Waterfalls, lookouts and national parks in Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast has a few awe-inspiring places that are worth the effort, and they are not all on the beach. Noosa National Park wraps a headland with coastal tracks, tangled bush and sea views, and it is probably the most walked bit of the region. Point Cartwright Reserve at Buddina gives a smaller, easier headland with a lookout, and Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary at Bli Bli offers a gentle boardwalk and birds. Inland, the experience changes. The Picnic Creek circuit in Kondalilla National Park near Montville is a rainforest walk with creek crossings and, when the creek is flowing, a waterfall. Glass House Mountains National Park has the volcanic peaks that give the area its character. Many of these are steep and not suitable for little legs, but the lookouts and shorter walks are easy to enjoy. The listing explains what is on offer and what is only for experienced walkers. Rain changes everything. After heavy rain the waterfall is better, but creeks rise, rocks are slippery and tracks may close. Dry spells make the falls thinner and the walk easier. Do not swim unless signs clearly say it is safe. These places suit slow walks with plenty of stops. Take water, snacks and a hat. Let children lead, notice small things, and treat the view as a bonus. A hinterland walk followed by lunch in a village is one of the best days the region offers.

Our picks

Before you go

Best for which ages

Primary-aged children enjoy the shorter walks and the sense of adventure, while toddlers do well in carriers on easy tracks. Teenagers often enjoy the lookouts and the bigger views. Check the listing for steepness before you set off. A sturdy carrier beats a pram almost everywhere here, since steps and roots are common even on short tracks.

What to bring

Closed shoes with grip, water, snacks, a hat and sunscreen. Bring a light jacket for hinterland mornings and a rain layer in case of showers. Insect repellent is useful in rainforest, and a small first aid kit is a sensible extra.

Parking and facilities

Car parks can fill up on weekends and holidays, so go early. Toilets, picnic tables and cafes vary by site, so check each listing. Phone coverage can drop out, so tell someone your plans. Stopping in a village on the way home gives tired walkers a proper drink and something to look forward to.

Best time of year

Autumn and winter are comfortable for walking, while summer is best early in the day. After rain, creeks can rise and tracks may close, so check conditions. Dry spells make waterfalls gentler but the walking easier. Rainforest mornings are damp and cool, so a spare dry top for each child is worth carrying along.

How to make a day of it

Pair a walk with a village lunch in the hinterland, or a headland stroll with a swim at a patrolled beach. Keep the plan loose and let children decide when they have walked enough. Choose one proper walk and a reward at the end, such as a picnic table or a cafe.

Waterfalls, lookouts and forest walks

Walks the park service or council describes with a length and grade. Each listing says how far, how hard, and what is at the start.

All walks, waterfalls and lookouts in Sunshine Coast, free and paid

Questions parents ask

Is Noosa National Park suitable for young children?
Parts of it are, particularly the easier stretches of coastal track. Others are long or uneven, so check the listing and choose a short section.
Can we swim at Kondalilla?
Only where signs say it is allowed. Water levels change quickly, and rocks are slippery, so treat any swim with great care.
Can we climb the Glass House Mountains with children?
Some peaks are steep and for experienced walkers only. Lookouts and shorter walks suit families better. Read the listing and signs.
Is Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary good for toddlers?
It is a gentle place for a boardwalk stroll and birdwatching. Keep toddlers away from the water edge, and check the listing for what is on site.

Other kinds of free day in Sunshine Coast

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