Booloumba Creek to Booloumba Falls
Sunshine Coast
Conondale National Park
An extremely scenic drive through Conondale National Park, with multiple creek crossings, swimming holes and short walks.
This moderately trafficked drive starts from the gate of the national park on Booloumba Creek Road in Kenilworth.
Getting to the start of the drive is a pleasure in itself, through open farmland, with beautiful views of the surrounding ranges.
At the gate of the national park, cross the cattle grid and continue down the dirt track to the first creek crossing.
The river crossings require a high-clearance 4WD and the are of varying depths. The creek bed is rocky and care should be taken for potential large rocks on the vehicle underbelly.
There are numerous campsites and day-use areas along Booloumba Creek which off ample swimming holes and some lovely walks.
Two additional creek crossings are required to get to the main day-use area, where the majority of the walks begin (shortened sections of the Conondale Great Walk). The most popular walks are to Artists Cascades (11.5 kms return), or the shorter Strangler Cairn and Gold Mine Track (6.5 kms return).
The famous Booloumba Creek swimming hole is located at campsite 3.
After passing campsite 4, the track becomes more narrow, winding, steep and rutted. The track ascends into the forest, with steep drops common to the side of the road, so care is required.
There is a lookout with views into the valley below and to a nearby ridge.
The track then continues winding through the forest to the Booloumba Falls car park, where a short 3 km walk takes you to Booloumba Falls.
From here you can continue exploring the park along its extensive series of trails, or return the way you came.
Difficulty: The drive is an intermediate level due to the creek crossings and steep drop-offs located on the side of much of the track. The road can be rutted, particularly after rain, however on most occasions the creek crossings are the only part requiring 4WD to be engaged.
Direction: This drive is an out-and-back drive that returns the way you came.
getting there
The drive starts at the gate of the national park on Booloumba Creek Road in Kenilworth, about 2 hours north of Brisbane.
best time to go
The drive can be completed year-round. The river runs well, even during dry months. Due to the risk of flooding, the drive should be avoided after heavy recent rain. The part of the track past campsite 4 is sometimes shut after recent heavy rain.
Always check the Queensland Parks website for updates on 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.
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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.