Kondalilla National Park Sunshine Coast

Photo credit: Chris Whitelaw © Queensland Government

Things to do

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Vehicle accessible camping areas are not provided in Kondalilla National Park. Camping is only permitted at the Flaxton walkers' camp—a bush camp provided especially for walkers on the 58km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.

    Vehicle accessible camping areas are provided nearby in Conondale National Park, Imbil State Forest and Mapleton National Park.

    Other accommodation

    There is a wide range of holiday accommodation in and around Montville, Mapleton, Maleny and other towns in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. For more information see the tourism information links.

    Rock pool above Kondalilla Falls on the Kondalilla Falls circuit.

    Rock pool above Kondalilla Falls on the Kondalilla Falls circuit.

    Photo credit: Queensland Government

    The Kondalilla Falls circuit includes more than 300 steps. What goes down must come back up! Choose a walk to suit your group's fitness levels.

    The Kondalilla Falls circuit includes more than 300 steps. What goes down must come back up! Choose a walk to suit your group's fitness levels.

    Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer

    Forest view from the top of Kondalilla Falls.

    Forest view from the top of Kondalilla Falls.

    Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer

    Picnic creek circuit.

    Picnic creek circuit.

    Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer

    Walking

    Several short walking tracks are provided in Kondalilla National Park.

    The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, a 58km Grade 4 walking track with several overnight campsites, passes through Kondalilla National Park. Walkers can also take shorter day walks along this Great Walk.

    There are more short walk opportunities nearby in Mapleton Falls National Park and Mapleton National Park.

    Picnic Creek circuit

    Grade 2

    Distance: 1.7km
    Time: allow 45mins to 1hr
    Details: this easy walk crosses Picnic Creek (400m) and passes through tall eucalypt forest with patches of wet sclerophyll forest—a mix of eucalypt and rainforest species. Enjoy views over the valley from a lookout point.

    Kondalilla Falls circuit

    Grade 3

    Distance: 4.7km
    Time: allow 2-3hrs
    Details: follow the Picnic Creek circuit down the escarpment, past rock pools and a lookout with views of Kondalilla Falls. Walk through rainforest to the base of the waterfall and continue back up the ridge. Look for emergent bunya pines with their distinctive symmetrical dome shapes, dense stands of piccabeen palms and intriguing shapes of pink ash, Alphitonia petriei.

    What goes down must come back up! There are over 300 stairs on the Kondalilla Falls circuit so you need to be reasonably fit. Always allow enough time to finish your walk in daylight hours.

    Narrows Lookout

    Grade 3

    Distance: 2.2km
    Time: allow 1hr
    Details: access via the Narrows Road car park. Follow the Great Walk beside palm lined creeks to the Narrows lookout. Enjoy views over the Narrows Gorge.

    Baroon Lookout

    Grade 3

    Distance: 4.4km
    Time: allow 2hrs
    Details: access via the Narrows Road car park. Walk through vine filled gullies and tall open forest to the Baroon lookout. The lookout offers views over Obi Obi Gorge, Baroon Pocket Dam and its catchment.

    Full day walks

    For information on full day walks, visit Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk .

    Wet weather track closures

    Walking tracks are closed during severe wet weather due to flooding of the tracks. For your safety, do not enter the park when closure signs are displayed.

    If you are caught out on the tracks when creek crossings flood, do not attempt to cross them. Wait until the water no longer covers the track.

    Water rises and falls in a short period of time. For example, in 1998 Kondalilla National Park was closed when 50mm of rain fell in 15 minutes! Water rose rapidly, transforming the cascading creek into a fast flowing, turbulent water mass. Bridges and creek crossings were cut by floodwaters and conditions were extremely dangerous. Within hours the water had dropped and the tracks were re-opened.

    Danger: A number of people have died or been permanently paralysed after slipping over waterfalls at Kondalilla and nearby parks. Stay behind fences and follow all warning signs.

    Picnic in the large grassed day-use area. A short downhill walk from the car park.

    Picnic in the large grassed day-use area. A short downhill walk from the car park.

    Photo credit: Ross Naumann

    Picnic and day-use areas

    A 50m downhill walk with steps leads from the carpark to a large grassed picnic area. There are toilets, picnic tables, barbecues and shelter sheds. The walking tracks start from the picnic area.

    There are also picnic areas and facilities at nearby Mapleton Falls National Park, Mapleton National Park and Lake Baroon.

    Viewing wildlife

    Birdwatching and nature photography are popular activities here. See the description of the Blackall Ranges' nature, culture and history for more details about Kondalilla's wildlife.