How-to
By Danielle Reckless
Where: Kondalilla Falls Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
When Queensland's steamy summer heat rolls in, it’s not the beach where locals head to cool off, but deep in the rainforest of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
As enchanting as it is popular, Kondalilla Falls is a rite of passage for those who appreciate a little forest (and waterfall) bathing. And it’s just as accessible if you’re a traveller visiting for the weekend.
Whether you're seeking a swim or a hiking adventure, steer your wheel toward Kondalilla National Park near Montville. Here’s everything you need to know to experience the beauty of Kondalilla Falls.
Step into Kondalilla National Park and you’ll be walking back in time; the landscape you see was created by volcanoes roughly 28 million years ago. Today, the park protects remnants of subtropical rainforest and open eucalypt forest that was once widespread across the Blackall Range.
Kondalilla means ‘rushing waters’ in the local Aboriginal language – and you’ll understand why as you hear the 90m high cascade of Kondalilla Falls.
Kondalilla Falls Circuit is the main trail to hike on your visit. It’ll take you from the top of the falls, winding down through the escarpment to the base of Kondalilla Falls in a 4.8km return walk. It takes roughly 1.5 – 2 hours to complete. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and lookout points over the valley.
A swim in the rockpool is a great reward for the 300 stairs you’ll tackle today. That being said, this is a moderate walk the whole family can enjoy. Even if you don’t complete the full circuit, it’s well worth making it to this waterfall’s base for a dip, before returning the way you came.
For a shorter walk, Picnic Creek Circuit is a 1.7km easy walk offering valley views from a lookout point. Unfortunately due to the steep terrain, there are no wheelchair-accessible trails in Kondalilla National Park (but check out this accessible travel guide instead).
Feeling adventurous? Kondalilla National Park makes up part of the four-day, 58km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, which winds through three breathtaking hinterland national parks.
Kondalilla Falls might steal the spotlight, but there’s plenty of wild beauty to be found in Kondalilla National Park. Hike between towering fig trees and forest that’ll dwarf you, home to over 100 bird species and 70 different reptiles, and hear the croak of more than 30 species of frogs – including the endangered southern dayfrog.
Driving north from Montville or south from Flaxton, you’ll see the national park sign as you turn off onto Kondalilla Falls Road. Keep following it until you reach Kondalilla Falls carpark (it fills up quickly on summer weekends).
From Kondalilla Falls carpark, walk 100m downhill to the picnic area to the start of the Kondalilla Falls Circuit trail.
This pocket of protected natural beauty doesn’t have its own accommodation or camping facilities, however, there are amazing places to stay just a stone’s throw from Kondalilla National Park.
You can’t get any closer to sleeping near the falls than Kondalilla Eco Resort, right on the doorstep of Kondalilla National Park. A true hinterland haven, its treehouses, log cabins, chalets and lodge (great for families and groups) are nestled amongst 20 acres of rainforest. Relax and recharge with an onsite spa, and let Kondalilla Restaurant tempt your tastebuds with its modern vegetarian flair.
Alternatively, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat and Lovestone Cottages both offer a tranquil place to connect with nature in luxury, about a 10-minute drive from the national park.
Or take your pick from our favourite Sunshine Coast hinterland accommodation.
Camping within Kondalilla National Park is only permitted at the Flaxton walker’s camp, for those completing the multi-day Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. Nearby camping with car access can be found at Conondale National Park, Imbil State Forest and Mapleton Falls National Park.
The serenity of Kondalilla National Park can be enjoyed year-round, thanks to warm summers and mild winters on the Sunshine Coast. However, if you want to swim at Kondalilla Falls it’s best to wait for spring and summer, when rains make the falls flourish.
There’s a great BBQ area at the entrance of Kondalilla National Park, so bring a picnic (as well as your swimmers, towel and hike-appropriate footwear) and make a day of it. If you want to avoid crowds, get there early, or consider an afternoon visit – it tends to get a little quieter after 3:30pm.
Thirsty after your hike? Stop in for a cuppa at The Barn on Flaxton, or turn waterfalls to wine at nearby Flame Hill Vineyard. If you want to linger a little longer, plan your weekend with this hinterland local’s guide, explore more things to do in Montville, and discover a few more secret spots on the Sunshine Coast.