Course Description/Maps
Both the 50km and 100km will start at Mapleton QCCC facility and will run along the Sunshine
Coast Great Walk and other sections of the Mapleton National Park covering the Blackall Range.
The 100km starts at 6:00 am with the 50km starting an hour later at 7:00 am.
Cut-off for the 100km is 10:00 am Sunday morning (28 hours) and 9:00 am for the 50 km (25
hours).
The Course:
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50km course description
100km course description
Details of both the 100km and 50km routes can be downloaded from the links below *:
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Course overview (6Mb PDF) here ...
Course description here ...
GPS files:
o Full Course (GPX file)
o Kilometer Splits (KMZ file)
o Full Course (leg by leg - KMZ file)
o Individual Legs (OneDrive)
* distances may read short due to discrepancies caused by elevation
All course maps provided by Mic Zatorsky
Places to pay attention ... what the police call 'key intersections'
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Kondalilla
Obi Obi Rd
Mapleton Day Use Area
Coolalabin Dam
Note: distance reflected on the course maps, profiles and GPS files may have slight
discrepancies as steep elevation and descent can impair reading. Course measurements are
provided by NPRS&R.
50km Course Description
... Home
Leg
Distance
Cumulative
START: CP2 - CP3
18.5 km
18.5 km
CP3 - CP4
19 km
37.5 km
CP4 - CP4
4.2 km
41.7 km
CP4 - CP2: FINISH
9.5 km
51.2 km
Leg 1
QCCC Mapleton (Start) to Gheerulla camping and Day Use area - 18.5km
From the start, exit the QCCC and turn left onto the footpath along Obi Obi Rd.
Follow Obi Obi Rd and continue on past Susses Lane. From this point you are on The Great
Walk. There is a road crossing just past Susses lane. Take care, runners are to give way to
traffic. Continue until you reach the intersection with Mapleton Falls Rd and turn right. This will
require a road crossing – Take extreme care when crossing, runners are to give way to
traffic.
Continue along Mapleton Falls Rd down to the car park and continue to follow The Great Walk
signs toward Mapleton Falls Day Use Area. About 4.5 km along some single track, you will
reach an intersection where you will be directed left toward Ubajee Walkers Camp and Gheerulla
Falls.
At Ubajee Walker's Camp, make the descent toward Gheerulla Falls. At the base of the descent
turn right and follow great walk signs along the base of the Gheerulla Valley for 6.5km to
Gheerulla Camping and Day Use area where CP3 is located (your first checkpoint).
Highlights:
This leg has 2 Fantastic Valley Views, the first at Mapleton Falls Day Use Area and also on the
descent from Ubajee Walkers Camp. You will run through impressive sclerophyll forest and
along the creekside vegetation at the base of the Gheerulla Valley, which also supports a variety
of birdlife.
Take Note:
Runners are to give way to traffic and to proceed as instructed by traffic management
crew.
Leg 2
Gheerulla Day Use area to Mapleton Day use Area - 37.5km
From Gheerulla Day Use Area, follow The Great Walk signs around until you reach the ascent to
Gheerulla Bluff. At the top of Gheerulla Bluff, follow The Great Walk signs along the ridge,
passing Thilba Thalba walkers camp, where there will be water available.
View from Thilba Thalba
Continue along the Great Walk, following signs to Gheerulla Falls. Cross the base of the falls,
shortly after which you’ll find yourself back at the base of the descent into the Gheerulla loop,
20.9km prior. Turn right to make your way up toward Ubajee Walkers Camp. From here follow
the trail back out to Mapleton Day Use Area. Almost 3kms along, you’ll pass through a gate
where you’ll immediately turn left onto aalong some single track. A further 1km along and you’ll
arrive at the Mapleton Day Use Area (Checkpoint 4). This will bring you back to an intersection
continue straight for 200 metres cross the gate and turn left onto single track and follow for 1km
to Mapleton Day Use Area and CP4.
Highlights:
After climbing Gheerulla Bluff, enjoy views over the Mary Valley, taking in views of Conondale
Range and Gympie. You will also have stunning views of Gheerulla falls.
Leg 3
Mapleton Day use Area to Mapleton Day Use Area ( Following T2 trail 4.2km) - 41.7km
From The Mapleton Day Use Area, cross the road and descend along the National Park
trail. Continue until you reach a fork in the trail where the 50km and 100km trail split. The 50km
trail breaks off to the left. Ensure that you are following the trail marked T2.
This trail will lead you back onto Mapleton Falls Rd where you will turn left and make your way
back to Mapleton Day Use Area and CP4.
Leg 4
Mapleton Day Use Area to QCCC and Finish - 51.2km
Follow single trail for 1km back to the Great Walk entry and turn right through the gate into the
National Park. You are now back on Great Walk. Follow trail for 200 metres until you reach an
intersection, turning left along a single track. Follow the signs back to the Mapleton Falls day use
area.
Travel through the day use area on arrival and up through the Mapleton Falls car park. Continue
along Mapleton Falls Rd, following the Great Walk signs, turning left as directed onto Obi Obi Rd.
Continue along the Obi Obi Rd all the way back to the QCCC ... savour the clamour of the
cowbells getting louder and louder as you close in on the finish ... and finish of the race.
CONGRATULATIONS YOU HAVE JUST COMPLETED THE BLACKALL 50.
100km Course Description
... Home
Leg
Distance
Cumulative
START: CP2 - CP1
7.5 km
7.5 km
CP1 - CP1
4.5 km
12 km
CP1 - CP2
10.2 km
22.2 km
CP2 - CP3
18.5 km
40.7 km
CP3 - CP4
19 km
59.7 km
CP4 - CP5
10 km
69.7 km
CP5 - CP5
11.5 km
81.2 km
CP5 - CP4
9.5 km
90.7 km
CP4 - CP2: FINISH
9.5 km
100.2 km
Leg 1
QCCC Mapleton (Start) to Kondalilla Falls Day Use Area (Checkpoint 1) – 7.5km
Starting at the QCCC, participants run through front entrance and turn right onto the footpath
along Obi Obi Rd. Turn right into Wandoo Ct, running to the end leading the parkway into Wilga
Ct. Upon reaching the end of Wilga Ct, turn right onto the footpath along Montville-Mapleton
Rd.
Take note:
There will be a 2.1km single lane road closure along part of this section. It is mandatory
for all runners to stay on the shoulder of the road and observe the 3 metre traffic buffer.
Continue along Montville-Mapleton Rd. before turning right onto Kondalilla Falls Rd. Ensure you
stay on the footpath they are marked with ‘Green Great Walk’ signage. Continue along
Kondalilla Falls Rd down to Kondalilla Falls Car Park (Checkpoint 1).
Highlights:
Amazing views of the stunning Sunshine Coast to the east (on your left as you head
south). Some of the most spectacular views are to be had from here as the sun rises over the
beautiful sunshine coast beaches.
Leg 2
Checkpoint 1 and return via Kondalilla Falls circuit – 12km
Follow National Park signs along the Kondalilla Falls circuit. The trail Descends all the way to the
base of the falls, at the foot bridge turn and ascend back to Kondalilla Falls Car park (Checkpoint
1). Due to a land slip this section is now out and back. Be aware and take extra care, there will
be runners leaving and returning along the same trail from Kondalilla Falls car park.
At Checkpoint 1, be mindful that there will be runners leaving and returning along the same trail
from the day use area.
Highlights:
Cross the beautiful rock pools at the top of Kondalilla Falls. Cross the Foot Bridge and take in
the breathtaking views of Kondalilla Falls from the bottom of the circuit. This section takes in part
of the Sunshine Coast Great Walk. The circuit is pristine trail with step sections and foot bridges.
Leg 3
Kondalilla Falls Car Park to QCCC Mapleton (Checkpoint 2) – 22.2km
From Kondalilla Falls Car Park, head back up along Kondalilla Falls Rd, along the Sunshine
Coast Great Walk route, turning left onto footpath along Montville-Mapleton Rd. Follow the Great
Walk signs and turn left onto Flaxton Mill Rd. Continue along the Great Walk signs turning right
toward Baxter Creek Falls (signed). Following the Great Walk signage, descend into Baxter
Creek Falls. The creek crossing is by way of a suspension bridge.
Take Note:
The suspension bridge is strictly limited to 2 persons at a time. This is both a condition
of the national park and of our permit.
After crossing the bridge, ascend from the falls, continuing on the trail along the Great Walk until
you emerge from the bush onto a sealed road (Susses Pocket Rd.).
Turn hard right up the road, straight on through the gate at the top turning right onto the footpath
along Obi Obi Rd. Continue for 1½ km back to the QCCC and Checkpoint 2.
Highlights:
Be sure to look toward Baxter Falls as you cross the bridge and take in the sounds of subtropical rainforest.
Leg 4
Checkpoint 2 (QCCC) to Gheerulla camping and Day Use area – 40.7km
After leaving Checkpoint 2 continue as directed along the perimeter road of the QCCC before
exiting again through the front gates. Turn left along the footpath on Obi Obi Rd (returning in the
direction you just arrived from). Follow Obi Obi Rd, continuing past Susses Pocket Rd. and back
onto the Great Walk, there is a road crossing just past Susses Pocket lane. Take care, runners
are to give way to traffic. Follow Great Walks signs and turn right into Mapleton Falls Rd. there is
a road crossing at Mapleton Falss Rd. Take care runners are to give way to traffic.
Take Note:
Runners are to give way to traffic and to proceed as instructed by traffic management
crew.
Follow Mapleton Falls Rd down to the car park and continue through the Mapleton Falls day use
area. Follow the signs as directed along the single track towards Ubajee walker’s camp. After
4.5kms you will come to intersection where you will turn left. The trail from here will take you to
Ubajee walker’s camp and on to Gheerulla Falls
Passing through Ubajee walkers camp make the descent down to Gheerulla Falls. At the foot of
the descent, turn right and follow great walk signs along the base of the Gheerulla Valley for
6.5kms until you reach the Gheerulla Camping and Day Use Area and Checkpoint 3.
Highlights:
This leg has 2 Fantastic Valley Views. The first at Mapleton Falls Day Use Area and also on the
Descent down from Ubajee walkers camp. You will run through impressive sclerophyll forest and
along the creekside vegetation at the base of the Gheerulla Valley, that supports a variety of
birdlife.
Leg 5
Gheerulla Day Use area to Mapleton Day use Area (Checkpoint 4) – 59.7km
From the Gheerulla day use area, continue to follow the Great Walk signs, making the ascent of
Gheerulla Bluff. Reaching the top of the bluff, continue along the Great Walk along the top of the
ridge where you will go past Thilba Thalba walkers camp, where there will be water available.
Continue to follow the Great Walk signage, making the descent to Gheerulla Falls. Crossing the
foot of the falls, you will soon find yourself at the bottom of the descent you made earlier into the
Gheerulla Falls circuit, some 20 ½ kms earlier. Turn right, making the ascent back to the Ubajee
Walker’s camp.
Passing by the camp, continue along the trail for 2.7 kms, toward the Mapleton Day Use Area.
Reaching the intersection where you joined the trail earlier, continue straight on for 200 metres,
turning left through the gate onto the single track. Follow for 1 km to the Mapleton Day Use Area
and Checkpoint 4.
Highlights:
After climbing Gheerulla Bluff, enjoy views over the Mary Valley taking in views of Conondale
Range and Gympie. You will also have breathtaking, close up views of Gheerulla falls
Leg 6
Mapleton Day use Area to Cooloolabin Dam (Checkpoint 5) – 69.7km
From Mapleton Day use Area cross the road as directed and turn right. After 50 metres turn left
and descend along the National Park trail toward Kureelpa falls. Be mindful of signage as there
are several forks in the track along this section. There will be directional arrows and signage so
be aware. Along this section you will cross a small weir at the base of Kureelpa falls and a small
creek bed. From the base of Kureelpa Falls ascend along the marked trail until you reach
National Park fencing. Cross the fencing and follow the trail out to Baronga Rd. Turn left along
Baronga Rd, continuing until you reach the intersection at Baronga and Cooloolabin Rd and
Checkpoint 5.
Highlights:
Catch views of Kureelpa falls and enjoy rock hopping across the small creek at the base of the
falls.
Leg 7
Cooloolabin Dam to Cooloolabin Dam (Checkpoint 5) – 81.2km
This leg is a 10 km, anti-clockwise loop around Cooloolabin dam. After leaving Checkpoint 5,
follow Cooloolabin Rd until you reach the intersection with Buckby Rd (a dirt road 2km’s from the
checkpoint). Turn left along Buckby Rd and continue until you reach a fork in the road. Here,
veer left onto Blackall Rd. Follow Blackall Rd which re-enters Mapleton Forest. Continue along
the track around the top of the ridge until you come to an intersection with Cooloolabin Rd. Turn
left along Cooloolabin Rd, making your way back down to Cooloolabin Dam and Checkpoint 5.
Highlights:
Enjoy fantastic Views of Cooloolabin Dam. For many this may be a first time to soak up the
magic of running through the bush in the dark, watching the beam from your headlamp glisten on
the still waters of Cooloolabin Dam.
Leg 8
Cooloolabin Dam to Mapleton Day Use Area (Checkpoint 4) – 90.7km
From the Checkpoint turn and make your way back along Cooloolabin Rd. in the direction you
have just arrived from. At the end of Cooloolabin Rd, turn left onto Mapleton Forest Rd. Follow
Mapleton Forest road all the way back to Mapleton Day Use Area, back to Checkpoint 4.
Highlights:
Take in your last views of Cooloolabin Dam and enjoy running through the scribbly gum forest.
Leg 9
Mapleton Day Use Area to QCCC and Finish – 100.2km
Follow single trail for 1km back to the Great Walk entry and turn right through the gate into the
National Park. You are now back on Great Walk. Follow trail for 200 metres until you reach an
intersection, turning left along a single track. Follow the signs back to the Mapleton Falls day use
area. Travel through the day use area on arrival and up through the Mapleton Falls car
park. Continue along Mapleton Falls Rd, following the Great Walk signs, turning left as directed
onto Obi Obi Rd.
Continue along the Obi Obi Rd all the way back to the QCCC ... savour the clamour of the
cowbells getting louder and louder as you close in on the finish ... and finish of the race.
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE JUST COMPLETED THE BLACKALL 100!