Escape to unwind in peaceful hidden gem

Looking for a peaceful escape? This gorgeous hidden gem is the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the beautiful flora and fauna of Buderim. With four walking trails across nine hectares, the EJ Foote Sanctuary is one of those places you’ll want to return to again and again.

Suitability

• Great for walkers of all fitness levels

• Paved section suitable for wheelchairs and prams

• Dogs welcome on-leash

Highlights

This reserve is rich in bird and plant life, with more than 80 recorded bird species — including Red-Chested King Parrots, Noisy Pittas, Fan Tails and Green Catbirds. Keep an eye out for swamp wallabies too!

The sanctuary features beautiful wooded areas, pockets of rainforest, eucalyptus stands, tree-ferns, melaleucas and eugenias.

At the Park Lane entrance, you’ll find a map of the walking paths and learn how this land was donated by a local farming family in honour of their son who was killed in WWI.

A huge shout‑out to the Foote Sanctuary volunteers who keep this place in incredible condition — and who only days ago installed new bike racks at the car park for visitor use. Their ongoing work upgrading trails, picnic areas and facilities deserves all the love. 

Most popular walk

Botanic Track (608 m· Easy–Moderate)

A peaceful sealed loop winding through rainforest, with three charming creek crossings. Perfect for littlies or oldies — benches along the way make it a relaxing 20‑minute return stroll.

Other track options

• Cascade Circuit (Moderate) – A side circuit with a steep descent to flowing cascades (~40 mins)

• Eucalyptus Track (Moderate)

• Boundary Track (Moderate–Difficult)

Afterwards

Enjoy the park with its picnic shelters, playground, BBQs and toilets — or pop into the nearby Buderim township for a well‑earned café treat.  

How to get there

From Buderim’s Main Street, follow Kings Street toward Mooloolaba Road. Turn left into Foote Ave, then left into Park Lane. Follow it to the end for parking and the sanctuary entrance archway.

For more than 250 walking, running, paddling, cycling, mountain biking and horse-riding trails on the Sunshine Coast, choose your next adventure with Adventure Sunshine Coast.