Translating from a Yugambeh word meaning “sacred”, Buderim is an attractive town on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It’s perched atop a small mountain that was once covered by Australian red cedar and beech trees, most of which were cleared by timber getters in the late 19th century to make way for the farming of coffee and ginger.
Things to do in Buderim
Stroll through Buderim to admire its heritage-listed buildings, such as the 1882-built Pioneer Cottage and the Canambie Homestead. Also of note are the Buderim Mountain State School and Buderim House, a charming homestead that was built in 1915 on a design by George Trotter. Just outside the town is the Buderim Palmwoods Tramway Trail, which follows the route of a historic tram line.
Keen birdwatchers can head to the Eric Joseph Foote War Memorial Sanctuary, which encompasses nine acres of protected woodland. There are four different walking trails to explore, as well as picnic gazebos. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the more than 80 bird species that have been recorded here, including sacred kingfishers, tawny frogmouths and southern boobooks.
Magnificent views across the Sunshine Coast are on offer from the Headland Golf Club, which is located in the far east of Buderim. It’s one of the oldest golf courses in Queensland and exudes old-world charm, with an atmospheric clubhouse where you can relax at the end of your round. Kangaroos and koalas are regularly sighted along the edge of the fairways.
Getting around Buderim
Buderim is around 15 minutes’ drive from Mooloolaba and the same distance from Sunshine Coast Airport, which has flights to destinations across Australia and New Zealand. Buses connect from destinations across the Sunshine Coast to central Buderim while renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the region.