Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions.
Bookings
To book a school excursion, please complete and submit the online form. All groups must pre-book their visit, whether participating in a guided walk or visiting independently. We recommend allowing at least six weeks' notice to help us accommodate your booking and secure your preferred date.
Guided walks
Guided walks are available between 9am and 3.30pm. We recommend allowing 1.5 hours for the walk, with a minimum duration of 1 hour. Guided walks are delivered in groups of 10-12 students, with one rainforest guide allocated to each group. School staff remain responsible for student supervision at all times.
Please allow 30 minutes after arrival for students to have a drink, something to eat, and use the toilet before the guided walk begins.
Guided walks cost $2.50 per student for schools within the Sunshine Coast Council region and $3.50 per student for schools outside the region. A minimum charge of $25 applies. The fee includes entry to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. An invoice will be emailed following your visit.
Curriculum connections
Our guided programs are designed to support a range of curriculum outcomes through authentic, hands-on learning experiences in the natural environment. Rather than relying on worksheets, students engage directly with the forest through observation, investigation, discussion, and exploration. When booking, teachers are encouraged to share any specific learning outcomes, themes, or inquiry questions they would like incorporated into the guided walk.
Group size and supervision
All visiting schools should organise students into groups of 10 before arrival. Each group must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Students should remain in their allocated groups while moving through the forest trails and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Smaller groups support student engagement and effective supervision, minimise impacts on the rainforest, and maintain a positive visitor experience. For this reason, a maximum of five groups may be on the rainforest track at any one time. Larger cohorts may need to schedule multiple walk sessions or divide their visit across more than one day.
Rainforest Discovery Centre
The Rainforest Discovery Centre offers a range of interactive exhibits and educational displays that enhance learning and inspire curiosity about the rainforest. Suitable for all ages, it complements the rainforest walk experience. We recommend allowing 15-20 minutes for students to explore the exhibits and activities in their allocated group.
The guided walk fee includes entry to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. For self-guided visits, a gold coin donation to the Rainforest Discovery Centre is appreciated.
Facilities
Toilets, picnic tables, water bubbler and BBQs are available near the picnic grounds.
Accessibility
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is detailed on the Cerge Digital Concierge companion website with a virtual tour, visual story, and sensory guide. Assistance dogs are welcome. The rainforest tracks are not classified as wheelchair accessible. Alternative walks such as the butterfly walk and mid-canopy boardwalk are available.
Risk assessment and safety
Our volunteer rainforest guides hold a current Blue Card and have completed a comprehensive guide training program. Please note the reserve is a natural area, and the tracks have rough and uneven surfaces. A risk assessment (PDF, 684KB) for the guided walk program is available.
What to bring on the walk
This reserve is a rainforest environment. Please come prepared for a day in the outdoors with sturdy, enclosed footwear, a water bottle, insect repellent, and weather-appropriate clothing. Rainforest conditions can change quickly, so we recommend bringing wet-weather gear if rain is forecast.
Worksheets should not be brought onto the rainforest trail. To maximise engagement with the rainforest experience, these should be completed before or after the guided walk.
Please leave bags on the bus. Alternatively, bags may be stored in the outdoor classroom.
For more information, please email [email protected] or call 07 5494 3023.