📍11 Best Popular & Hidden Sunshine Coast Waterfalls & Where To Find Them. (2024.)

WANT TO DISCOVER THE BEST SUNSHINE COAST WATERFALLS?

Waterfalls are one of nature’s most spectacular formations and are always one of the best things to discover when exploring the outdoors. Luckily, the Sunshine Coast in the magnificent South East Queensland region is home to many of these natural landmarks, ranging from picturesque cascades, stunning horsetails, and impressive sheer-cliff face plunge waterfalls.

These are some of my favourite places to visit and as someone who lives not too far away, I always try to make it a goal to see them during spring and summer when the influx of seasonal rain means they are flowing better and look more impressive. Plus, it’s a warmer time of year to go wild swimming in these stunning natural pools! Be cautious of heavy downpours, though. Never enter the water after one of those has passed through. However, seeing them post-deluge is always epic! Anyway, onto the list of best Sunshine Coast waterfalls to marvel at and/or bathe in.

1. Kondalilla Falls.
Kondalilla National Park.

Kondalilla Falls is the Sunshine Coast’s hallmark waterfall, thanks to its size and untamed beauty. Located in the heart of the Kondalilla National Park in the region’s lush hinterland, this breathtaking natural landmark is thanks to the Skene Creek tumbling down an 80-90m rockface into stunning the Obi Obi Valley.

The walking trail to reach this majestic waterfall is beautiful and features numerous places of interest to discover along the way. Starting at the Kondallila Picnic Areas, the 4.7km return Kondalilla Falls Circuit starts out sharing the 1.7km Picnic Creek Circuit. After reaching the Picnic Creek Falls, the first of many beautiful stops along the way, the track splits. It doesn’t matter which you pick, as you can opt to do the other side on the way back, but I like doing the northern side first as it has a short detour leading to the Obi Obi Lookout, which looks down into the stunning Obi Obi Valley.

At the intersection for the Kondalilla Falls Circuit, the track begins a loop around the namesake attraction. A short distance along the left side goes to Kondalilla Rock Pool, a magnificent infinity plunge pool above the main waterfall before it cascades over the cliff. What’s great about it is that it flows year-round, has its own little waterfall AND has beautiful views overlooking the rugged landscape. Better yet, it’s good depth to fully immerse yourself in and is a fantastic spot for trying snorkelling, giving it elite status as one of the best wild swimming holes I’ve ever come across.

Continuing with the rest of the trail, it gets steeper after the top pool as it descends into the valley to the bottom of the falls. See it from the bridge that crosses the creek and from a short side track where intrepid walkers can carefully climb over the creek’s rocks and get a closer look at the waterfalls in all its glory or wait to see it from a viewing area on the way back up.

Be warned, though, that this section of the trail involves 300 stairs, and some areas are narrow, muddy and sometimes slippery, something I would not advise doing after heavy rain. But with so much to see on one trail that is less than 5km long, this is easily one of the most rewarding day hikes on the Sunshine Coast.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Kondalilla Picnic Area.
• Walking Trail: Starts from Kondalilla Picnic Area.
  • Full Trail – 4.7km, Grade 3 Circuit. – Includes Over 300 Stairs.
  • To The Rock Pools – 2.4km, Grade 3 Circuit.
  • To Picnic Falls – Along The 1.7km, Grade 2 Picnic Creek Circuit.
• Waterfall Height: Kondalilla Falls: 80-90m
• Facilities: Picnic Tables, BBQs, Toilets.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: The Falls Montville.

2. Gardners Falls.

If you’re looking for a swimmable waterfall on the Sunshine Coast that’s significantly shorter to walk to, the rolling hills just outside the picturesque township of Maleny have just the place. Gardners Falls is a small but beautiful and easily accessible water hole at the end of Obi Lane South that people love coming to cool off from the ridiculous spring and summer heat. 

Unfortunately, that means it also gets pretty packed the more the temperature rises, so I’d advise coming earlier on days when the forecast is expected to be hot as hell as it not only means less crowds, but less difficulty parking as there aren’t as the car park is small. 

At the base of the 2-3ish metre waterfall is a fantastic large plunge pool for folks to frolic around in, along with rope swings to add some excitement to the adventure. But just be warned, even though the creek gets lots of direct sunlight, it is a natural rock pool and is, therefore, still cold… uh… refreshing to get into. Luckily, on either side of it are lots of beautiful little areas to just relax in the water and let it gently flow over you if you don’t want to be fully immersed

Also, just be cautious that some areas along the bank might be muddy or slippery, particularly downstream. 

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the car park at the end of Obi Lane South.
• Distance: Short distance from the car park.
• Waterfall Height: 2-ish m.
• Facilities: Picnic Tables, Toilets.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Maleny Terrace Cottages.

3. Boolumba Falls.
Conondale National Park.

As for those who love adventure, there’s no better waterfall to discover than Boolumba Falls, a stunning highlight deep within the pristine landscapes of Conondale National Park.

First, you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD to even reach the trailhead at Boolumba Falls car park, which excitingly involves navigating across two creek crossings to start the 3km return, grade 3 track. Along the way, discover short side trails to the different parts of the picturesque creek before concluding the walk at the gorgeous cascades renowned for their tranquil pools above and below the waterfall, picture-perfect places to enjoy a refreshing dip in the peace and serenity of the untouched environment on a hot summers day.

In addition to being one of the Sunshine Coast’s most beloved natural swimming holes, there is also a viewing platform showcasing the impressive Breadknife formation, a tall, narrow rock that exists where the Peters and Booloumba Creeks merge. Continue the outdoor adventure by capping off the day of exploring the spectacular national park by camping under the stars at one of the Boolumba Creek Camping Areas.

• Access: High-clearance 4WD to Boolumba Falls Car Park. Involves 2 creek crossings.
• Walking Trail: 3km, grade 3.
• Waterfall Height: Small cascading waterfall
• Facilities: Picnic tables, and toilets at Boolumba Day Use Area.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Boolumba Creek Camping Areas.

4. Mapleton Falls, Mapleton Falls National Park.

One of the most impressive plunge waterfalls in the Sunshine Coast hinterland is Mapleton Falls in Mapleton Falls National Park. This breathtaking natural landmark follows the tranquil Pencil Creek as it plunges 120m off a sheer cliff face to the spectacular Obi Obi Valley below.

What is so great about this gorgeous spot is that getting there is easy. It involves a scenic drive through some of the region’s most magnificent countryside (the route between Maleny and Mapleton is a particular favourite of mine as it has many gorgeous viewpoints and is how you get to several of the other waterfalls on this list.) and is a mere 50m walk from the car park to the viewing platform at the top of the falls. It also has no steps, meaning it’s a fantastic spot to take older people, wheelchair users and those with low mobility looking to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of nature. 

While it flows year-round, like all waterfalls, it’s most majestic after a heavy downpour. And because it has that ease of access, it’s also the easiest to see in full thunderous flow. As for those who’d like to immerse themselves in the surroundings, the national park offers the Wompoo Track, an easy 1.3km loop that leads to the Peregrine Lookout, which provides additional views of the stunning Mapleton Falls and the gorgeous Obi Obi Valley.

• Access: Conventional vehicles access the car park at the end of Mapleton Falls Road.
• Distance: 50m, grade 2 return to a viewing platform. Wheelchair accessible.
• Waterfall Height: 120m high.
• Facilities: Toilets.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Mapleton Peaceful Provence BnB.

6. Wappa Falls.
Near Yandina.

If you’re looking for a beautiful, easily accessible waterfall in the hinterland that not many visitors to the region know about, Wappa Falls is a gorgeous find. Located west of Yandina, this stunning natural landmark lies downstream from the picturesque Wappa Dam.

You can virtually drive right to the falls at the end of Pump Station Road, but a short walk along the rocks will allow you to see the twin punchbowl-falls in all their glory. Regular releases from the dam mean it’s frequently well-flowing. Some people even enjoy swimming here, but it’s often murky and turbulent, with deep waters exceeding 2m. Plus, getting down to water level is difficult, so it’s not my ideal of a good place to go.

However, it’s a lovely place to have a picnic in a natural setting. Or if you prefer, Jack Harrison Park/Wappa Park, just down the road on the banks of Wappa Dam, is a gorgeous place to enjoy an outdoor lunch in a more traditional setting. At certain times of the year, the deciduous trees change colour to a brilliant orange, making you feel as though you’ve been teleported to the U.S. or Canada during fall, making it a gorgeous spot to enjoy after visiting the falls.

• Access: Conventional vehicles access to the car park at the end of Pump Station Road.
• Distance: A very short distance from the car park.
• Waterfall Height: 2 waterfalls, probably about 3 or so metres high.
• Facilities: Jack Harrison Park Picnic tables, toilets and lots of grassy areas.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Yandina.

7. Baxter Falls.
Kondalilla National Park.

While Kondalilla Falls is the most well-known and visited waterfall in Kondalilla National Park, it’s not the only one that lies within this breathtaking natural habitat. For those who enjoy challenging hikes, the walk to Baxter Falls is one of the region’s best discovery trails.

While it is along the gorgeous 58km Sunshine Coast Great Walk, there are two access points that mean it doesn’t have to be done as part of a strenuous multi-day hike but makes a great outing for keen day trippers to see the beautiful waterfall from a suspension bridge.

Reaching Baxter Falls starts at Suses Mill Road (Northern Approach) or Flaxton Mill Road (Southern Approach). The northern approach is shorter at 2.8km-ish return and requires a good level of fitness as the start of it descends fairly steeply. The caveat of starting there, however, is that there is no parking right next to the trailhead. Meanwhile, the southern approach has a small purpose-built parking area, and while it is longer at around 5km return and slightly more difficult, people find it more scenic and rewarding.

Flaxton Walkers Camp is also halfway to the falls on this side, so people looking to make an overnight adventure out of it can camp amongst the primordial landscape before heading back the next day, while those with buddies can stop here to rest before continuing a through-hike to the other entry point.

• Access: Conventional vehicles access from Flaxton Mill Road or Suses Pocket Road.
• Walking Trail: 3.8km, challenging trail from road to road
  • Southern Approach: 2.5km-ish from Flaxton Mill Road.
  • Northern Approach: 1.4km-ish from Suses Pocket Road.
• Waterfall Height: Unknown.
• Facilities: Small car park at Flaxton Mill Road. No parking on Suses Pocket Road.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Mapleton Peaceful Provence BnB.

8. Kureelpa Falls.
Mapleton National Park.

Not to be confused with Mapleton Falls National Park, nearby neighbour Mapleton National Park is also home to a beautiful waterfall if you don’t mind traversing the 8.5km, grade 4 loop track it takes to get you there and back.

Starting at Mapleton day-use-area, the great thing about the Kureelpa Falls Circuit is that it is a multi-use trail, so you needn’t have to do it on two legs. You can use human power to accomplish it on two wheels.

While it’s easy going on the way there with it mostly being downhill, what goes down must come up, so the journey back up is more challenging. But going after heavy rain to see the South Maroochy River tumble over rugged boulders before plunging 30 meters into a hidden gorge makes the uphill climb on the return journey well worth the effort.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the car park at Mapleton Day Use Area with the last two km being dirt road. 4WD after that.
• Walking Trail: 8.5km return, grade 4.
• Waterfall Height: 2 waterfalls, probably about 3 or so metres high.
• Facilities: Picnic tables, wood BBQ & toilets.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Mapleton Peaceful Provence BnB.

9. Artists Cascades.
Conondale National Park.

Boolumba Falls is Conondale National Park’s signature attraction, so many people like to visit it. But for somewhere similar but much less frequented, there is the Artist Cascades. This beautiful spot is located a few km further along the same trail as the from the located along the Breadknife Booloumbs Falls trail from the Boolumba Falls Car Park area and do them both as a one-two-hit combo.

Alternatively, it can be done as a scenic 10.6km, grade 4 hike from the Boolumba Creek day-use areas and camping grounds, which also has two branch trails, one which leads to a historic 1920s gold mining shaft and the other to the Strangler Cairn, a stunning 3.7m high hand-cut granite and metamorphic block created by internationally renowned ephemeral artist Andy Goldsworthy designed to be strangled by the purposely placed living rainforest strangler fig sapling planted atop it as an ever-evolving fusion of art and nature.

If you have a 4WD buddy with you, you can also complete this trail as a through-hike incorporating all four of these landmarks. Or, for the keen overnight trekker, park at the Boolumba Falls Car Park, walk to and camp at the Boolumba Creek Campground, and then head back along the road the next day.

• Access: High-clearance 4WD to Boolumba Falls Car Park. Involves 2 creek crossings.
• Walking Trail: 3km, grade 3.
• Waterfall Height: Small Waterfalls
• Facilities: Picnic tables, and toilets at Boolumba Day Use Area.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Boolumba Creek Camping Areas.

10. Gheerula Falls.
Mapleton National Park.

A short distance from Kureelpa Falls lies one of the lesser-known Sunshine Coast waterfalls you can walk to. Gheerula Falls lies in the western part of Mapleton National Park and is part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. While you can hike to it from the Mapleton Day-Use Area, there’s a much shorter way to get to it from the gate on Delicia Road, which is about an estimated 2.8km, grade 3 trail.

Of all the falls on this list, this is up there with the ones best viewed after it has been heavily raining, as when I went there when it hadn’t in a while, and it was disappointingly a trickle. However, it definitely has the potential to be a beautiful waterfall with more water. But something to note is the last little bit to reach the base of the falls is a bit tricky to navigate, which will inevitably become more difficult if it’s soggy.

• Access: 2.5km of reasonably good dirt road. It was okay for me to reach in a 2WD.
• Walking Trail: 2.8km, grade 3 trail. (approximate.)
• Waterfall Height: Unknown. Reasonably high.
• Facilities: Picnic tables, wood BBQ & toilets at Mapleton day-use area.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Mapleton Peaceful Provence BnB.

11. Robinsons Falls.
Nambour.

Another place with a beautiful waterfall in a place you wouldn’t expect is Nambour, which has Robinson Falls. Nestled amidst the suburbs in Cilento Park Bushland Conservation Reserve, it’s surprising that this stunning secret place is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most notable towns, only a few minute’s drive from one of the region’s biggest attractions, the famous Big Pineapple.

While it doesn’t flow that strongly most of the year, come the rainy season, it is a place well worth seeking out. It’s also dog-friendly, so you can take your furbaby along the lovely terrain to the falls. The park also has lots of grassy areas, a playground, picnic areas and BBQ facilities, so it’s a great place to spend an immersive day out with the family, puppy and all.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the car park at Cilento Park.
• Walking Trail: 1km loop.
• Waterfall Height: 2 waterfalls, probably about 3 or so metres high.
• Facilities: Picnic tables, BBQs, playgrounds, large grassy areas & toilets.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Nambour Heights Motel.

• Hat.
• Sunscreen.
• Insect Spray.
• Sturdy Shoes & Water Shoes.
• Water.
• Food/Snacks.
• Swimmers.
• Quick Dry Towel.
• Camera
• Binoculars.
• Dry Bag/Resealable Bag.
• Silica Gels.

Many of the waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast flow year-round but some are reduced to just trickles around the middle of the year. As for the swimmable plunge pools, taking a dip during this time of year means the water might be stagnant and less visibly inviting. These natural wild swimming holes are also sometimes cold AF even during the hotter months, much less during winter, making visiting them closer to the start and the end of the year much more pleasant.

While they are most breathtaking after a heavy storm dumps cloud-loads of rain into their tributaries is always going to make the waterfalls look their most magnificent, it might also mean that there might be difficulties getting to the location, be that because it has the road or trail has deteriorated or is flooded, or because trees or branches have fallen down, or some other reason it’s not deemed safe.

It’s also highly inadvisable to enter the water after a deluge as a whole heap of other potentially dangerous hazards can arise from that. It’s always best to wait at least a few days before considering going there to swim. Calm, clear water is always the best. But as always, check the relevant government websites before you head out and heed any signage you see.

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