The Maleny Trail

The Maleny Trail follows Obi Obi Creek through the Sunshine Coast hinterland on a flat, shaded boardwalk and grassy paths, 3.9 km one way, easy grade, and dogs are welcome on lead. The whole walk takes most people around an hour.

The walk. Starting near the Riverside Centre and Bunya Street behind the library, the trail follows the Obi Obi Boardwalk before opening onto grassy sections, paving and gravel path. It is a return walk rather than a loop, and the boardwalk section alone, about 1 km, makes a good shorter option for older dogs. Most of the route is flat enough for prams and wheelchairs, and you pass the "Peace in the Trees" sculptures and a small Poetry Trail along the way.

The rules. Dogs must stay on lead for the entire walk, confirmed with Sunshine Coast Council, the land manager. Two exclusions matter here. Dogs are not allowed inside the Maleny Showgrounds grounds itself, even though the Showgrounds car park is the best place to leave the car, so park there and walk straight out to the boardwalk without cutting through the showground area. Separately, Gardener's Falls, at the end of Obi Lane South, is a different spot near town that also bans dogs entirely, so it is not worth the detour. This is a sensitive rehabilitation area too, so bring bags and clean up properly.

Water. Obi Obi Creek is the drawcard for wildlife watching, with platypus sightings most likely early or late in the day, alongside turtles and water dragons. Keep dogs well back from the water's edge to protect both the animals and the bank.

Hazards. The trail gets muddy after rain, and the creek rises quickly, so lower sections and the crossing at Reynold's Crossing can become impassable in wet weather. Check conditions before heading out if it has been raining.

Getting there. From Brisbane, take the M1 north, exit at Landsborough, then climb Maleny-Landsborough Road into town. Park at the Showgrounds car park, staying out of the grounds itself, or near Bunya Street behind the library. Public transport is limited, and TransLink buses require pets in a secure carrier, so driving is the practical option.

Nearby with the dogs. Refuel at Whit N Whimsy, which has pet-friendly outdoor seating in town, or let your dog off lead at Maleny Dog Park in North Maleny. For a stay right by the trail, Maleny Homestead has direct access.

Go early morning or late afternoon for the best chance of a platypus sighting, when the creek is calm and the light is soft. Good for calm walkers who enjoy rainforest scenery over a big run.

Sources

• Maleny Trails · malenytrails.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.