McCarthys Lookout

McCarthy’s Lookout is in Maleny, on the aptly named Mountain View Rd. It looks east off the Blackall Range towards the coast and the gorgeous Glasshouse Mountains.

The area was owned by Joseph McCarthy, purchased in the 1880s, and became known as McCarthy’s Farm. Namesakes from the McCarthy family still exist with McCarthy Road, McCarthy Chute Road, and Mountain View Rd.

Mountain View Rd, while a fitting name for the views off the mountain and the mountains in the view, was named from the McCarthy family house, which was called Mountain View. McCarthy’s Chute Road is named from the chute created to spear logs down the side of the mountain rather than trying to transport them down the steep slopes.

The lookout area is small with a few parking spaces. There is a decent sized shelter with picnic table built into the corner at either end. There is space in between where you could setup your own table if need be. A separate small sheltered picnic table is beside the parking spaces.

There were quite a few people coming and going, but most didn’t stay longer than looking at the views. We stayed for a cool drink and some snacks, and admire the views for a little longer. Mary Cairncross Park  has more facilities, including BBQs, toilets, and a playground, although they are set in from the views near it.

To get there:

Cost: Free

Hours: Anytime

Toilets: No

Bins: Yes

Tables: Yes

Seating: Yes

Water: No

Food: No

Wheelchair accessible: Yes

Pets: Yes

BBQ: No

Playground: No