# Hinterland walks near Montville
> Kondalilla Falls, Mary Cairncross, Maleny Botanic Gardens and Lake Baroon. What each walk is, how long it takes, and what to bring.
- Tag: Walks
- Published: 2026-05-28
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Walks start at the property fence. Kondalilla National Park backs onto the cabins, and the wider hinterland holds another half-dozen named tracks within a 30-minute drive. The shortlist below covers the named tracks, with grades and times so you can match the walk to the day.
## In Kondalilla National Park
Two main trails leave from the Kondalilla Falls day-use area, 9 km from the cabins by road. Both start at the same carpark; pick by how far you want to walk.
**Picnic Creek Circuit**: 1.7 km return, 45 minutes to an hour, Grade 2. The easy option. Loops through subtropical rainforest along the creek. No stairs, suitable for most fitness levels.
**Kondalilla Falls Circuit**: 4.7 km return, 2 to 3 hours, Grade 3. The full descent past the upper rock pools to the base of the falls. **Over 300 stairs** in each direction. The lookout from the falls, and the pools above them, are the pay-off.
Two further tracks leave from the Narrows Road carpark on the park's northern edge:
**Narrows Lookout**: 2.2 km return, an hour. Hinterland views from the ridge.
**Baroon Lookout**: 4.4 km return, two hours. Continues toward Lake Baroon and back. Better in cool weather.
Dogs are not permitted in Queensland national parks. No exceptions.
## Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny
A 55-hectare patch of subtropical rainforest preserved on the edge of Maleny. **Walking tracks 7 am to 6 pm, no entry fee.** About two kilometres of trail in total, all gentle.
The Glider Gallery and Butterfly Walk are sealed boardwalks suited to strollers and wheelchairs; the other tracks are unsealed but easy. The Discovery Centre at the entrance opens 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, closed on major public holidays; check current hours before relying on it. Coin donation supports the maintenance.
A café, picnic and BBQ areas and a small playground sit at the entrance. The reserve is a good half-morning, especially after rain when the rainforest is loudest.
No dogs.
## Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
Different proposition: terraced gardens looking out toward the Glass House Mountains, plus walk-through aviaries housing more than 600 birds. **Gardens-only $27 adult, $22 senior, $17 child. Gardens plus Aviary $47, $42, $32.** Open daily 9 am to 4:30 pm, closed Christmas.
Aviary guided tours run at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm, each about fifty minutes. Five separate environments, walk-through, no glass between you and the birds. Worth the higher ticket if you're travelling with kids.
## Lake Baroon
Three point two kilometres from the cabins. Two recreation areas, north and south, with free BBQs, picnic tables and shelters. **Non-motorised boating only**: canoes, kayaks, sailing dinghies, paddle craft. Boat ramps open 6 am to 6 pm.
Fishing is permitted with a Stocked Impoundment Permit. Swimming and paddling along the shoreline are free; there's no enclosed swimming area, so watch the depth and the wind. Shoreline walks at both recreation areas.
## Practical notes
Carry water and a hat. The hinterland sits well above the coast and temperatures run a few degrees cooler: pleasant for walking in summer, occasionally cold enough for a jumper in winter.
After heavy rain, the falls and creek crossings run higher and the rock pools can become unsafe. Check the Queensland Parks alerts page before heading out on the Kondalilla Falls Circuit.
For all the walks above, allow extra time for stopping.