If you’re looking for an easy bushwalk, a stunning waterfall, and picnic facilities all within a short drive from Brisbane, Buderim Forest Park and Buderim Falls should be top of your list.

This picturesque Sunshine Coast destination, just a short 90-minutes drive from Brisbane, is as pretty as it is natural and feels a million miles away from any hustle and bustle.

It is also a pretty easy walk for even the shortest of legs, with lots of rock pools and sub-tropical rainforest delights to explore along the way.

Buderim Falls

Buderim Falls, also widely known as Serenity Falls, is accessed by a short 20 minute return walk through towering trees, strangler figs and ferns of the surrounding sub-tropical rainforest.

Along the way, make sure to stop to see if you can spot any local wildlife, especially lizards and snakes, or hear the beautiful calls of the local native birdlife, such as whipbirds and catbirds.

The waterfall flows all year-round, but looks more spectacular one or two days after heavy rainfall, when the water transforms from a trickle to a strong cascade down to the waterhole below.

You will find people swimming in the waterhole at the bottom of the falls, but because the creek that feeds the falls goes through urban areas and may include stormwater, the council does not recommend swimming. However, there are plenty of shallow rock pools to cool your feet in as you wander your way through the surrounding sub-tropical rainforest.

Buderim Falls Bushwalk

There are two bushwalks which lead to Buderim Falls, one from above the falls (Quorn Close entrance) and the other along the creek to the bottom of the falls (Harry’s Lane entrance).

Your choice of path should be based on the fitness and ability of those in your group.

Trail 1: The bush track from the top entrance is the most direct route, being only 350m long, but is also the steepest. Be prepared to hold onto your Brisbane Kid’s hand at times and navigate a number of stairs as you make your way down to the falls.

However, you will soon find yourselves on Serenity Bridge, which is a picturesque wooden high arch bridge that overlooks the waterfalls. A set of steps on the other side of the bridge lead down to the base of the waterfall and the rock pool below.

Trail 2: Alternatively, you may want to access the falls from Harry’s Lane, located off the bottom of Lindsey Road.

This pathway begins with an easy, stroller and wheelchair-accessible walk through the sub-tropical rainforest on a 600m-long elevated boardwalk. About halfway to the falls, the walkway ends and you must continue along a more rugged, typical bush path over rocks and the banks of Martins Creek to the base of the waterfalls.

This section of the path is a little more tricky and may require younger Brisbane Kids’ hands at times, but if taken slowly and with caution, even younger kids should be able to navigate the path.

If you want to extend your time at Buderim Falls, you can always walk in from one entrance, explore the falls and continue out to the the other entrance. Here you will have to take a break (and use the facilities if you need them) before turning back and walking the way you came. The benefit of doing this is you get to see the Falls twice, walk along both tracks and perhaps discover things you missed the first time round.

OUR TOP TIP: Bring a spare change of clothes for everyone including shoes and socks, in case someone slips and gets wet (it happens!)

Accessibility at Buderim Falls

Those utilising mobility aides, prams or just want a flatter, more secure walk should access the falls via the Harry’s Lane entrance. Here there is a boardwalk most of the way, though this does end before reaching the falls, but the walk is still worth it. There are a few spots to sit along the way and soak in the bush air and rest weary feet. Toilet facilities can only be found at the entrance, so make use of these before you set out.

It is not recommending starting your walk at the Quorn Close entrance if you have mobility issues as it is undulating ground and there are many steps. And like the other entrance, toilet facilities can be found near the carpark, along with picnic tables and BBQ’s.

Buderim Falls feature

Lindsey Road/Harry’s Lane Entrance

Barbecues
Picnic table
Toilets
Restaurant (Harry’s on Buderim)
Large grassy area
Off street parking

Quorn Close Entrance

Barbecues
Picnic table
Toilets
Edna Walling Memorial Garden
Off street parking

Dogs are not permitted at Buderim Falls as the falls are located within a nature reserve.

What We Thought Of Buderim Falls

Our family loved visiting the picturesque Buderim Falls. We entered via Quorn Close and made the short walk to the falls. We had to pay special attention to where we were walking as the ground was very uneven and a little slippery at times.

The Falls while not massive were still lovely to view from many different angles – from the bridge, from the side and directly in front. We were enjoying rock hopping and discovering the area that we took a wrong turn and ended up walking back along the boardwalk to the Harry’s Lane entry. Whoops!

It was nice to amble along the boardwalk, where we saw several people with mobility aides and prams utilising the flat boardwalks and pathways.

While You Are in the Area

The Sunshine Coast has so much to offer it would be a shame to end your visit at Buderim Falls.

For more nature activities visit the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden, where there is plenty of space, bushwalks, a cafe and sculpture garden to explore.

For a really fun family activity you can’t go past Amaze World. As the name suggests there is a variety of mazes and puzzles to enjoy at Amaze World, as well as a colourful playground, water play and cafe.

How to Get to Buderim Falls

Buderim Falls is located at Quorn Close, Buderim. An alternate entrance is located off Lindsay Road at Harry’s Lane, Buderim.

You will see signs for Buderim Falls and the Edna Walling Memorial Garden, which is found in the middle of the parking area at the start of the entrance to the Buderim Falls bushwalk (Quorn Close entrance).

Alternatively, you can also reach the falls from the bottom of Lindsey Road via Harry’s Lane.