Kondalilla Falls
Majestic 90m waterfall in a lush rainforest, offering scenic hikes and refreshing rock pool swims.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Kondalilla Falls
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic 90m waterfall in a lush rainforest, offering scenic hikes and refreshing rock pool swims.
"A truly impressive trail and remarkable rocky basin swimming area, this place warrants a visit."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
The circuit has steep sections and stairs. Wear good walking shoes for safety and comfort.
💧 Beware of Leeches!
Leeches can be present, especially after rain. Wear long socks and consider repellent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kondalilla Falls
Main waterfall viewpoint
Witness the majestic 90-meter cascade plunging into a lush rainforest valley. A truly breathtaking sight!
Upper Rock Pool
Top of the main falls
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural rock pool at the top of the falls. Perfect for a cool dip on a warm day.
Lower Rock Pools
Base of the falls (via circuit walk)
Discover serene rock pools at the base, ideal for swimming and relaxing amidst the rainforest.
Kondalilla Falls Circuit
Full park loop
Embark on a 4.8km bushwalk through magnificent forest, offering stunning views and abundant birdlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Prepare for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
The circuit has steep sections and stairs. Wear good walking shoes for safety and comfort.
💧 Beware of Leeches!
Leeches can be present, especially after rain. Wear long socks and consider repellent.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
🏊♀️ Rock Pool Fun
The rock pools are popular for swimming. They get busy by late morning, so visit early for a more peaceful experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
The circuit has steep sections and stairs. Wear good walking shoes for safety and comfort.
💧 Beware of Leeches!
Leeches can be present, especially after rain. Wear long socks and consider repellent.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
🏊♀️ Rock Pool Fun
The rock pools are popular for swimming. They get busy by late morning, so visit early for a more peaceful experience.
🥾 Circuit Walk Details
The 4.8km circuit takes about 2 hours without stops, but allow more time for photos and enjoying the views.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no drinking water facilities in the park, so pack plenty of water for your hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Kondalilla Falls and its surrounding rainforest, highlighting the refreshing rock pools and well-maintained trails. While the circuit walk is described as steep and challenging, the natural scenery and swimming opportunities make it a highly recommended destination for nature lovers and families.
"Great walk, can be steep in a number of places but they have built steps to help navigate this whole circuit
Allow 2 hours to complete the walk
Beautiful waterfalls, magnificent forest, great views and plenty of birdlif
Best to visit Autumn, winter and Spring. Summer can be hot and more stressful for senior people.
Lovely swimming area at the top of the main falls. Very safe."
Bruce Sawers
"Love Kondalilla Falls. Even if you just walk to the top of the big waterfall and chill at the pond, check out the views, or walk down into the Valley, you will love this spot. Well maintained trails. Not suitable for prams as there is alot of stairs."
Tim Hunter
"The location is exceptionally serene, calm, and naturally beautiful. The trail walk was truly impressive, and the rocky basin swimming area was equally remarkable. It is certainly a place that warrants a visit."
Zaheer Khokhar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kondalilla Falls is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive north of Brisbane. Take the Bruce Highway (M1) and then exit onto the Sunshine Coast Motorway, following signs towards Maleny and Montville. The park is well-signposted from Montville.
Public transport options are limited. It's highly recommended to drive your own vehicle or rent a car for the most convenient access to Kondalilla Falls and the surrounding Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The main trailhead is located at the Kondalilla Falls picnic area, which has ample parking. Follow the signs within the national park to reach the picnic grounds and start your hike from there.
While possible, rideshare services might be unreliable for the return journey from Kondalilla Falls due to limited mobile reception and availability in the area. Driving is the most practical option.
Kondalilla Falls is very close to Montville, just a short 10-minute drive away. It's also easily accessible from Maleny, approximately a 15-20 minute drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Kondalilla Falls National Park is free. You can explore the trails and enjoy the waterfalls without any admission cost.
Kondalilla Falls National Park is generally open from dawn till dusk. It's always a good idea to check the Queensland National Parks website for any specific park alerts or temporary closures before your visit.
No booking is required for general entry to Kondalilla Falls. It's a public national park, so you can visit anytime during opening hours.
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. However, always check for park alerts regarding track closures or safety advice, especially after heavy rain.
The main trails, including the Kondalilla Falls Circuit, involve stairs and steep sections, making them unsuitable for prams or wheelchairs.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular is the Kondalilla Falls Circuit (4.8km loop), which takes you to the base of the falls. For a shorter walk, the Picnic Creek Circuit (1.7km) is an option, or you can walk to the rock pools (approx. 20 mins downhill).
Yes, there are lovely rock pools at the top of the main falls and at the base of the falls that are perfect for swimming and cooling off.
The park is rich in birdlife and native flora. Keep an eye out for various bird species and enjoy the lush rainforest environment.
Yes, there are picnic areas with tables available in the park, making it a great spot for a day out.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to complete the Kondalilla Falls Circuit and enjoy the waterfalls and rock pools. If you're just visiting the upper falls, 1-2 hours might suffice.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food or dining facilities within Kondalilla Falls National Park itself. You'll need to bring your own picnic or eat in nearby towns.
The charming towns of Montville and Maleny, just a short drive away, offer a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bakeries with delicious local produce.
Absolutely! There are designated picnic areas with tables, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature.
It's essential to pack plenty of water, as there are no drinking water facilities. Snacks and a packed lunch are also recommended for a full day of exploring.
While the park itself closes at dusk, you can enjoy a meal in Montville or Maleny and then find scenic viewpoints in the hinterland for sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints overlooking the main waterfall are spectacular. The rock pools also offer beautiful, serene photo opportunities, especially in the early morning light.
Drone usage in national parks can be restricted. It's crucial to check the specific regulations with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service before flying a drone. 
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the falls and rainforest. Midday sun can be harsh, but the shade of the rainforest helps.
Don't miss capturing the full cascade of Kondalilla Falls from the designated viewpoints. The lush greenery and the rock pools also make for stunning shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and the rainforest. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections in the water and enhance the vibrant greens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be mindful of leeches, especially after rain. The natural rock pools provide a fun and refreshing way for kids to cool down. Consider the Picnic Creek Circuit for a shorter, less strenuous walk if the full 4.8km circuit seems too much. The opportunity to explore the rainforest and see a waterfall is often a big hit with children. Ensure children are supervised closely around the water, especially in the rock pools.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the biodiversity of the park. The sound of the waterfall, the scent of the rainforest, and the abundance of birdlife create a truly immersive experience. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and the intricate details of the natural environment.
couples seeking tranquility
Consider a leisurely stroll along the shorter Picnic Creek Circuit or simply find a quiet spot near the main waterfall viewpoint to soak in the atmosphere. The drive through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to reach Kondalilla Falls is also scenic, adding to the romantic getaway feel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Kondalilla Falls Circuit
While the circuit is well-maintained, it's crucial to wear appropriate footwear with good grip. The rainforest environment can be damp, and the steps can become slippery. Many visitors recommend bringing a walking stick for added stability. Remember to pack plenty of water, as there are no facilities along the trail. The effort is well worth it, offering a truly immersive nature experience and a chance to connect with the wild beauty of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Key Takeaways for the Circuit:
* Distance: 4.8 km loop
* Time: 2-3 hours
* Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections, stairs)
* Highlights: Waterfall base, rainforest scenery, birdlife
* Essential: Sturdy shoes, water, insect repellent.
The Allure of the Rock Pools
For those who venture down the circuit track, the lower rock pools at the base of the falls present another enchanting destination. These pools are equally beautiful and offer a different perspective of the waterfall. Some reels even show adventurous individuals using rope swings or jumping from rocks into the pools, though caution is always advised.
The rock pools are particularly popular in the warmer months, and as noted by visitors, they can become quite busy by late morning, so an early arrival is recommended for a more tranquil experience. Rock Pool Tips:
* Upper Pool: Easy access, great for a quick dip.
* Lower Pools: Requires circuit walk, more secluded.
* Best Time: Early morning to avoid crowds.
* Activities: Swimming, relaxing, photography.
Best Times to Visit for Optimal Experience
Beyond the seasons, consider the time of day. Arriving early in the morning, ideally before 9 or 10 AM, is highly recommended. This is when you'll find fewer crowds, especially at the popular rock pool swimming areas, and you'll have a better chance of securing parking.
+1Seasonal & Daily Recommendations:
* Ideal Seasons: Autumn, Winter, Spring
* Best Time of Day: Early morning (before 10 AM)
* Crowd Avoidance: Weekdays are generally quieter.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit