The best waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast for epic exploration

Swap the sand for breathtaking inland exploration to chase down the most picturesque waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast.

As a Gold Coast resident, I’m drawn to sun-soaked beach hangs. But travelling the 2.5 hours up to the Sunshine Coast inspires me to step out of my comfort zone. Ditching the waves of Caloundra, Noosa and Maroochydore for hinterland havens like Maleny, Mapleton and Montville, I’m free to chase waterfalls for days, scoring equally cooling dips along the way. Officially head over heels with the inland serenity of this Queensland hot spot, I’m here to shine a light on the most beautiful waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast. Strap up your joggers and pack your togs — my favourite cascades, and the roads you’ll take to find them, offer go-to-woah adventure.

In short

If you only visit one of the waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast, make it Kondalilla Falls in Montville. Offering unobstructed waterfall visibility, a beautiful bushwalking trail and a swimming hole, it ticks all the boxes.

1. Gardners Falls

the Gardners Falls, Sunshine Coast — Find shallow rock pools surrounding the scenic Gardners Falls. (Image: Sunshine Coast Council)

Where: Obi Obi Creek, North Maleny

I drive 25 minutes from the centre of Maleny (Maple St) to a small car park next to Obi Obi Creek. It’s a storybook setting filled with mossy rocks, birdsong and towering gums as the creek’s quiet trickle intensifies over 300 metres before giving way to Gardners Falls . I’m with my two small children who navigate the trail without complaint (rare, very rare), so it’s a great family-friendly option if long bushwalks and your tribe don’t mix. Additionally, my kids (and husband) love the shallow rock pools along the way, which grow larger the closer you get.

Once we hit the Falls itself, we (carefully) lead our little ones out over the rocks for photos right atop the cliff’s drop. It’s definitely not a designated trail, please note, but it’s an incredible selfie opportunity if you’ve got grippy shoes on. Plus, you can feel the waterfalls’ glorious spritz. Spend your visit spotting ropes to swing off and into the Falls’ waterhole or roll a lunch spread over flat rocks and lose track of time.

2. Kondalilla Falls

the Kondalilla Falls, Sunshine Coast — The Kondalilla Falls Circuit walk takes you to the base of the falls. (Image: Reuben Nutt/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Kondalilla National Park, Montville

I’m staying in Montville, home to an impressive batch of cute boutiques and cafes, so getting to Kondalilla Falls, within Montville’s Kondalilla National Park, is my all-too-convenient next move. The name means ‘rushing water’ to the land’s traditional Gubbi Gubbi custodians, which reflects exactly what I find during summer’s wet season. Before I get to the staggering 90-metre plunge, I scale a lush rainforest (clearly signposted) circuit trail that, again, my kids shockingly don’t hate. Once the Falls get close, I can turn left for a freshwater rock pool at the top, or right for another rock pool at the bottom of the drop. I highly advise making time for both because they’re completely sublime, unique experiences (though, obviously, the latter is going to give you that cascading money shot). The circuit is 4.7 kilometres in total and there are loads of steps coming out of the bottom so leave the kids up top with dad, like I did, to soak up the serenity in solitude.

3. Gheerulla Falls

Where: Mapleton National Park, Mapleton

A little less dramatic than Gardeners and Kondalilla (unless it’s been downpouring in the lead-up to your visit), Gheerulla Falls in Mapleton National Park is super easy to reach and very kid-friendly. The Falls flow down a large cliff face as opposed to dropping through the air so you won’t find that monstrous splash. I’m told by people I get to chatting with that rain provides one helluva sight. My kids are mesmerised as tiny clocks in their heads map out ways to slide down the cliff face and there’s a small rock pool at the foot of the Falls to frolic in, too.

4. Buderim ‘Serenity’ Falls

the Buderim ‘Serenity’ Falls, Sunshine Coast — Buderim Falls has been affectionately nicknamed Serenity Falls. (Image: Nathan White Images/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Buderim Forest Park, Buderim

I’m calling it: waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast are all, practically, young-family friendly. Yet another beautiful spot I discover with my children in tow, Buderim Falls, known locally as Serenity Falls, is easy to reach and within a few minutes’ drive from the centre of town. We go in via the Lindsay Rd entry at Harry’s Lane where a sturdy timber boardwalk paves stress-free navigation to the waterfall’s base. I’m told by fellow waterfall-chasers (and there’s significantly more here than at the previous spots I’ve visited) that the Quorn Close entry off Lindsay Rd is tougher for kids due to its steepness. A shallow waterhole beneath the falls is arguably as idyllic as the drop itself, and we soon discover it’s deep enough for diving. The cascade itself trickles softly when I arrive, but again, I’m told by fellow visitors that rain dials up the drama. Regardless, it’s gorgeous down here and quick and easy access means we’ve got the rest of the day to keep exploring.

5. Booloumba Falls

the Booloumba Falls, Sunshine Coast — Booloumba Falls are tucked away in Conondale National Park. (Image: Radley White/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Conondale National Park, Conondale

After banging on about the young kid energy at waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast, I ditch the kids one morning to tackle one of the more adult-driven experiences. Driving as far inland as I’ve gone so far, I uncover Booloumba Falls in the beautiful Conondale National Park. Extra time behind the wheel is worth it – think lush rainforest, tall eucalypt trees and enchanting creeks, particularly when you’re soaking it up on your own. A collection of rock pools, filled with crystal-clear water, offer some of my favourite swimming options in the area. I spent serious time in the deepest pool, located at the top section of the Falls, before slothing it out in the plunge-style pool right near it, and another rock pool at the bottom of the waterfall.

To access the Falls, there’s an easy three-kilometre two-hour return walk, but make sure you stop at the junction of Peters and Booloumba creeks to admire the abrupt and totally enthralling Breadknife rock, which is exactly what it sounds like.

6. Wappa Falls

a woman sitting on the edge of Wappa Falls, Sunshine Coast — Discover the rock-bordered pool at Wappa Falls. (Image: Reuben Nutt/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Next to the Wappa Dam, Yandina

Up near Coolum, one of the best Sunshine Coast beaches, lies Wappa Falls — arguably the most adored swimming hole of all. I visited as a child but it’s great to be back on the Maroochy River with the rock-bordered waters beckoning my family this time. To reach it, we drive along Pump Station Rd to find the Falls’ carpark before taking a short stroll to Mother Nature’s playground. My kids dip in and out of the pools as hubby and I soak up more serene birdsong and lashings of Vitamin D. What of the actual waterfall? Wappa Falls itself isn’t staggering from a height perspective, so it’s more about the divine dips, but visitors should note that it can turn turbulent after heavy rainfall. As always, lean into common sense and don’t swim if it’s poured in the lead-up.

7. Robinson Falls

Where: Cilento Bushland Conservation Reserve, Nambour

I’m told about Robinson Falls by the front desk team at my accommodation. A waterfall on the Sunshine Coast that not many tourists uncover, the slice of paradise is tucked amid lush bushlands. Named after brothers Edmund and Arthur Robinson, two early colonisers of the area, Robinson Falls sits within the Cilento Bushland Conservation Reserve : 10.5 hectares that welcome you with a children’s playground, toilets and barbecue facilities. I follow a short loop trail to the left of the park through the bush to reach the top of the waterfall (which isn’t massive but is very pretty) before following it down to the waterhole at the base. What I love about this spot is how secluded it feels and you’ll likely have the place entirely to yourself. Amid the burgeoning Sunshine Coast, that’s one serious drawcard.

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

The most breathtaking waterfalls to chase on the Sunshine Coast