Mapleton
Postcode: 4560
Mapleton is a small town in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland, with a population of around 800 people. It includes the Lillyponds, the Mapleton Tavern and historic Seaview House (St Isidore’s Farm College), and is well know for its magnificent, 180 degree panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast. The second highest town on the Blackall Ranges in reference to the Sunshine Coast, it’s 10 minutes from Nambour, 25 minutes from Maleny and 30 minutes from Maroochydore.
Throughout this beautiful district, art and craft galleries abound, along with potteries, antique shops and museums. Buy fresh local fruit and vegetables from the side of the road and make sure you stop to dine at one of the many interesting and different restaurants and cafes which have opened in recent years.
Nature, however, is the star attraction in these parts and her gift to Mapleton is a spectacular cascade tumbling off the western escarpment of the Blackall Range into the Mary Valley. The Mapleton Falls are best appreciated from the viewing platform. The village flanks the Mapleton National Park which is renowned for its rainforest picnic glades.
Mapleton also hosts the annual Yarn Festival when spinners of tall tales and true gather to celebrate the art of the Aussie bush balladeer.