Originally home to the Kabi Kabi people, Flaxton is a sprawling rural town located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. It was settled in the late 19th century for the cultivation of bananas and citrus fruit and was named after Flaxton Hall Farm in England. Today, Flaxton serves as a gateway to the walking trails of Kondalilla National Park and the fishing waters of Lake Baroon.
Things to do in Flaxton
A highlight of staying in Flaxton is exploring Kondalilla National Park, which takes its name from the local Aboriginal word for “running water”. It holds spiritual significance for the Indigenous people of South East Queensland and was the site of the triennial Bonyee Festival when the bunya pines were cropping at their peak. Since the early 20th century, it has been a recreational destination for hiking, birdwatching and picnicking.
A short walking trail leads through an open eucalypt forest to Baxter Falls, which tumbles into a rocky gorge along the Baxter Creek. Also within Kondalilla National Park is the 80-metre-high Kondalilla Falls, where you’ll find a rock pool that’s ideal for swimming. From the top of the waterfall, there are magnificent views across the forested valley.
Sprawling south of Flaxton is Lake Baroon, an impounded reservoir where you can fish for bass, perch and cod. There are several lakeside picnic areas for soaking up the views and a rainforest walking trail leads through the nearby Obi Obi Gorge. From Gerrard's Lookout, you can enjoy 360-degree panoramas across the Sunshine Coast.
Getting around Flaxton
Flaxton is around 30 minutes’ drive from Maroochydore and 35 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport, which has flights to destinations across Australia and New Zealand. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Flaxton and exploring the surrounding region.