Away from the Sunshine Coast’s famous beaches, there’s a whole lot more natural scenery that’s well worth exploring. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland has a quiet, relaxing beauty and is littered with some wonderful little spots.

Roughly half an hour’s drive from Maroochydore and near the sleepy village of Mapleton, Mapleton Falls National Park is home to a remnant of the bushland which once blanketed the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Though nearby Kondalilla Falls National Park, with its beautiful rock pools for swimming, draws in plenty of tourists, Mapleton Falls are definitely worth a visit as well.

One can stay anywhere along the Sunshine Coast…all caravan sites appear to be around $36…..inland ones are cheaper…

Kondalilla Falls National Park

http://www.weekendnotes.com/kondalilla-falls-national-park/?sb=1

From Brisbane, the drive to the falls takes roughly 2 hours – travel along the Bruce Highway, then follow the scenic Glass House Mountains Road to the Landsborough turnoff and drive on to Montville. The park located about 4km past Montville and is signposted on the left.

If you’re planning to make a day of it I’d recommend spending the morning exploring the local craft shops and galleries in Montville and Flaxton. Stop off at the Penefathings Inn for a great lunch and to take in the mountain-top views.

Head on down the road to Kondalilla Falls after lunch with a packed afternoon tea. Stop off at the rock pools for a cooling swim and perch yourself on the lookout with your picnic and enjoy the view over the spectacular Obi Obi Valley. Visiting the falls in the afternoon means that you can avoid the midday heat when you are walking the rather steep route back up from the base of the falls.

On your way home don’t forget to pick up some of the home-grown produce from the road-side stalls – the macadamia nuts and avocados can’t be beaten.