Want to chase waterfalls but don’t know where to go? We’ve done the hard work for you, pulling together a list of the best waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast. So that just leaves you to pick which one to visit first!
WATERFALLS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
Wappa Falls
A beautiful waterfall that isn’t too far from the Sunshine Coast’s famous beaches. Wappa Falls (pictured above) is found just outside Yandina, on the way southwards to Nambour. Take Nambour-Yandina Road south from Yandina and turn right onto Wappa Falls Road just after you cross the bridge. The falls are signposted and can almost be seen from the carpark. The area is signposted with numerous ‘Danger’, ‘No Swimming’ signs but on a hot day you’ll find many locals cautiously taking a dip in the freshwater pool below. If you travel up the road a little further, you’ll come to Jack Harrison Park (aka Wappa Park) where you’ll find Wappa Dam which feeds Wappa Falls (that’s a lot of Wappas!)
SUNSHINE COAST WATERFALLS: Buderim Falls
Buderim Forest Waterfall
(aka Serenity Falls)
An outstanding waterfall that can be found in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. This secluded oasis is hidden on the northern side of Buderim and is less than 1km from the Buderim Village. There are two entry points: one off Lindsay Road via Harry’s Lane (this way boasts a lovely elevated wooden boardwalk through the tall trees and over babbling waterways); and a second entry point via Quorn Close, which runs off Lindsay Road at the top of Buderim (this is the closer, slightly steeper option). It is best to visit after the area has had some rainfall, otherwise expect the waterfall to look like our photo published here.
Kondadilla Falls
Located north of Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, these falls are found in the heart of the Kondalilla Falls National Park. To reach them you must take a bushwalk through rainforest and open forest to a picturesque rockpool at the top of the falls. You can then continue along the Kondalilla Falls Circuit which descends down into the valley below for the best waterfall view at the base of the falls. Kondalilla Falls drop 90m and can be spectacular when running well. The Kondalilla Falls circuit is a 4.7km walk and includes a lot of steps so requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Gardners Falls
Another waterfall found in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, this time near Maleny. Gardners Falls are located not far from Falls Creek Road at Obi Obi. It is a short walk to the falls from the car park on the banks of the Obi Obi Creek. It is a short, level walk downstream to Gardners Falls which is one of the prettiest waterways in Australia. The freshwater rock pools you pass on the way are also perfect for splashing about, with the largest pool for swimming found underneath the falls.
Waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast: Mapleton Falls
Mapleton Falls
Completing the triffecta of Sunshine Coast Hinterland waterfalls, Mapleton Falls is possibly the most impressive of them all as they plunge 120m but it is very difficult to get a good view of the falls without a drone because of its location. Mapleton Falls Lookout is actually above the falls. By walking to the end of the viewing platform (which is only a few metres from the carpark) and looking straight down, you will see the falls cascading below. Arguably even more impressive is the view over Mapleton Falls National Park and the surrounding bushland. Other small falls, like the one pictured above, can also be found after a short walk from the car park.
Booloumba Falls
You’ll probably need a 4WD to reach this one as the track to the fall’s parking area includes a few creek crossings. Booloumba Falls are located in Conondale National Park, along Booloumba Creek Road. The picturesque falls are reached by a 3km bushwalk that requires average fitness levels but rewards you with views of the The Breadknife rock formation, cascading waters of the creek, and the waterfalls at Peters and Booloumba creeks’ junction.
Baxter Falls
These little known falls are located north of Flaxton. From the Flaxton Mill Road car park, you walk through open eucalypt forest and downhill to Baxter Creek with its beautiful waterfall. Turn around at the Baxter Creek suspension bridge and return to your car along the same walking track. (This walk forms part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk – 58km.)
Mount Coolum
Yes, really! After heavy rains the iconic and much photographed Mount Coolum becomes the site of stunning, temporary waterfalls that can bee seen from as far away as the David Low Way.
