Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions.
Bookings
To make a booking, please complete and submit the online form (6 weeks notice is required to secure guides for large groups). All groups must pre-book their visit, even if you do not want a guide.
Time
Walks are available between 9am-3.30pm. We recommend allowing 1.5 hours for the walk, minimum walk time is 1 hour. Please allow 30 minutes following arrival for students to have a drink something to eat and to go to the toilet prior to the walk start time.
Curriculum connections
Our 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. Specific curriculum connections can be tailored to your group's learning objectives, and we are happy to work with teachers to incorporate particular outcomes, themes, or inquiry questions into the program.
Cost
$2.50 / student (Sunshine Coast Council region) or $3.50 / student (all other areas). Please note a minimum charge of $25 applies. This fee includes entry to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. An invoice will be emailed to your group following your visit.
Group numbers
To ensure a positive visitor experience, minimise impact on the reserve, and support safe group management, a ratio of 10 students per guide is required. Each group must be accompanied by a supervising adult (preferably staff) from the school. A maximum of five groups may be on the rainforest track at any one time. Larger cohorts will need to schedule multiple walk sessions or divide their visit across more than one day.
Rainforest Discovery Centre
The centre provides a range of interactive and educational displays to suit all ages. A gold coin donation is requested on entry. A booked guided walk includes entry to the discovery centre. We recommend allowing at least 15-20 minutes for students to engage with the activities in the centre. Please note a maximum of 10 students are permitted in the discovery centre at one time. Students must be fully supervised at all times.
Facilities
Toilets, picnic tables 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
All guides have a blue card and have participated in a guide training program. Please note the reserve is a natural area and the tracks have rough and uneven surfaces. Visitors are advised to wear closed toe shoes and protective clothing. A risk assessment (PDF, 684KB) for the guided walk program is available.
What to bring on the walk
This reserve is a natural 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.