Maleny Trail and Obi Obi Boardwalk
An easy, paved trail with sections of boardwalk, offering chances to spot platypuses and enjoy valley views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance to see platypus
Maleny Trail and Obi Obi Boardwalk
Best Time
Best chance to see platypus
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An easy, paved trail with sections of boardwalk, offering chances to spot platypuses and enjoy valley views.
"The platypus lookout was well worth the visit, even if it isn't really a boardwalk for most of it."
🎯 Patience for Platypus
Visit at dawn or dusk for the best chance to see platypuses. Midday sightings are rare . :eyes:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The trail is mostly paved concrete, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended . :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Platypus Viewing Platform
Along the Obi Obi Boardwalk
Dedicated platform for spotting elusive platypuses. Best seen at dawn or dusk for a chance encounter .
Stone Art Displays
Along the Maleny Trail
Unique stone art installations are dotted along the path, adding an artistic touch to your walk .
Scenic Valley Views
Sections of the trail
Enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding valleys as you traverse parts of the trail .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Platypus Spotting
Trail Realities vs. Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Patience for Platypus
Visit at dawn or dusk for the best chance to see platypuses. Midday sightings are rare. :eyes:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The trail is mostly paved concrete, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Trail Navigation
The path can be a bit confusing, especially where it crosses the golf course. Stay aware of your surroundings. :compass:
💧 Bring Water
Carry water, especially on warmer days, as there are limited facilities along the trail. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Patience for Platypus
Visit at dawn or dusk for the best chance to see platypuses. Midday sightings are rare. :eyes:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The trail is mostly paved concrete, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Trail Navigation
The path can be a bit confusing, especially where it crosses the golf course. Stay aware of your surroundings. :compass:
💧 Bring Water
Carry water, especially on warmer days, as there are limited facilities along the trail. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Maleny Trail and Obi Obi Boardwalk to be a pleasant, easy walk with the potential for rewarding wildlife sightings, particularly platypuses at dawn or dusk. While some note that it's not a continuous boardwalk as the name might suggest, the paved paths and scenic views are appreciated. The chance to see various animals makes the platypus viewing platform a highlight for many.
"Bit of a walk that starts down the hill from the town centre. The start of the track looks somewhat recently done up. Easy path to follow, with some stone art displays set up at regular intervals.
There is a Platypus viewing platform about a quarter of the way around, but if you go in the middle of the day, you're unlikely to see any (they'll be asleep). They're crepuscular, so best time to catch them will be dusk and dawn.
Path gets a little confusing a bit further on though, as it takes you through a golf course, and there's a bit of shared path, where golf buggies were driving past.
We turned back when we hit the course, but a good walk till then."
Cyphren Khan
"Just for a reference… start of the track is at the back of the show ground, but you can basically jump on anywhere. It was actually a really nice walk. It was paved most of the way. There crosses through the town centre, passed by the golf course and have wonderful valley views. We didn’t hurry through and spent time really trying to find the Platypus. It took us about 2hrs. Well worth it"
Robert Cressy
"Short and very pretty walk from the showgrounds to the middle of town.
Good for a stroll after breakfast or lunch."
Emily Macfarlane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail starts near the Maleny Showgrounds, with access points also available from the town center. Parking is available near the showgrounds and in town. It's a short walk from the town center to the start of the trail.
Information on public transport options to Maleny can be found through local Sunshine Coast transport services. Once in Maleny, the trail is within walking distance from the town center.
Yes, you can join the trail at various points, including the showgrounds and the middle of town. This offers flexibility for shorter or longer walks.
No, the Maleny Trail and Obi Obi Boardwalk are pedestrian paths and are not accessible by car. Vehicle access is limited to parking areas near the trailheads.
While generally easy to follow, the trail can be a bit confusing in parts, particularly near the golf course. Using a map or GPS on your phone can be helpful.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Maleny Trail and Obi Obi Boardwalk is free. It's a public access area for everyone to enjoy.
The trail is generally accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor public space. However, for platypus viewing, dawn and dusk are recommended, and it's best to be aware of daylight hours.
There is no admission fee to walk the Maleny Trail and Obi Obi Boardwalk. It's a free community amenity.
While there aren't typically official guided tours, local nature groups or guides might offer specific platypus spotting excursions. It's worth checking local Maleny tourism information.
The trail is open to the public. Standard rules for public spaces apply, such as respecting the environment and wildlife. Be mindful of the golf course sections.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The trail is primarily a paved concrete path, making it an easy walk. There are sections that are actual boardwalk, particularly near the platypus lookout and closer to town.
A leisurely walk, taking your time to look for wildlife and enjoy the scenery, can take around 2 hours. You can also do shorter sections if time is limited.
Besides platypuses, visitors have reported seeing snakes, fish, eels, various birds, and water dragons. The platypus viewing platform is a key spot for wildlife observation.
The paved concrete sections are generally suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, offering good accessibility. However, some parts might be uneven, so caution is advised.
Facilities are more concentrated in the town center of Maleny. There are limited facilities directly on the trail itself, so it's advisable to use restrooms before you start and carry water.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic valley views, the unique stone art installations, and the platypus viewing platform. The boardwalk sections also offer picturesque opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for landscape shots of the valleys. For wildlife photography, dawn and dusk are essential for platypus sightings.
A telephoto lens can be beneficial for capturing clear shots of wildlife like platypuses from a distance. However, a standard camera or smartphone can still capture the beauty of the surroundings.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with the Maleny local council or relevant authorities regarding drone operation in public spaces and near wildlife.
If you're lucky, you might get a clear shot of a platypus swimming or surfacing. Patience and a good zoom lens are key. Many visitors capture photos of the platypus viewing area itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of it, consider visiting closer to dawn or dusk for a higher chance of seeing platypuses, though this might require an earlier start or later finish for the little ones. Pack snacks and water, as facilities are limited on the trail itself. The walk is also a great way to stretch legs after a meal in Maleny.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Wildlife Spotters
Be prepared for a mixed terrain; while parts are boardwalk, much is paved. The trail's route through varied landscapes, including open fields, offers a diverse ecological experience. Respecting the environment and maintaining a quiet presence will enhance your wildlife viewing opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Platypus Quest
Even if you don't see a platypus, the area is rich with other wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species, fish, eels, and even water dragons. The ecosystem around the Obi Obi Creek is vibrant, offering a rewarding nature experience regardless of platypus sightings.
Understanding the 'Boardwalk' Experience
Despite this, the trail is described as an easy walk, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The concrete path ensures good footing and is generally well-maintained. The varied scenery, from the more natural creek-side areas to the open fields, offers a pleasant, albeit different, walking experience than a traditional boardwalk might suggest. It's a good option for a relaxed stroll after a meal in Maleny.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit