Best Hiking Trails on the Sunshine Coast

On the Sunshine Coast, there are a myriad of walking trails, beaches, and forests to explore. From stunning trails with overhanging cliffs to stunning waterfalls and pristine creeks, the Sunshine Coast is one of the most beautiful spots in the world. It’s no wonder that hiking is a regular weekend activity for some – it can be hard to stay indoors when there’s so much to explore outside! 

If you’re looking for the best hiking trails for bushwalkers of all levels, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s 5 of the best hiking trails on the Sunshine Coast and what you can expect from each trail. 

1. Kondalila Falls

Where: Kondalilla Falls Rd, Flaxton 

At Kondalilla National Park, the Kondalilla Falls trail is a beautiful walking track that leads from Kondalilla Falls down into the forest valley – the trail then climbs up the ridge again to return you back to where you came from. This hiking trail features a stunning waterfall that falls 90 meters down into the valley overlooking the lush rainforest just adjacent. Nearby there are large grassy areas for picnics, barbecues, picnic tables, and toilets for your perusal. This hiking trail does require some experience, so you do need to be reasonably fit – and make sure you leave enough time to complete the track!

2. Mount Tibrogargan

Where: Glasshouse Mountains National Park

Roughly measuring a 3.3 kilometre return walk, the Mount Tibrogargan trail is a beautiful forest trail that leads you around the base of Mount Tibrogargan – going through eucalyptus and melaleuca forests. The walk is considered ‘easy’ and will take you roughly 90 minutes overall – there are also a number of seats along the way if you’re feeling too tired or if you want to take the trail nice and slow. However, there is some elevation and climbing required. We do recommend you to have some prior experience and to be reasonably fit before trying out the trail!

3. Mapleton Falls

Where: Mapleton National Park

Located in Mapleton Falls National Park, the Mapleton Falls has 2 main walking trails perfect for beginners. Categorised as Grade 2 walking trails, the Mapleton Falls Lookout and Wompoo Circuit winds through the rainforest and eucalypt trees to bring you to a lovely lookout overlooking the Mapleton Falls and Obi Obi Valley. If you’re looking to begin your hiking journey, taking on these 2 trails is the best way to test your fitness while not over-exerting yourself as they take 5 minutes and 45 minutes return respectively. You can also catch a glimpse of some forest wildlife such as wild birds playing among the trees above you. 

4. Booloumba Falls

Where: Conondale National Park

Showcasing the park’s beautiful surrounding wildlife and nature, Booloumba Falls also features lush rainforests, tall eucalypt trees, waterfalls, and boulder-strewn creeks. The entire return walk spans roughly 3 kilometres (return walk), this would take roughly 2 hours to finish. The trail follows a well-defined track and does require a reasonably good fitness level. The directions for the trail are quite easy to follow – all you have to do is follow the track to the junction of Peters and Booloumba creeks.

5. Gheerulla Falls

Where: Mapleton National Park

Located in Mapleton National Park, Gheerulla Falls features a 1.5 kilometre return walk down to the falls. The walk is relatively quiet and since it doesn’t have a designated carpark, it is a lesser-known trail with less visitors compared to the others. The walk is relatively easy as well with no large rocks to climb over. Besides this, this trail also features a waterhole that secluded from the rest of the park – if you’re thinking of taking a private dip, here’s one option for you to consider.

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