Artists Cascades
Sunshine Coast
Conondale National Park
A unique walk featuring pristine rock pools, an art installation in the rainforest, a disused gold mine that now houses bat colonies and an incredible cascade and swimming hole.
This lightly trafficked, well-marked trail starts from the Booloumba Creek Day Use Area (Area #2).
The walk is a section of the Conondale Great Walk and passes through lush subtropical rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest.
While the track is never far from Booloumba Creek, the views of the creek are generally minimal beyond the first few kilometres.
Nevertheless, short side-tracks lead to the Strangler Cairn and a disused gold mine.
The 4 metre high Strangler Cairn sculpture, by renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy, is an art piece that was helicoptered into the rainforest in pieces to be constructed, with a strangler fig planted at the top of the cairn with hopes it will take over the cairn in time.
The disused gold mine is now home to two bat colonies, but was used up until the 1900’s. The length of the tunnel is 60 metres and is sealed to protect the bat colonies.
The remainder of the track is an undulating walk through the forest to the cascades. A small amount of rock hopping is required to get to the base of the cascades, if wishing to have a swim.
The cascades are beautiful and the rock pool at their base is a great place to cool off before heading back.
Note that this walk can be extended to include Booloumba Falls, Summer Falls and the Mount Allen Fire Tower, however these extensions are sizeable.
Track: Graded and well-signed, the track is easy to follow. The track is undulating with the majority of the ascent completed on the way to the cascades.
Difficulty: The track involves a decent amount of elevation, but overall is suitable for most fitness levels. Care is required for the short rock hop to the base of the cascades, particularly when there has been recent rain or the rocks are wet.
Direction: This is an out-and-back track that returns the way it came.
getting there
The trail starts from the Booloumba Creek Day Use Area (Area #2) off of Booloumba Creek Road in Kenilworth, 2 hours drive north-west of Brisbane.
A 4WD or high clearance vehicle is recommended for getting to this location as there are three creek crossings required.
Alternatively, you can park at the entrance to the national park and walk in (adding an extra 2 kms return).
The car park is small and can fill up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months.
best time to go
The walk can be completed year-round.
The car park is relatively small, so an early start is advised. The location is typically much more populated during warmer months.
Like any walk involving waterfalls, it is best done after recent rain. However, if completing after recent rain, be sure to check the Queensland Parks website for updates regarding flooding and track closures.
Remember, whenever venturing into the outdoors, practice the Leave No Trace principles and be considerate of others. This means: dispose of your waste properly, don't remove things or move things from their natural position and respect all wildlife. Also be sure to plan ahead and adequately prepare for any adventure.
I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which all activities listed on this website are found, as well as Elders past, present and emerging. I strive to not promote sites where requests have been made for people not to explore due to the cultural significance of the site to Indigenous peoples, or note how to respectfully visit a site. If I have a promoted a site with cultural significance, please send me a message and let me know.