.

Accessible parking

  • There are two accessible parking bays approximately 90m from the Rainforest Discovery Centre. 
  • There is a 2 min passenger drop off / pick up zone adjacent to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. It is approximately 40m from the curb cut to the Discovery Centre.  
  • Mini buses can park in the large vehicle bay in the centre of the roundabout.


Rainforest Discovery Centre

The Rainforest Discovery Centre features a range of interactive displays. Most require sight. 

  • After dark room - multimedia display of the forest at night. Includes animal calls and the sound of thunder and rain.
  • Video pod - Short videos about the reserve and the surrounding landscape play on a loop.  
  • The Glasshouse Mountains Viewing Deck provides views towards the Glasshouse Mountains. It is accessible via an elevator.

Walks

The rainforest walks are circuits and are accessible from 7am to 6pm daily. They are classified as Grade 2 tracks. 

  • Rainforest loop - 1.7km, hardened predominantly gravel surface, with exposed roots and rocks. Sloped gradient down to and up from the creek. Includes steps and some sections of raised boardwalk.
  • Pademelon loop - 1.3km, hardened predominantly gravel surface, with exposed roots and rocks, gentle gradient.
  • Piccabeen loop: 1.3km, hardened predominantly gravel surface, with exposed roots and rocks. Sloped gradient down to and up from the creek. Includes steps and some sections of raised boardwalk.

Walks with paved surfaces include:

  • Glider Gallery boardwalk - 40m, wheelchair compliant raised boardwalk accessed through the Rainforest Discovery Centre, gentle gradient.
  • Butterfly Walk - 130m paved surface following the open-lawn perimeter, gentle gradient. 

Talk to our friendly volunteers in the Rainforest Discovery Centre to find out more.

https://mary-cairncross.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/see-and-do/walking-tracks

All Terrain Electric Wheelchair

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve has an Observer Aussie Bush 4x4 All Terrain Electric Wheelchair available for use at no charge. Hire requests for the wheelchair must be made in advance. Hire is available between 10:00am to 2:00pm.  One hire per day. Use is subject to availability, public holidays, track closures and weather conditions. For further information or bookings please contact the Environmental Vistor Centres team via email  [email protected] or phone 07 5494 3023.


Picnic grounds

Some of the picnic tables and shelters in the picnic grounds are accessible. The BBQs closest to the Discovery Centre are accessible via a paved path.

Toilets

There are two toilet blocks. One is located near the picnic grounds and one is located in the Rainforest Discovery Centre complex. Both provide accessible toilets but the Rainforest Discovery Centre is a more modern facility. The hand driers in the Rainforest Discovery Centre toilets are very forceful and loud. They sit over the sink and can be triggered accidentally while washing hands.

Assistance Dogs

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is an important refuge for native wildlife. Trained and accredited assistance dogs are permitted in the reserve. Domestic pets or companion animals are not permitted anywhere in the reserve including the picnic grounds and cafe. You will be required to show proof of your dog's qualification to access the walking tracks.

Please call (5494 3023) or email ([email protected]) for more information.