Among the hinterland sites in the Sunshine Coast, Buderim Forest Park and Falls is a must visit place for locals and tourists.
Buderim Forest Park is a 45 hectare subtropical oasis less than a kilometre from the north side of Buderim Village. It has towering trees, strangler figs and ferns, meandering tracks, and a stunning waterfall.
The forest park is a popular tourist attraction for its waterfall, widely known as Serenity Falls. The waterfall is actually the most photographed place in Buderim. It’s a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, but the waterfall looks more stunning during or right after rainfall when the water powerfully cascades down into the waterhole below.
There are two entry points to reach Serenity Falls:
From Lindsay Road
You can park at the bottom of the forest, off Lindsay Road. At the end of the short loop road, you’ll find an elevated wooden boardwalk. This 600-metre walkway takes you on an easy stroll through the lush forest, along the banks of Martins Creek. The walkway ends halfway to the falls though, so you must continue along a more rugged path to the base of the waterfall.
Even if the wooden boardwalk is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, people with a walking disability may not make it to the waterfalls.
From Quorn Close
You can also reach the waterfall through the top of the forest at Quorn Close. The 350-metre route gives you direct access to the falls, but it is quite steep.
To get to this trail, take Lindsey Road off the Main Street in Buderim Village and then take the first right onto Quorn Close.
In the middle of the parking area is the Edna Walling Memorial Garden, a memorial to one of Australia’s greatest and most innovative garden designers. From there you can walk to the entryway of the bushwalk where you’ll need to navigate a number of stairs as you make your way down.
The dirt path takes you straight to the high arch wooden bridge overlooking the waterfall and creek. A set of steps on the other side of the bridge leads down to the base of the falls and the rock pool below.
This route is definitely not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Although you’ll find some people taking a dip in the waterhole at the bottom of the falls, the Council does not recommend swimming because water in the creek goes through urban areas and stormwater drains. But you can cool your feet to test the water temperature which is almost always freezing cold, even in summer.
There are no facilities or toilets at the waterfalls. You’ll find the barbecues, picnic tables, and toilets at both entrances to the forest park.
When you’ve forgotten to bring along a picnic basket, you can head to Buderim Village shops for some food at the end of your hike. It’s only a few minutes away.
Please note that Buderim Forest Park and Falls are a nature reserve, so you are not allowed to bring your dogs along.
Also, please take your litter with you. Do your part to help conserve these areas.
Lastly, you might want to consider bringing an aeroguard for the mozzies.