If you want a break from the sand and surf on the Sunshine Coast, check out the Buderim Forest Walk. There is a boardwalk, waterfall, swimming spot, picnic areas and lovely rainforest walks. The walk is suitable for all fitness levels and families, and the boardwalk section is access friendly.
Here is a quick guide so you can plan your visit.
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Where is Buderim Forest Walk?
The Buderim Forest Walk is only 15 minutes inland from Maroochydore and Alexandra Headlands. Just plug it into your maps and you’ll see signs when you turn on to Lindsay Road.
There are two access points
It is useful to know that there are two entry points to Buderim Forest Park – there is an upper and lower car park.
The first one you come to is the lower carpark. This is the one you choose for the boardwalk section of the path and the bigger picnic area. From here it is a 900m walk to the waterfalls and rockpools which includes 700m on the raised boardwalk.
The upper car park off Quorn Road is closer to Buderim Falls. Choose this one if looking at the falls or going for a swim is the main thing you want to do. From here it is 300m to the rockpools and waterfalls. You can also access a short forest loop walk from this end.
Just be aware, there is a bit more slope and few more steps to get to the bridge and falls from the top car park.
Parking & Facilities
As mentioned, there are two car parks. The lower car park near the forest boardwalk is bigger. There are access friendly toilets, sheltered BBQs and picnic tables at both car parks. At the lower car park there is also a grassed area and a rotunda.
Dogs are not permitted at the Buderim Falls Walk.
Is it busy?
Just to be clear, Buderim Forest Walk is not a hidden gem! It is close to Maroochydore so gets its fair share of visitors. Expect it to be busy in school holidays, weekends or when ocean conditions are a bit rough.
However, if you visit early in the day or later in the afternoon you will miss the busiest time.
What is there to see at the Buderim Forest Walk?
There are a few highlights here. The first is the access -friendly forest boardwalk. Closest to the lower carpark, the boardwalk is 700m long and follows Martins Creek through some lovely rainforest. There are lots of bird noises (coming from well-hidden birds), ferns and palms. It is an easy walk especially for families.
The boardwalk does not quite get you to Buderim Fals. It is another 200m along a stone path that follows the cascading rockpools. If there isn’t too much water coming down, they are a nice place to cool off. This part of the path can be a little slippery but if you are of average mobility you can get to the falls.
Just in front of Buderim Falls you’ll see Serenity Bridge above you spanning Martins Creeks. The bridge is where the upper and lower tracks come together, and it joins the two parts of the walk (which is 1300m end to end). You get nice views of Buderim Falls from the bridge.
If you go up the rock steps to the bridge you will also see the signs to the forest loop walk that does a short circuit halfway up the gully – this is a quieter part of the park.
Our Highlights
We have done our share of forest walks, but even so, the boardwalk was still a nice stroll through the forest. We enjoyed seeing Buderim Falls but it was quite busy for our visit which took away a bit of the atmosphere. But it was still very pretty.
We quite enjoyed parking at the top car park and doing the forest loop walk and the short walk down to the falls, it is a bit less busy. Keep an eye out for lizards sunning on the rocks on the walk to the falls.
Overall, Buderim Forest Walk is a relaxing spot to spend an hour or two. If you can get here during the week out of school holidays it would be a very relaxing place. If you want a quieter forest walk, the 1.3km Wompoo Circuit in Mapleton National Park is a nice option as is the Baroon Lookout Walk in Kondalilla National Park.
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