This picturesque waterfall and the surrounding tranquil rock pools and sub-tropical rainforest are mere minutes away from the beach and the quaint village of Buderim, yet feel wonderfully secluded.
Visit this tranquil spot and you'll quickly understand why Buderim Falls is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike, and has fast become one of the most Instagrammed places on the Sunshine Coast.
Buderim Forest Park and Falls
Buderim Falls, also known as Serenity Falls, is one of those rare natural treasures that you can experience in as little as 20 minutes. Equally, you could just as easily spend an entire day soaking up this natural wonderland as you enjoy a picnic with your family or partner.
The waterfall flows year-round but looks particularly spectacular after rainfall, when the water from Martins Creek transforms the falls from a trickle into a strong cascade of water down the rock face into the shallow waterhole below.
The falls are set in 45 hectares of the Buderim Forest Park, on the northern side of Buderim Mountain, which is home to towering trees, dramatic strangler figs, ferns and melodious forest birdlife, such as whipbirds and catbirds.
Wandering along the bush pathways that lead to Buderim Falls is a magical experience, and it is worth stopping to listen to the quiet babble of the creek and call of the native birds.
Serenity Falls, Buderim Forest Park
How to get to Buderim Falls
Located just a ten-minute drive from Mooloolaba, 90 minutes from Brisbane or 45 minutes from Noosa, this picturesque spot is easily accessible for a day trip.
You can access Buderim Falls via two paths, from either Lindsey Road or Quorn Close. Both options take you on a beautiful walk through Buderim Mountain’s tranquil bushland and your choice of path should be based on time and fitness level.
From Harry's Lane, located off Lindsey Road, there is an easy, stroller and wheelchair-accessible walk that sees you meander through the sub-tropical rainforest on a 600m-long elevated boardwalk.
Partway to the falls, the walkway ends and you must continue along a more rugged, forest ramble over rocks and the banks of Martins Creek to the base of the waterfalls. This section of the path is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, but if taken slowly and with caution, even younger children should be able to navigate the route.
The 350m bush track from Quorn Close is steeper and leads directly down to the top of the waterfalls, where the wooden, high arch Serenity Bridge offers a spectacular elevated view of Buderim Falls. It is a quick walk that requires a moderate level of fitness. You should expect to navigate numerous stairs on this path, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Buderim Forest Waterfalls (Serenity Falls), Buderim
Facilities at Buderim Forest Park
Buderim Falls is the perfect location to enjoy a picnic, and is an ideal day trip for families and couples alike.
Barbecue facilities, picnic tables, toilets and a good amount of parking are available at both the Lindsey Road or Quorn Close entrances to the nature reserve.
Lindsey Road also has a large, flat grassy parklands, while Quorn Close has a small memorial garden in honour of Edna Wallings, who was an internationally-renowned gardener who retired to Buderim.
Please note that as Buderim Falls is located within a nature reserve, dogs are not permitted.
Buderim Forest Waterfall
Where to Stay and Eat
Why not make a weekend of it, so you can explore more of Buderim and Mooloolaba?
A night spent at Arabella Guesthouse at Buderim will see you refreshed and revived as you soak up more of the picturesque natural beauty of the local area.
An evening meal at Buderim Tavern should also not be missed, with its top-class menu and spectacular views all the way to the coastline.
Lovers of fine dining should book a table at Harry’s on Buderim, a fully-licenced restaurant offering modern Australian cuisine.
Harry's on Buderim
