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Bet you didn’t know there was a labyrinth awaiting your discovery at Mount Molloy? Neither did we and it’s believed to be the largest mown lawn labyrinth in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s off the beaten track and a short walk over Vains Park field, set to the soundtrack of summer cicadas with a backdrop of bushland and wildflowers. We went in and sent up the drone for a bird’s eye view, which revealed the scale and detail of this unique attraction in the Mareeba Shire. Covering over a hectare, this labyrinth is a classic 7 circuit design and worth a visit if you’re in the area.
The path totals 800m one-way and had been freshly mowed when we visited on New Year’s Day 2025.
Mount Molloy is a tiny, historic township located in the hills of the Mareeba Shire, between Mareeba and Mount Carbine on the Mulligan Highway. In its heyday it was a timber and mining town, and you can still see the old steam engine used to power the local sawmill right by the highway. It’s also the final resting place for a famous explorer – James Venture Mulligan – who discovered Palmer River gold in 1873, mined copper at Mount Molloy and bought the town’s local hotel (pub), which is where he sustained fatal injuries when trying to break up a fight in 1907. His discoveries of gold are credited with the subsequent establishment of Cairns and Port Douglas, and the highway through town still bears his name.
The labyrinth is a much newer addition to the town and was first mowed / launched in 2016. It was the brainchild of local resident Rupert Russell and is laid out in the Cretan design, also known as a Classical Labyrinth. This design is believed to date back over 3,500 years and consists of a single pathway that loops back and forth to form 7 circuits.
As described, the Mount Molloy labyrinth has been mapped out and mown into the lawn. So at ground level, the design and scale is it not immediately evident – but the use of a drone helps to illuminate your perspective of the site.
The Mount Molloy Labyrinth is located at Vains Park, which is on the Mareeba side of Mount Molloy. The park itself is visible from the highway, with its large tennis court, sheltered spectator structure and cricket pitch. There is plenty of parking. The signage is not that obvious – you will see council signage for Vains Park, with a mosaic Labyrinth sign underneath that, and a smaller sign underneath again (which is faded) providing directions. We had looked this up on Google maps prior to going, so had a pretty good idea on where to find the labyrinth.
After parking in the shade, we wandered across the first cricket pitch field, crossed a dry seasonal stream and followed the mown path to find the signage, marking the start of the labyrinth. We visited on 1 January 2025 and the path and labyrinth had been freshly mowed. The highest grass varied between knee and hip height, while the labyrinth pathway was lawn height. There’s a park bench in the middle of the labyrinth and a microwave with a visitor book, where you can leave your thoughts.
Once we had completed this little labyrinth adventure, we visited the local burger place to check out what they describe as the ‘World’s Best Hamburger’. We failed to get photos, but can confirm it’s a very good hamburger – Richard liked the fresh bun, homemade patty and fresh salad – and it’s always good to support locally owned businesses in small towns.
“I was born in Cairns and have lived here my whole life. I never knew we had a labyrinth, let alone the largest mown lawn labyrinth in the Southern Hemisphere, so we had to check it out. We combined this visit with a larger day tour itinerary including a stop at Emerald Creek Falls for a refreshing swim at the end of the day. If you are passing through Mount Molloy, then it’s worth stopping in and checking out this labour of love.” – Julie Johnston
Yes the Mount Molloy Labyrinth is worth visiting if you are in the Mount Molloy area, or combine a visit with a larger day tour itinerary for a great day out.
The Mount Molloy Labyrinth is located in Vains Park, on the Mareeba side of Mount Molloy. The park is visible from the highway, the labyrinth is not. When trying to find it, look for the Vains Park signage with a mosaic Labyrinth sign underneath. We have pictures in our blog post which might be helpful.
The Mount Molloy Labyrinth is approximately 1 hr 30 min from Cairns, you can go via Mareeba or Port Douglas or do a loop circuit.
The Mount Molloy Labyrinth is approximately 450 min from Port Douglas via Julatten.
To get to the Mount Molloy Labyrinth, first you must drive to Mount Molloy. When there, head to Vains Park, which is located on the Mareeba side of Mount Molloy. There is plenty of parking. Park the car and walk across the first cricket pitch field, cross over a seasonal stream (there is a gap in the trees) and you will then find your way to the labyrinth which is signposted.
The Mount Molloy Labyrinth is believed to be the largest mown lawn labyrinth in the Southern Hemisphere. It covers over 1 hectare and the mowed path is around 800m one-way.
The concept for the Mount Molloy Labyrinth was first mooted in 2015. It was first mowed and ‘launched’ in 2016.
Yes, the Mount Molloy Labyrinth is family friendly. There is no shade though, so make sure you wear a hat and sunscreen.
Yes, the Mount Molloy Labyrinth is pet friendly. Our dog loved racing around the mowed pathways.
At the Mount Molloy Labyrinth you can enjoy a peaceful walk in nature. You can admire the surrounding grasslands and wildflowers and depending on the time of your visit, make sure you keep an eye out for local birds and other wildlife.
There are no specific facilities at the Mount Molloy Labyrinth, but there are public amenities in Mount Molloy.
Mount Molloy is a tiny, but historic township. During a visit you can see artefacts from the old sawmill. You can visit the local cemetery and grave of famous adventurer and explorer James Venture Mulligan. Make sure you pop in and support the local businesses, there’s the Mount Molloy Hotel, Hamburger Café and a cake shop.
The Mount Molloy Labyrinth is not very well known. It was the brainchild of local couple Rupert & Julianna Russell, who still maintain it today. It was created in 2015 and first mowed and ‘launched’ in 2016. Set back from the highway it’s a peaceful place, which you can explore at your own pace. There is no shade, so we suggest wearing a hat, sun protective clothes and sunscreen. The mowed pathway is 800m one-way and there is no charge to visit it. Make sure you stop in and support some of the small local businesses in Mount Molloy during your visit, we grabbed a hamburger and it was delicious!!
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