Artists Cascades — Attraction in Sunshine Coast Regional

To reach Artists Cascades, we drove from Maleny to the Booloumba Falls car park, which took about 45 minutes. One of our group drove a sedan but everyone else was in a 4WD and in my opinion that's the kind of vehicle you should use. There are two small water crossings (during fine weather) and some rough patches of dirt road.

We left the vehicles in the car park and took the well-maintained hiking track, which is about a 10km loop that includes brief patches of uneven rock stairs. We passed a group of retirees using walking poles who had done it. I'd say it requires moderate fitness and no knee problems.

Artists Cascades is a pleasant spot, but not jaw-dropping. The main appeal is doing the walk itself with friends. We went in winter and the forest was cool, free of insects, and ringing to the calls of bell birds. There are also a few impressive views out across the valley to the other side.

On the way back we stopped at the Booloumba Falls which is also pleasant (from the Falls it is only a kilometre or so back to the carpark).

I'd recommend visiting if you're not in a rush, and are with people who enjoy hiking or...

Artists Cascades is an absolutely stunning part of Conondale National Park. The track to and from the cascades has only a very slight elevation gain (300m) and had the Strangler Fig egg, abandoned mine and Mount Allen fire tour access along the trial (allow more time if you want to also do these) allow 2½ hours to reach the cascades and another hour and a half to stay and explore the immediate area as there are some beautiful little gems hidden on this section of the creek.

If you're up for it and have the experience, continue along the great walk for another 3 hours to get to Booloumba Falls, although this is a 24km return hike so make sure you leave early and the total elevation gain is +1200m so a strong level of fitness is a MUST. There are also some precarious winding steep tracks on loose rocks from this point so recommended for experienced hikers only.

Otherwise stay at the cascades and enjoy the surreal...

Really nice walk along Booloumba Creek to artists cascade. Clocked around 13km return from the day use area. Could cross the creek from the last camping spot before climbing the range to cut about 3km off the trip. Pretty easy going along the trail the whole way there. With just a few short steep sections. Mostly stairs. Nice swimming spots above and...