Discover Malanda

When planning a hotel stay in Malanda, you can choose to focus on the town’s history, exhibitions or nature watching. Mosaics and the theatre shape the townscape; Malanda Falls Conservation Park and Bromfield Swamp are nearby.

Art and culture in Malanda

The Malanda Mosaic Trail, also known as the Mosaic Art Trail, runs through Malanda and features nine mosaics depicting the town’s history and culture. In addition, two life-size sculptures stand on James Street. Murals can be seen on the theatre doors and in the supermarket car park. Individual artworks may change.

The Malanda Falls Visitor Centre has exhibitions about the volcanic origins of the Tablelands, the cultural heritage of the Ngadjon Aboriginal people, and the region’s plants and animals. There are interactive features too: you can activate a volcano model and view rainforest wonders under microscopes. If you’re interested in wildlife watching, you can ask at the centre about recent tree-kangaroo sightings. It also offers free visitor information and assistance from local volunteers. As service arrangements may change, check what is currently available before your visit.

The heritage-listed Majestic Theatre is a historic timber theatre in the centre of Malanda and is described as a “living museum”. It screens current films and also hosts productions by the Malanda Theatre Company. Live productions take place periodically, and the programme varies. The theatre therefore offers a different cultural focus from the mosaics and artworks in public spaces: here, film and stage productions take centre stage.

Walks and nature nearby

Malanda Falls Conservation Park is near Malanda and protects an area of old rainforest. An easy boardwalk allows visitors to stroll and watch tree-kangaroos, birds and other wildlife. More than 50 bird species have been recorded in the park. Two easy walking tracks also offer views of the North Johnstone River.

The routes described differ clearly in length and focus: the Tulip Oak Walk is 1 km long and provides information about the culture and way of life of the Ngadjon-Jii. The 1.5 km Rainforest Walk follows the North Johnstone River; many of the tall rainforest trees are labelled. The Tulip Oak Walk is therefore half a kilometre shorter, while the Rainforest Walk offers a different focus with its information about the trees.

Wildlife watching also has different timing. Platypuses can be seen in the river at the Conservation Park, particularly at sunrise and dusk; sightings are not guaranteed. Bromfield Swamp is also near Malanda. It is a shallow crater of an extinct volcano and a wetland of national significance. In winter, dusk offers an opportunity to watch sarus cranes there.

Discover more destinations: Elliott Heads, Jimboomba, Warwick, Petrie, Dalby, Springfield Lakes, Purga, Grandchester.

For the main travel overview: Queensland.