A guide to the Sunshine Coast's walking trails

If you’ve been busy searching ‘hiking near me with a waterfall’, we’ve got good news: the inspiration starts here. The Sunshine Coast boasts a stunning array of walking and hiking trails, catering to all fitness levels and interests. Whether you’re after a leisurely stroll through lush subtropical rainforests or a challenging climb with breathtaking views, you’re sure to find the ultimate track for you in this guide.

For a family fun day out

Gardners Falls

Location: Maleny

Time: 10 minutes | Grade 1

A short and flat walk suitable for all ages, this is a perfect spot for a picnic with a view of the cascading falls. If you’re keen to stay a little longer, Spicers Tamarind Retreat is only just up the road.

Gardners Falls, Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Dularcha Forest Tunnel

Location: Landsborough

Time: Approximately 2 hours  | Grade 1

This 3.4km one-way path is a favourite amongst families. It's suitable for walkers, bikes, and even horses, making it a great option for a fun outing with the kids.

Buderim Forest Waterfall Walk

Location: Buderim

Time: 15-30 minutes | Grade 1

Enjoy the refreshing discovery of a cascading waterfall hidden less than a kilometre from Buderim village, and only a short drive from Mooloolaba. This flat, wheelchair-accessible track is ideal for a quick and scenic escape.

Serenity Falls, Buderim Forest Park, Sunshine Coast. Photo Credit: All About Adventure

Amama Walk

Location: Amamoor State Forest

Time: 10 minutes | Grade 2

This short and easy 540-metre circuit is wonderful for families with young children. The track winds through beautiful scenery, featuring wild macadamia nut trees and a scenic creek.

For those seeking more of a challenge

Kondalilla Falls

Location: Kondalilla National Park

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes return | Grade 3

This 4.7km track with over 300 stairs leads you to the Blackall Range's most spectacular waterfalls. Prepare for some challenging climbs but be rewarded with stunning scenery. Not recommended for wheelchairs due to steep terrain and can be slippery at times.

Kondalilla Falls at Kondalilla National Park, Montville, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Mount Coolum Walk

Location: Coolum

Time: 1 hour return | Grade 4

Take a steep trek to the summit of an ancient volcanic dome and enjoy panoramic views. This 1.6km return track is a great workout and offers opportunities for birdwatching and whale watching from the very top.

Sunrise at Mount Coolum, Sunshine Coast

Mt Ngungun

Location: Glass House Mountains

Time: 2 hours | Grade 4

This 2.8km return track with stunning views of the Glass House Mountains is not for the faint-hearted. The track includes steep sections and passes close to cliff edges, so ensure proper footwear and avoid this track in wet weather conditions. Remember to also review the current park alerts before setting out.

Mt Ngungun, Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland

Noosa National Park Coastal Walk

Location: Noosa National Park

Time: time may vary depending on distance | Grade 4

This 10.8km return track allows you to discover hidden coves and beaches, all whilst witnessing marine life. This is an out-and-back track, so you can tailor the distance to your fitness level.

Noosa National Park, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast

For the nature enthusiast

Mary Cairncross Rainforest Walk

Location: Maleny

Time: 20-30 minutes | Grade 2

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest on this 1.7km loop track. Keep your eyes peeled for pademelons, whipbirds, and various butterflies.

Walking in Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Fig Tree Walk

Location: Kenilworth

Time: 45 minutes | Grade 1

This easy 780-meter circuit takes you through the lush rainforest with towering Moreton Bay fig trees and other native species. The unique feature of this walk is it has a different path for the return journey.

Fig Tree Walk in Imbil State Forest, Sunshine Coast

Noosa Biosphere Trails

Location: Noosa Hinterland

Whether you’re keen to give your hiking shoes a workout, spin the wheels on your mountain bike, or hop in the saddle, you’ll be sure to find a trail to suit your preference. Traverse across impressive National Park terrain, eucalypt forests, stepping stones, and more.

Find out more details on the trails here

Noosa Biosphere Trail Network, Sunshine Coast. Photo Credit: The Element Outdoors Group

The Strangler Cairn Walk

Location: Conondale National Park

Time: Allow 2hr 30min | Grade 3

This 6.5km return track leads you to a unique art installation – The Strangler Cairn. Enjoy the beauty of the subtropical rainforest along the way. Please note that park roads require a high clearance 4WD vehicle.

Mt Tinbeerwah

Location: Tewantin National Park

You’ll find this spot less than 25-minutes drive inland from the sparkling waters of Noosa Main Beach. Nestled amongst Tewantin National Park, Mt Tinbeerwah features a couple of gorgeous lookout points accessible from a sealed carpark. Sunset is a particularly stunning time to experience the views on offer.

Find out more information about the lookouts here.

Looking for a multi-day adventure?

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

Location: Mapleton Forest Rd, Gheerulla 

Time: time may vary depending on distance | Grade 3 and 4 (you can download a free map here)

This multi-day adventure (at least 4 days) is not for the casual walker. Covering 58.8km through diverse landscapes, the track offers access to campsites and allows you to choose shorter sections if a multi-day adventure is not your preference.

Hiking the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, Sunshine Coast

Guided walking tours

Luxe Trekking Package

Location: Montville

Time: time may vary depending on fitness level | Various grades

Explore the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with a luxurious two-night getaway offered by Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat. This all-inclusive package includes meals, guided walks, and the opportunity to explore hidden trails used for centuries by the indigenous people.

This is just a taste of the many walking and hiking adventures that can be found on the Sunshine Coast. So, lace up your boots, grab your hat and water bottle, and get ready to explore!

Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

*A majority of the information in this guide has been based on the Queensland Government’s Parks and Forests informational guides found at Parks Website.

While our waterfalls are stunning, they can also be dangerous. Always stick to marked trails, follow any local signage and check park alerts before you visit at parks.qld.gov.au