There is something magical about walking through lush green forests and emerging to discover a waterfall cascading over the rocks ahead. Even better is when you have the place to yourself – almost as if you were the first to discover the spot.
The Sunshine Coast is lucky to have plenty of waterfalls to discover – with some more hidden than others. Before the winter ‘dry season’ kicks in, now is the perfect time to see the falls in full force – how many of these have you done?
Robinson Falls, Nambour
Just 3km from Nambour's CBD lies an oasis of unspoilt country known as the Cliento Bushland Conservation Reserve.
The bushland has a tall canopy of trees and it is green and lush with many palm trees and a short walk to the middle of the reserve will reward you with a pretty waterhole fed by a waterfall from Tuckers Creek.
After admiring the falls, relax in the grassy park area complete with children’s playground, BBQ and toilet amenities surrounded by bushland – the perfect spot for w well-earned picnic.
Wappa Falls, Yandina
Wappa Falls
This secret spot is just five minutes from Yandina and even many of the locals don’t know it is there!
Fed by the South Maroochy River coming in from Wappa Dam up ahead, Wappa Falls is a natural mishmash of rock formations and small rock pools which lead to a slightly curved drop-off into a mini-gorge below.
Just a short and easy walk through the bush from the Dam will get you here and there are rock pools to dip your feet at the bottom.
Stop by The Ginger Factory on your way home!
*It is not advised to swim at Wappa Falls
Gheerulla Falls, Mapleton
Gheerulla Falls
There are a couple of ways to discover Gheerulla Falls but the quickest way is about 2.7km return from Delicia Rd in Mapleton.
An easy walk with no rocks to climb over when taking a dip in the beautiful crisp clear water, so if you’re looking for a picturesque waterfall and water hole away from the crowds in a peaceful and secluded setting, then this is the one.
Baxter Falls, Flaxton
Baxter Falls, Kondalilla National Park
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.
The walk starts out fairly flat for the first 1.8km then proceeds down through the lush rainforest on a winding single trail that takes about an hour from carpark to final destination. At the base of the falls there is a very inviting pool, where you can cool off and refresh.
Baxter Falls, Kondalilla National Park
This walk forms part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.
These more well-known falls are also worth checking out on your next adventure into the Hinterland:
Kondalilla Falls, Montville
Kondalilla Falls, Montville
These majestic falls are found in the heart of the Kondalilla Falls National Park near Montville.
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 circuit is a 4.7km walk and includes a lot of steps so be prepared to walk up on the way out!
Mapleton Falls, Mapleton
Mapleton Falls is possibly the most impressive of all the Sunshine Coast waterfalls as they plunge 120m into the valley, but it is very difficult to get a good view of the falls because of its location.
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. Just as impressive is the view over Mapleton Falls National Park and the surrounding bushland.
Gardners Falls, Maleny
Gardners Falls
This little hinterland hideout is a favourite among Sunshine Coast locals, so be warned: you’re not going to have this waterfall near Maleny to yourself.
The good news is, it is just a 300m walk from the car park along the banks of the Obi Obi Creek to a large swimming hole and cascading falls. You will also find some rope swings for the adventurous ones out there.
Buderim Forest Waterfalls (Serenity Falls), Buderim
This sub-tropical haven is just a 5-minute drive from the Buderim township, but it feels a world away.
Hiding amongst the strangler figs and native vines of Buderim Forest Park, you will find Buderim Falls (also known as Serenity Falls).
Buderim Forest Waterfalls (Serenity Falls), Buderim
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).
There is an amazing vantage point from the nearby arch bridge which overlooks the falls and swimming hole where you can soak up the serenity.
