Wappa Falls is a rocky waterfall on the South Maroochy River in Kiamba, just downstream of Wappa Dam and a short drive west of Yandina on the Sunshine Coast. You reach it by a bush walk from Jack Harrison Park, which has picnic tables, free barbecues and a playground at the foot of the dam wall.
Plan this as a picnic and a look at the falls, not a swimming day. Sunshine Coast Council and Seqwater are clear about the water, and the details are below.
The walk to Wappa Falls
The walk starts in Jack Harrison Park, also called Wappa Park, on the banks of the dam. Sunshine Coast Council’s trail page lists it as 1.0 km one way and rates it Grade 5, which means an unformed, very rough, steep and unmarked track suited to very experienced bushwalkers. Limited parking is also available at the falls, a very short walk from the track.
Wear sturdy shoes with grip, take water and allow extra time if the ground is wet. The track is unformed and unmarked, so keep to the worn path and stay well back from the edges of the rock ledges. Rocks around the falls can be slippery.
Can you swim at Wappa Falls?
Council’s trail page says swimming at the falls is not advised: the rocks can be slippery and the currents unpredictable. It also says supervision is essential around the falls. Treat the falls as a place to look and paddle at your own risk, and keep children close.
In the dam itself, no in-water activities are permitted, including swimming, boats and shoreline fishing. For a safe swim nearby, try Baroon Pocket Dam or one of the Sunshine Coast’s beaches.
Jack Harrison Park and Wappa Dam
Seqwater runs Jack Harrison Park on Wappa Park Road, Kiamba. It has an open picnic area with picnic tables and shelters, free barbecues and a playground. Council’s trail page also lists toilets and drinking water.
The park is the best place to see the dam spill. When the dam reaches full capacity, water flows over the spillway, and the lookout is close enough that you may get sprayed. Wappa Dam was built in 1963 on the South Maroochy River and supplies drinking water to the South East Queensland water grid, so no camping or water activities are allowed.
Wappa Dam has its own post: Wappa Dam.
Is Wappa Falls dog friendly?
No. Seqwater asks visitors to leave their pets at home, because dogs and other domestic animals can disturb the wildlife in these natural areas.
Planning your visit
- How long: allow one to two hours for the walk, the falls and a picnic.
- Cost: free.
- Hours: Seqwater says the dam and recreation facilities are open seven days, 5:30 am to 6:30 pm from September to April and 6 am to 5:30 pm from May to August. Council’s trail page says park gates close at 5:30 pm, so aim to leave early.
- What to bring: water, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy shoes and a picnic.
- Accessibility: no accessibility details are published, and the track to the falls is rough and steep.
- Before you go: check Seqwater’s recreation and safety notices or ring 1300 737 928 for closures, and follow any local signage. To report a hazard or problem on the trail, council’s trail page lists Seqwater on 07 3035 5500.
Getting there and parking
Wappa Falls is about 1 hour 35 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD. From the Bruce Highway, take the Yandina exit and follow Wappa Falls Road for about 5 km to Jack Harrison Park on Wappa Park Road, Kiamba. There are large parking areas at the park, and limited parking at the falls themselves.
No public transport to the park is listed. Check the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30. More details are on the Adventure Sunshine Coast trail page and in Seqwater’s Jack Harrison Park page. Details can change, so check before you go.
Nearby
- Wappa Dam – the dam wall and spillway lookout right next to the falls.
- Yandina – the nearest town, with a heritage walk and cafes.
- The Ginger Factory, Yandina – rides and tours for a second stop.
- Yandina Markets – Saturday country markets in town.
- Kondalilla Falls – a bigger waterfall walk in the hinterland.
- Mapleton Falls National Park – lookouts over another hinterland drop.
Browse more waterfalls or the Sunshine Coast.
You might also like
- Elabana Falls (Lamington National Park)
- Purling Brook Falls (Springbrook)
- Queen Mary Falls (Killarney)
Quick answers
Where is Wappa Falls?
In Kiamba on the Sunshine Coast, just downstream of Wappa Dam, about 5 km along Wappa Falls Road from Yandina.
Is Wappa Falls free?
Yes. There is no entry fee.
Can you swim at Wappa Falls?
Council’s trail page says swimming is not advised because the rocks are slippery and the currents unpredictable. No swimming is allowed in Wappa Dam.
How long is the walk to Wappa Falls?
Council lists the walk from Jack Harrison Park as 1.0 km one way on a rough, steep, unmarked track.
What time does Wappa Falls close?
Seqwater lists 5:30 am to 6:30 pm from September to April and 6 am to 5:30 pm from May to August. Council says park gates close at 5:30 pm.
Are there toilets and a playground?
Yes. Jack Harrison Park has toilets, drinking water, a playground, picnic shelters and free barbecues.
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