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Updated 2026 · Gardners Falls, Maleny, QLD · Estimated read: 5 min
OneLife acknowledges the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Glass House Mountains and the wider Sunshine Coast. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging, and to the enduring connection they hold to this land.
Gardners Falls is one of Maleny’s favourite swimming holes, and the hardest part is often the car park. This short guide covers Gardners Falls parking, how to get there, and the easy walk down to the water. It is the stuff worth knowing before you leave the house.
The falls sit on Obi Obi Creek, a few minutes from Maleny town. Entry is free, the walk is short, and the swimming is excellent. Parking is the only real catch, so it pays to plan.
Where Is Gardners Falls
Gardners Falls is a series of cascades and rock pools on Obi Obi Creek. It sits just outside Maleny, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The reserve is free and open every day.
Maleny is an easy drive from the coast or from Brisbane. Our Sunshine Coast travel guide covers the wider region if you are planning a full day out.
Gardners Falls Parking
The Gardners Falls parking area is a small sealed car park at the end of Obi Lane South. It holds only about a dozen cars. That is the whole challenge of the place.
It fills quickly on weekends, school holidays and hot summer days. When it is full, people park along Obi Lane South and walk in. Those roadside spaces are limited too, so do not count on them.
The best advice is simple. Arrive early, ideally by eight in the morning. You get a space, a quieter walk, and first pick of the pools. There is also a toilet at the car park.
How to Get to Gardners Falls
Gardners Falls is about five minutes from the centre of Maleny. From the Sunshine Coast beaches, allow around forty-five minutes. From Brisbane, it is roughly ninety minutes by car.
The drive is straightforward. Head to Maleny and onto the Landsborough-Maleny Road. About one kilometre past the Maleny-Montville Road turn, turn into Obi Lane South. Follow it to the end, around 1.2 kilometres, where the car park waits.
For your GPS, enter Obi Lane South. You can also use the nearby Spicers Tamarind Retreat as a landmark.
Tip
Set your sat-nav to Obi Lane South, not just Gardners Falls. The road ends right at the car park, so you cannot miss it once you turn in.
The Walk to the Falls
This walk is short and easy. It runs about 300 metres each way from the car park to the main falls, following Obi Obi Creek. Most people take only a few minutes.
The first stretch is wide, flat and partly sealed. It suits almost everyone, and it makes a gentle first bush walk for kids. Smaller rock pools appear along the way, shallow enough for little ones to paddle.
Closer to the falls, the path turns rocky. That final section is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Take care on the stones, especially when they are wet.
What to Know Before You Go
Gardners Falls is free, with no booking needed. At the car park you will find a toilet, picnic tables and bins. There are no facilities down at the falls, so bring a rug and your own water.
The main pool below the falls is deep and good for swimming. Shallower pools upstream suit younger children. Rope swings hang around the pool, but they are unofficial and used entirely at your own risk.
A few rules keep the reserve in good shape. Dogs are not allowed, and there is no camping, no fires and no diving. Pack out whatever you bring in.
For the official details, see the Sunshine Coast Council reserve page. Our guide to the Sunshine Coast has more on the hinterland if you want a longer day.
Things to Do Near Gardners Falls
The falls pair well with a wider Maleny day. The town has good cafes, a dairy and sweeping views over the Glass House Mountains. Montville and the local botanic gardens sit close by.
If you are up for a proper hike, the Glass House Mountains are a short drive south. Our Mount Ngungun walk is a favourite for sunrise and views. There is plenty more to explore across the wider Sunshine Coast.
Keep Exploring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking at Gardners Falls?
Yes, but it is limited. The sealed car park at the end of Obi Lane South holds only about a dozen cars. It fills fast, so arrive early or be ready to park on the roadside and walk in.
Is Gardners Falls parking free?
Yes. Both the car park and the reserve are free. You only need to find a space, which is the tricky part on busy days.
How long is the walk to Gardners Falls?
About 300 metres each way, or roughly 15 minutes return. The track is flat and easy for most of the way, turning rocky near the falls.
Can you swim at Gardners Falls?
Yes. There is a deep pool below the main falls and shallow pools upstream for children. Rope swings are there too, used at your own risk.
Can you bring a dog?
No. Dogs are not permitted in the reserve. Camping, fires and diving are not allowed either.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning, especially in summer. You beat the crowds, find a park more easily, and have the pools to yourself for a while.
A Last Word Before You Leave
Gardners Falls rewards a little planning. Sort the Gardners Falls parking by arriving early, and the rest of the day looks after itself. A short walk, a cool swim, and one of Maleny’s best spots to yourself before the crowd turns up.