History

Called Luton Vale until 1894, Mapleton was so named at the suggestion of early settler W.J. Smith who had read about "a pretty little place on top of a hill named Mapleton in England".

Annual Events: Yarn Festival.

At a glance

Mapleton is a rural country town that is cradled by a luscious subtropical rainforest, yet still only a short drive away from the CBD and beaches. This local community is quick to share its bounty, including the fresh fruit and produce that has built the community. Once you arrive, pitch a tent, find a B&B, or stay in a local hotel, but make sure you spend most of your time outside, exploring the land - the essence of Mapleton.

Taste

The local fresh produce is the star of Mapleton. There is plenty of fresh produce, which can be obtained at the local stores or direct from the farmers' properties. For a truly local delicacy with historical significance, look out for the Bunya Pine. The pine drops cones weighing up to 10 kilograms. The nuts inside sustained the indigenous Kabi people for generations. For a more conventional meal, the Mapleton Pub serves great meals from a classic 'Queenslander' verandah with one of the best views on the Sunshine Coast.

Play

At Point Glorious, abseiling enthusiasts can apply their skills on the rhyolite bluffs - anchor points are provided near the lookout. Everybody likes a good 'yarn': poets and spinners of tall stories come together in Mapleton each year in October for the Mapleton Yarn Festival. Join the traditional Poet's Breakfast before watching the competition unfold and enjoying the live music. While the coveted King of Liars award is the fought-after prize, the whole experience is in true relaxed Mapleton style and is guaranteed to be a great laugh.

Explore

Exploration in Mapleton is all about discovering its secrets and marvelling at the beauty of its bountiful earth. Take a walk along the Wampoo circuit to Peregrine Lookout for magical views of the Obi Obi Valley and Mapleton Falls, descending into lush rainforest. The Mapleton Falls National Park is a beautiful reminder of the huge forests that once covered this area. Look out for Pencil Creek, near the picnic area, which still bears witness to the volcanic activity that flourished 25 million years ago.

Local knowledge

On your way to Mapleton discover Flaxton - a miniature English village with castles, churches, thatched cottages and inns. Make sure you visit its clock museum and the Flaxton Barn. The barn's craft shop showcases exclusively Queensland-made goods, collectables, books, old wares and locally-made food products. Flaxton Barn's unique Marklin HQ Gauge modern railway display, brings an intricate miniature city to life with a superb light show and animated action sequences. The Tea Room helps keep the adults out of trouble.

Click here to discover a day in the hinterland