Kondalilla Falls
A visit to the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland Australia would not be complete without visiting Kondalilla Falls, one of the many different waterfalls in the area.
The falls are found in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Located near Montville, surrounded by rainforest, it is a welcome escape from city life.
Kondalli falls are found in Kondalilla National Park. One of the Sunshine Coast 7 National Parks. Kondalilla is an Aboriginal word for running water.
The area was first officially protected in 1906 as a recreational area. In 1945 it become a National Park.
To get to the falls you will need to go on a well maintained walking track. The walking trail features not only the waterfalls, but also rock pools, scenic lookout and water holes.
Whilst there are quite a few steps on the hike it is relatively easy. Kondalilla National park has well maintained trails. There are some great lookouts on the way down towards the base of the falls.
Kondallila falls is a popular swimming spot, as there is a very scenic swimming hole at the base of the falls.
Some things to watch out for.
Firstly! It is cold!
We went in January and I needed to jump in and not think about it, as the cold water took my breathe away.
Secondly! Watch out for Flash flooding!
If you are visiting make sure you keep an eye on the weather, the area has been known to be affected by flash flooding.
Thirdly! Leaches
As we made our way back to the car, one of the kids found a leach on her ankles, not what we where expecting. We then had to try and find away to get it off, without panicking everyone around us.
Choice of Walking trails
Picnic Creek circuit – 1.7km
Kondalilla Falls Circuit—4.7km walk, that includes over 300 stairs (Rock pools—2.4km return)
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk – 58km walk through Kondalilla, Mapleton Falls and Mapleton National Parks with overnight campsites.
Kondalilla falls is a must see location if you are visiting the Sunshine Coast, and somewhere that locals should visit as well.
How to get there.
From Montville, head down Mapleton Montville Road, and after about 2km, you take a left onto Kondalilla Falls Road. The car park is at the end of this road. The day we went it was already getting very busy, however we managed to get a park. I have been told that the area can become quite congested, and sometimes people end up parking on nearby residential streets.
Cost
Free to park, and free to visit.
Do you like visiting waterfalls?
Tell us your favourite waterfalls in the comments.
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That water must be so refreshing after a hike in the hot weather!
Interesting sounding place! Thanks for the warning about the leeches! Sounds like a place for the depots swimmer and looks beautiful.
You had me until you got to the leeches! Yuck!
Sounds like a very refreshing adventure! Thanks for sharing.
It’s so pretty! But yikes, leeches are the worst!
Looks like reaching the waterfall was well worth the effort.
This is a great place to take a hike any day of the year. I love the hike down to the bottom of the falls and of course, back up again.
Looks like a nice view! I don’t know what I would have done if I found a leech on me haha
Sounds like a fun hike and area but those leeches…I don’t think I could will myself into the water.
I love hiking to waterfalls! The hike looked well worth it!
I’ve never actually visited a place that could have leeches. Not sure I’d brave the water to be honest. But the view would be worth the hike!
I hope to visit the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland Australia! The falls look beautiful!
I loved the photos and the descriptions of the scenery and the wildlife. It looks like a beautiful and peaceful place to enjoy nature and have a picnic. I also liked the advice on how to prepare for the hike, what to bring, and what to wear. Thank you for sharing your experience and recommendations with us!