Whether you’re training for The Kokoda Challenge or just chasing a cool spot to dip your toes, the Sunshine Coast is packed with rainforest trails, steep climbs and icy rockpools that feel like they’ve been made for hikers. Below are 13 of our favourite Sunshine Coast waterfalls, so whether you’re looking for somewhere to get your feet wet, a proper hike, or just a place to soak in some natural beauty, we have you covered.
1. Kondalilla Falls
Kondalilla Falls is the classic Sunshine Coast waterfall: tall rainforest trees, a deep valley and hundreds of stairs that will light your calves up before you’ve hit the halfway point. The Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds past lookouts and down to the base of the falls, making it brilliant training for the sustained climbs you’ll face on Kokoda.
- Distance: ~4.7 km circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate - lots of stairs and some steep sections
- Swimming: Yes - rockpool at the top of the falls (check conditions and signage)
2. Kondalilla Rockpools & Upper Cascades
If you don’t want to drop all the way to the base, you can still get a solid training walk in by sticking to the shorter circuit to the upper rockpools and cascades above Kondalilla Falls. This section has a gentler gradient but still gives you uneven terrain, creek crossings and those classic rainforest vibes - perfect for a lighter training session or recovery walk.
- Distance: ~2-2.5 km return via the shorter circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
- Swimming: Yes - popular natural swimming hole in the creek above the falls
3. Mapleton Falls
Mapleton Falls drops around 120 metres into a lush valley, and you get front-row views from the wheelchair-accessible lookout a short stroll from the car park. The nearby Wompoo Circuit loops through rainforest and is ideal for a quick leg-stretch or a warm-up hike before a bigger Kokoda training day.
- Distance: ~1.3-1.6 km circuit (Wompoo Circuit)
- Difficulty: Easy - short, mostly gentle gradients
- Swimming: No - viewing-only, sheer drop and no safe access to the base
4. Gheerulla Falls
Tucked in Mapleton National Park, Gheerulla Falls is a pretty little cascade and deep pool at the end of a mostly downhill forest track from Delicia Road. It’s one of the easier hinterland waterfall walks, but still gives you a decent workout on the climb back to the car - ideal if you’re building base fitness for Kokoda Challenge without smashing yourself.
- Distance: ~2.4 km return
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate - mostly downhill to the falls, uphill on the way back
- Swimming: Yes - popular swimming hole (check recent rain, debris and depth)
5. Gardners Falls
Just outside Maleny, Gardners Falls is one of the most accessible Sunshine Coast waterfalls. A flat riverside track leads from the car park to a wide rockpool and low cascades, passing little spots along the creek where you can stop for a dip or a picnic. It’s not a big “hike”, but it’s a great place to unwind after a heavier training session or as a gentle walk with family and friends.
- Distance: ~1 km return
- Difficulty: Easy - wide, mostly flat path
- Swimming: Yes - large swimming hole and shallower spots along the creek
6. Buderim (Serenity) Falls - Buderim Forest Park
Hidden right near Buderim’s suburban streets, Buderim Falls, often called Serenity Falls, sits in a cool pocket of subtropical rainforest. You can approach from the lower Harry’s Lane entrance or from the upper access near Quorn Close and the Serenity Bridge. Either way, expect some short, punchy climbs and plenty of stairs - perfect for leg conditioning. The main waterfall drops into a beautiful rockpool, with smaller cascades upstream.
- Distance: ~1.5-2 km return (depending on your start point)
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate - short but with stairs and uneven surfaces
- Swimming: Sometimes - people do swim, but check council signage and conditions; heavy rain can make the creek unsafe
7. Wappa Falls
Below Wappa Dam near Yandina, Wappa Falls tumbles over a rocky ledge into a dramatic gorge. The short track from the dam car park takes you down to viewpoints over the falls and the river. This one isn’t about distance; it’s about careful footwork on rocks and slopes - good for practising balance and moving cautiously on uneven ground. Authorities have issued repeated safety warnings here due to accidents and strong flows, so treat it as a lookout stop rather than a swimming hole.
- Distance: <1 km return
- Difficulty: Easy–moderate - short, but rocky and can be slippery
- Swimming: No – not recommended due to serious safety incidents
8. Robinson Falls - Cilento Park, Nambour
Right on the edge of Nambour’s CBD, Robinson Falls is a surprisingly lush drop tucked inside Cilento Park. A stepped path and bush track lead down through eucalypt forest to the waterfall and creek, giving you an easy way to squeeze a “micro-hike” into a busy day. It’s not as wild as some hinterland falls, but it’s a handy option if you’re short on time and still want some elevation.
- Distance: ~1-1.5 km of walking within the park
- Difficulty: Easy–moderate - some stairs and steeper sections
- Swimming: No designated swimming area - treat it as a viewing walk
9. Baxter Falls - Kondalilla National Park
If you’re after serious Kokoda training terrain, Baxter Falls is a winner. Reached via sections of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, the track drops sharply into a gorge, crossing a metal suspension bridge before a short side-track leads to the falls themselves. Expect long, steady climbs, narrow singletrack and a decent heart-rate spike on the way out
- Distance: ~4-7 km return depending on your chosen start (northern or southern approach)
- Difficulty: Moderate–hard - steep, with many steps and rough sections
- Swimming: Yes - rockpools at the base, but check for flow, submerged rocks and recent rain
10. Kureelpa Falls - Mapleton National Park
The Kureelpa Falls Circuit is a longer loop that really starts to feel like a mini-expedition. Starting near the Mapleton day-use area, the track drops down through open forest to the South Maroochy River and a side trail out to the falls, then climbs back up to the range. It’s a great progression walk if you’re stepping up from Kondalilla and want more distance under your feet.
- Distance: ~8.5-9.3 km circuit (including the side track to the falls)
- Difficulty: Moderate-hard - longish distance with a solid climb out
- Swimming: Yes - small rockpools near the falls; always assess depth and flow first
11. Booloumba Falls - Conondale National Park
Deep in Conondale National Park and reached via creek crossings (4WD access recommended), Booloumba Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall where several creeks meet. The formed walking track from the day-use area has stairs, rocky sections and a short sidetrack to “The Breadknife” rock formation. It feels wild and remote compared to some of the more manicured Sunshine Coast waterfalls, making it ideal for more serious training days or weekend missions.
- Distance: ~3 km return
- Difficulty: Moderate - some steep, rocky sections; remote setting
- Swimming: Yes - popular swimming holes, but remote and unpatrolled
12. Artists Cascades - Conondale National Park
Further upstream in Conondale, Artists Cascades sits along a section of the Conondale Range Great Walk. The track winds through rainforest, past the Strangler Cairn art installation and an old gold mine, before reaching a gorgeous set of cascades and a clear pool. It’s longer and more difficult than Booloumba Falls, and a great option if you’re training for the Kokoda Challenge and want to practise a half-day hike.
- Distance: ~11.5 km return
- Difficulty: Hard - Grade 4 style terrain with sustained climbs and descents
- Swimming: Yes - beautiful pool at the base of the cascades
13. Peters Falls (Peters Creek) - Conondale National Park
High in the Conondale Range, Peters Falls is a set of cascades on Peters Creek that you can visit via short side tracks and 4WD access roads or as part of the multi-day Conondale Range Great Walk. It’s less about a big single drop and more about rough, rocky cascades in a remote setting – perfect if you want to experience serious hinterland terrain and practise hiking with a pack.
- Distance: Varies - short walks from nearby 4WD access, or part of longer Great Walk sections (10–15+ km)
- Difficulty: Moderate-hard - remote, uneven terrain and limited facilities
- Swimming: Sometimes - shallow cascades rather than a classic plunge pool; assess conditions carefully
Safety, Training & Using These Waterfalls for Kokoda Prep
A few quick notes before you lace up:
- Check park alerts on Queensland Parks & Wildlife before you go - tracks and creek crossings in Kondalilla, Mapleton and Conondale National Parks can close after heavy rain.
- Treat “swimming: yes” as “often used for swimming, but not supervised.” Always check depth, flow, rocks and water quality on the day.
- Some areas (Booloumba, Artists Cascades, Peters Falls) need 4WD access and are quite remote - great for training, but only if you’re properly prepared.
- These walks are brilliant for building fitness: stairs at Kondalilla, longer distance at Kureelpa, and long, hilly days in Conondale will all translate nicely to event day.
Ready for Your Next Challenge?
If you love exploring Sunshine Coast trails and want to test yourself physically and mentally, the Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast is the ultimate event.
Held on Gubbi Gubbi Country in Imbil State Forest, the course starts and finishes in Kenilworth and offers 18 km, 30 km, and 48 km distances, winding through steep climbs, dense rainforest and creek crossings that will push your legs and your mindset.
It’s not just about the distance - it’s about teamwork, resilience and supporting a greater cause. You and your team will tackle rugged hills, rough fire trails and unpredictable conditions while living out the Kokoda Spirit: endurance, mateship, courage and sacrifice. Every step you take helps fund youth programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation, giving Aussie teens the tools to build resilience, purpose and a stronger future.
So gather your team, set your goals and take on the Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge.
