10 Best hikes and trails in Kondalilla National Park

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Australia/
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Kondalilla National Park

Best trails in Kondalilla National Park

4.5(3,123 reviews)

Australia
:
#73 of 638 national parks

Kondalilla National Park is located in the Blackall Range of South East Queensland. Its landscape consists of mountains and rainforest valleys that are crossed by rivers and waterfalls. As the name suggests, the park was named after Kondalilla Falls, where you can see Skene Creek drop 90m down into a rainforest valley. 'Kondalilla' is an Aboriginal word meaning rushing waters and describes the park perfectly, especially during the summer wet season. It is home to a variety of fauna and flora – more than 107 species of birds have been seen in the park, and 70 species of reptiles and 32 species of frogs have been recorded from the Blackall Range and nearby Conondale Range.

Top trails

#1 - Flaxton Walkers Camp and Baxter Falls

This is a return hike along part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk in the Kondalilla National Park. This starts at the trailhead just off Flaxton Mill Road. The walk takes you through a variety of environments: rainforest valleys to waterfalls and rock pools. It is home to a variety of fauna and flora including birds, reptiles and frogs. The trail is well marked in some parts and not in others. It’s easy and downhill to the beautiful suspension bridge, river and waterfall (try...

#2 - Narrows Lookout and Baroon Lookout

This is a relatively easy going and enjoyable hike on the edge of Kondalilla National Park along the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The walk is straightforward and suitable for most ages and abilities, making it a good option for families to enjoy together. The track is mostly all shaded through forests with a few sections of rock hopping to the waterhole. The two lookouts (Narrows Lookout and Baroon Lookout) provide amazing views over the gorge and Obi Obi Creek.

#3 - Baxter Falls via Suses Pocket Road

A great little walk through Kondalilla National Park, near the town of Mapleton in south east corner of Queensland. The walk starts from Suses Pocket road and heads straight down to Baxter Creek. The waterfall and cascades are really beautiful, particularly after some rain. There are a series of switchback steps to navigate as you approach the falls. It is also possible to reach the top of the falls and there are numerous other options for longer walks in the area.

#4 - Flaxton to Mapleton Falls Lookout

This is a cracker of a trail with a stunning waterfall at the end of it, located within Kondalilla National Park near Flaxton, Queensland. It's a great walk with beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife along the way. There are steep sections to get the heart rate up and even a swing bridge for a bit of adventure. Bring your swimmers on warm days for a mid-hike swim near the falls.

#5 - Baroon and Creek Lookout

#6 - Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a spectacularly managed multi-day walk through the stunning landscapes of Mapleton National Park. Official "walkers guides" are available from the park's visitors centre, outlining the trail for 4-5 days of walking. The walk can be managed in 2-3 days for the more experienced. The trail is very well marked and maintained, and the walkers camps are a treat to reach each night. The walk passes through open eucalypt woodland and near a few fantastic...

#7 - Witta Fire Trail

For a route along the fire trails, this is more picturesque than what you would expect. Relatively dense eucalyptus bush with tree ferns, grass trees, and vantage points on the route through the mountains good with views over the valley. perfect for walking or trail running. There is no proper car park for this route at the trailhead, there is a limited amount of space off to the side of the road at the Shultz Road and Gum rose Lane intersection, there is then a short asphalt section...

#8 - Kondalilla Falls and Picnic Creek Circuit [CLOSED]

4.7(1098)

•Moderate

•2.8 mi

One of Queensland's best - and most popular - walks. This grade 3 circuit around Kondalilla Falls is good for the whole family, however there are over 300 stairs so not suitable for everyone. Many will choose to do the loop anti-clockwise so they can take a dip in the swimming holes closer to the finish of their walk, but the hike can be done in either direction. From the car park there are stairs down to an open, grassy picnic area where you can lounge out and enjoy a snack with...

#9 - Kondalilla Falls and Flat Rock Circuit [CLOSED]

A challenging but extremely rewarding hike in the Kondalilla National Park that is up there with the most popular walks in Queensland that takes in the beautiful Kondalilla Falls and then drops down further along the Obi Obi Creek to the Flat Rock pools. Along this walk you'll come across an astounding number of stairs so having some fitness or endurance is highly recommended. This trail will have you completely immersed in some classic southern Queensland rainforest with piccabeen palms...

#10 - Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk: Baroon Dam Section [CLOSED]

This is a fantastic section of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk - the perfect day walk located in the Kondalilla National Park, this trail has a great mix to keep you on your toes. Taking you along the Obi Obi Creek passing the Dam lookout, Kondalilla Falls, Mapleton Falls, Baxter’s Creek. With beautiful tree cover for most of the hike and picnic tables to enjoy beside the Lake Baroon.

Showing results 1–10 of 12

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Trail reviews for Kondalilla National Park

4,311 trailgoers Busiest in April

Alia Gallet-Pandellé

Dec 25, 2024•Hiking

Good conditionsEasy to parkNot crowded

Trail was easy to follow and ground conditions ideal today - wouldn't recommend after rain, would be very slippery and muddy. The part of the trail in Kondalilla National Park is gorgeous! Highly recommend a dip in the quiet Baxter Falls. I was disappointed by the last section towards Mapleton Falls lookout: trail is along a road, near houses and the lookout can be accessed by car so tends to be busy. It killed the magic a little bit...

Flaxton to Mapleton Falls Lookout

Liz Ward

Jun 11, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditions

Beautiful circuit. Fair amount of damage evident from recent rainfall and the lower part of kondalilla falls is advised as closed due to bridge damage. It is passable, though bear in mind that section is very uneven and rocky ground. Completed on a weekday and had plenty of time for absorbing the peace of the place in solitude.

Kondalilla Falls and Picnic Creek Circuit [CLOSED]

Carrie Gibb

Jun 3, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Peaceful walk from Baroon pocket to Kondalilla falls return - around 19km. A little muddy in places. Track well maintained. No leeches

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk: Baroon Dam Section [CLOSED]

Shelly Copter

Jan 1, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkBathrooms availableGreat conditions

Busy but easy trail, great rock pools. Walked from Kondalilla Eco Resort.

Picnic Creek Circuit [CLOSED]

Amber Saxty

May 13, 2025•Hiking

Good conditionsGood viewsNot crowdedBathrooms available

Kondalilla falls circuit closed, walked toward flat rock instead, but turned around not far from flat rock due to muddy/boggy section of trail (it’s pretty rainy). Great walk

Conditions: Muddy

Kondalilla Falls and Flat Rock Circuit [CLOSED]

Sophie Phelps

Sep 23, 2024

Good conditionsGood viewsNot crowded

Beautiful hike with a few great swimming spots on the way before you even reach kondalilla. Moderate in difficulty, one part noticeable on the legs

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk: Kondalilla to Baroon Dam [CLOSED]

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Kondalilla National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Kondalilla National Park is Flaxton Walkers Camp and Baxter Falls, which has a 4.5 star rating from 497 reviews. This trail is 4.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 879 ft.

What is the longest trail in Kondalilla National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Kondalilla National Park is Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. This trail is estimated to be 43.9 mi long.

How many trails are in Kondalilla National Park?

There are 12 trails in Kondalilla National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 3,123 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Kondalilla National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Kondalilla National Park has you covered. Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk boasts the most elevation gain with 8,622 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Flaxton to Mapleton Falls Lookout, which will get you 1,929 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Kondalilla National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 camping trails in Kondalilla National Park and the most popular is Flaxton Walkers Camp and Baxter Falls with an average 4.5 star rating from 497 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Kondalilla National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 running trails in Kondalilla National Park and the most popular is Flaxton to Mapleton Falls Lookout with an average 4.5 star rating from 157 community reviews.