Obi Obi Boardwalk, Maleny: Platypus Spotting, Access and Parking

The Obi Obi Boardwalk is a flat, fully shaded timber boardwalk of about 800 metres through subtropical rainforest beside Obi Obi Creek in Maleny, with viewing platforms where you can look for platypus. It is one of the easiest walks in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and starts a short walk from the town centre.

The boardwalk is part of the 6.7 km Maleny Trail Circuit, which starts at the Maleny Showgrounds, so you can do the short creek section on its own or build it into a longer loop. Most visitors come for the boardwalk and the chance of a platypus.

Walking the Obi Obi Boardwalk

The walk is 0.8 km one way and rated Grade 1, which means flat and well formed with no steps. It is a flat boardwalk all the way, suitable for walkers, prams and wheelchairs. The trees shade the whole route, which makes it a good choice on a hot day.

The timber boardwalk follows Obi Obi Creek through the rainforest. It then becomes a 2.5 m wide concrete and bitumen path with resting points and railings. The platypus viewing platform is at the 751 m mark, about 30 m beyond the end of the boardwalk itself. Walking out and back, allow around half an hour, longer if you stop to watch the water.

Choosing a return route

You can simply turn around and walk back the way you came, which is the easy option. There are two longer ways back. One is a forest path toward Maleny centre, which has many tree roots. The other passes the golf course and includes 1 km of concrete, 3 km of road and dirt, and 50 m of gravel, ending with steps. The signs can be hard to follow, so most visitors stick to the out-and-back boardwalk.

Platypus spotting at the Obi Obi Boardwalk

The best chance of seeing a platypus is early, around 7 am, or late in the day. Platypus are shy and sightings are never guaranteed, so walk slowly, keep quiet and watch the water near the platforms. Turtles, water dragons and azure kingfishers are also seen along the creek.

Where to start: finding the entrance

Park near the roundabout at Maple, Coral and Bunya Streets, for example at Tesch Park or near the library. Then follow the shared path up Coral Street to the intersection with Bicentenary Lane, where a large green sign marks the official entrance.

Public toilets, including an accessible toilet, are at Tesch Park, where you finish if you walk back the way you came. Accessible parking is at the Maleny Library, the shops opposite and the neighbourhood centre.

Crossing the road

There is no pedestrian crossing on the way in. You cross a sloped footpath and a couple of commercial driveways, or you can cross from the Maleny Community Centre Office corner of Bicentenary Lane, so keep children close and take care with prams.

Is the Obi Obi Boardwalk dog friendly?

Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash. Keep your dog close near the water and the platforms, since the creek is home to platypus, turtles and water dragons. Look for signs at the entrance in case rules change.

Planning your visit

• How long: about half an hour for the boardwalk, more if you add the wider Maleny Trail Circuit (6.7 km from the showgrounds).
• Best time: early morning, around 7 am, or late in the day for platypus.
• What to bring: water, a hat and a quiet voice. Binoculars help at the platforms.
• Accessibility: flat boardwalk suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

Getting there and parking

By car, Maleny is about 92 km and about 85 minutes from the Brisbane CBD without traffic. Park in the town centre near Tesch Park or the library, then walk up Coral Street to the green entrance sign. The council’s page on the Maleny boardwalk and platypus walk has the route, and the page says its details may be out of date, so check it before you go.

Nearby

• Maleny – cafes, shops, walks and getting there.
• Maleny Markets – local stalls in town.
• Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve – more rainforest walking just outside Maleny.
• Baroon Pocket Dam – picnics and paddling by the lake.
• Flaxton – gardens and a barn lunch along the Blackall Range.
• Woodford – the museum, railway and Archer Street.

Browse more nature walks and Sunshine Coast Hinterland days out.

You might also like

• Boondall Wetlands (Brisbane)
• Whites Hill Reserve (Camp Hill)
• Oxley Creek Common (Rocklea)

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