Conondale National Park

Conondale National Park is a lush, mountainous wilderness in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, offering some of the most pristine subtropical rainforest and dramatic granite outcrops in the region. This is a place for serious hikers and nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in ancient landscapes, with crystal-clear creeks, towering strangler figs, and the chance to spot rare wildlife like the plump, secretive Richmond birdwing butterfly. The park feels a world away from the coast, yet it’s just a two-hour drive from Brisbane.

Highlights & What to See

• Booloumba Creek: This gorgeous, clean creek is perfect for a refreshing dip after a hike. Several swimming holes dot its course, and the surrounding rainforest is home to platypus (dawn and dusk are best for sightings).
• Mount Allan Lookout: A steep 1.5 km walk rewards you with sweeping views over the Conondale Range and the distant Glass House Mountains. The track passes through open eucalypt forest and is excellent for birdwatching.
• Conondale Great Walk: This 56 km, 4-day loop is the park’s premier trek, taking you through rainforest, past cascading waterfalls, and across vast granite boulder fields. You’ll need to be self-sufficient, but the solitude and scenery are unforgettable.
• Granite Boulder Country: The park’s high-altitude areas feature surreal, lichen-covered granite outcrops and tors, particularly along the Great Walk. These ancient formations are a photographer’s dream and offer a stark contrast to the lush valleys.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for the endangered Coxen’s fig parrot, the majestic peregrine falcon, and if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the elusive platypus in Booloumba Creek.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors explore Conondale National Park on a day trip from the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane, focusing on the Booloumba Creek area and a shorter hike like the Mount Allan Lookout. For a deeper experience, plan an overnight or two: camp at Booloumba Creek campground and tackle a section of the Great Walk. The full 4-day Great Walk requires a dedicated multi-day itinerary and good fitness. The park is most enjoyable in the cooler months (April to October) when the humidity drops and the creeks are still flowing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kenilworth: This small town is the main gateway to the park, with a historic cheese factory, a bakery, and the scenic Mary River. Stock up on supplies here.
• Mapleton Falls National Park: Just 30 minutes north, this park offers a short walk to a stunning waterfall lookout and a picnic area with views over the Obi Obi Valley.
• Kondalilla National Park: Famous for the 90-metre Kondalilla Falls and a popular swimming hole, this park is a great complement to the more rugged Conondale experience.
• Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk: This 58 km walk links Kondalilla, Mapleton, and other reserves, offering a different but equally beautiful perspective on the region’s rainforest.
• Montville: A charming mountain village with galleries, boutique shops, and cafes, perfect for a relaxed lunch after your hike.

Please check official sources for current details.