The best waterfalls in Queensland you can swim in

Where: Montville, Sunshine Coast

Leave the beach behind and head into the hinterland for one of Queensland's favourite waterfall swimming spots: Kondalilla Falls. Located outside of the town of Montville in Kondalilla National Park, this natural beauty punches well above its weight with lush rainforest, rock pools and of course, a waterfall. It can draw a crowd in summer, so be prepared to share with the locals.

How to get there: Follow Kondalilla Falls Circuit from the carpark, with the option to complete the full 4km loop or just walk to the falls and back. There are over 300 stairs on the circuit, so you need to be reasonably fit and allow enough time for travel.

Gardners Falls, Sunshine Coast

Where: Maleny, Sunshine Coast

Do as the locals do and throw down a towel at Gardners Falls. One of the best things about this waterfall is it offers several swimming spots: there are shallow pools perfect for younger kids who want to splash about, or for a proper swim head to the largest rock pool underneath the falls.

How to get there: Take a short 15-minute stroll from the carpark near Obi Obi Creek before reaching the deepest and largest swimming hole.

Currumbin Rock Pools

Where: Currumbin, Gold Coast

Looking for a swell time without the surfboard? Located a stone's throw from Currumbin Beach, Currumbin Rock Pools are the perfect antidote for those chasing fresh water after a paddle in the surf. As diverse as it is beautiful, the waters range from shallow to deep, meaning you can choose to swim, laze or float. 

How to get there: Jump in the car and drive 10 minutes to Currumbin Rock Pools from Currumbin Beach in the Currumbin Valley. These local hotspots are so close together you can easily explore both in a day.

Want more? Check out the best waterfalls you can swim in near Brisbane.

Waterfalls you can swim at near Cairns

Josephine Falls

Where: Wooroonooran National Park, near Cairns

What starts as a trickle at the summit of Queensland's tallest mountain turns into a refreshing haven for swimmers at ground level. Josephine Falls' cool mountain-fed waters, rope swing and natural waterslide make it well worth the short hike through the lush rainforest to get here.  After you’ve explored this slice of seclusion, it’s not hard to see why locals and visitors alike fall in love with Josephine.

How to get there: You’ll find this spot an hour’s drive south of Cairns, with a 1.2km return walk to the falls' viewing decks. 

Millaa Millaa Falls

Where: Wooroonooran National Park, Atherton Tablelands

Millaa Millaa is one of those places that doesn't quite feel real - even when you're standing in front of it. With movie-set good looks, the towering 60ft waterfall plunges into a deep pool immersed within World Heritage-listed rainforest. Cool off with a swim, or claim a spot on the lawn beside the falls for a picnic to remember. Local platypus frequent the area so be sure to keep an eye out.

How to get there: Located on the well known Waterfall Circuit, take Theresa Creek Road and drive five minutes to Millaa Millaa Falls, which is a short walk from the carpark. If you're driving directly from Cairns the journey should take approx 1hr 40 mins - it's well worth adding Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls to your day as they are just 10 mins drive from Millaa Millaa. 

Windin Falls

Where: Wooroonooran National Park

For the adventurous waterfall chasers, it doesn't get better than Windin Falls. You'll reach your daily step count on the hike in, but what's waiting for you is more than worth it. Far from the crowds, Windin Falls is so serene that you'll hear only the sound of gushing water and your own heartbeat as you pause at the waterfall's edge and take in the view. Overlooking the valley, Windin Falls offers a panoramic view across the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest.

How to get there: To find Windin Falls, take a 90-minute hike (one way) through the rainforest of Wooroonooran National Park. Make sure you’re prepared to spend two hours hiking each way. Start early for the best chance to experience the views without fellow hikers. 

Looking for more waterfalls to find near Cairns? Pack your swimmers.

Waterfalls for swimming near Townsville

Zoe Falls

Where: Hinchinbrook Island

There are infinity pools and then there’s Zoe Falls. With views that stretch across the island and Zoe Bay out to the horizon, this waterfall is best visited after you’ve tackled the hike on Hinchinbrook Island along the Thorsborne Trail. Those seeking Queensland waterfalls for swimming may find it hard to top Zoe Falls, whether you're cooling off at the edge of the falls (water flow at the top is seasonal) or dipping into the rock pools at the base.

How to get there: First you need to get to Hinchinbrook from Townsville (which you can learn more about here). Once you’re on the island, walk 20 minutes from Zoe Bay and either swim in the waterhole below or hike to the top of the mountain to Zoe Falls. 

Please note: Permits to hike this trail often book out months in advance, so plan to purchase your permit with plenty of time to avoid disappointment. Only 40 people are permitted on Hinchinbrook Island at any time, so day tours also need to be booked in advance. 

Big Crystal Creek

Where: Paluma Range National Park

Climb into the Paluma Range outside Townsville and the smell of sea salt on the wind transforms into crisp mountain air. Here in the Wet Tropics, Paluma Range National Park is a haven of waterfalls with swimming holes – and while there are some hidden gems that take a little navigation to find, Big Crystal Creek is easy to access. With a big freshwater swimming hole, natural waterslide and picnic area, it’s easy to see why this spot is a favourite among Townsville locals looking to escape the heat.

A short drive away, Little Crystal Creek is another waterfall you can swim at, with a historic 1930s stone bridge that makes a perfect photo opportunity to document the adventure.

How to get there: Drive 1hr from Townsville to Big Crystal Creek Carpark. The falls are 500m from the carpark. There’s a national park campground here for those looking for an extended nature escape. 

Jourama Falls

Where: Paluma Range National Park

In the northern end of the national park, Jourama Falls is perfect for those seeking a short 1-2 hour return hike and a waterfall swimming spot in the one adventure. The track follows Waterfall Creek uphill through the rainforest to a lookout offering the best viewpoint of its many cascades. Once you’ve soaked in the views, return down the track to the refreshing swimming holes below – these are the best (and safest) spots for a swim, which can be quite deep after some recent rainfall.

How to get there: Jourama Falls is 1 hr 15 mins from Townsville, and also has its own national park camping area a short drive from the trailhead. The hike to Jourama Falls is 3km return, and it's recommended to complete earlier in the day as there is little shade along the trail. 

Waterfalls for swimming near Mackay

Finch Hatton Gorge

Where: Eungella National Park

Tucked away in Eungella National Park, Finch Hatton Gorge is where Mackay locals head when the summer heat rolls in. And it’s not hard to see why. Here, you can swim underneath the shady rainforest canopy with the cool freshwater so pure you can often see the bottom of the pool below.

For a longer adventure, continue along the trail a few more kilometres to Araluen Cascades and Wheel of Fire Cascades, which has another swimming hole at its base. This second part of the walk is more challenging, with uphill segments and stairs to climb, but the views are a great reward.

How to get there: From Mackay, drive 1.5 hours along Mackay-Eungella Road to the town of Eungella. From there, drive to the top of the range and follow the road on the left to get to Eungella National Park. Once you’ve arrived, make sure you take the track to Finch Hatton Gorge.

Swimming spots near Rockhampton adventures

Carnarvon Gorge Rock Pool

Where: Carnarvon Gorge, Capricorn. 

Carnarvon Gorge is well known a hiker’s dream destination - and after a full day exploring the sights along the Main Gorge Track or climbing the sandstone escarpment for views at Boolimba Bluff, it's fair to say a soak in a natural swimming hole is well deserved. And Carnarvon Gorge delivers in spades, with the simply named 'Rock Pool'. Its fresh, mountain-sourced water makes for one of the most refreshing swims you’ll ever have.

How to get there: You’ll find the Rock Pool Picnic Area a short walk from the car park on Carnarvon Gorge Rd. The national park is a 4.5hr drive from Rockhampton (9hrs from Brisbane) so you'll want a long weekend for this adventure. 

Stony Creek

Where: Byfield National Park, just outside Yeppoon

Think you can’t have turquoise blue waters in the middle of the bush? Head to Stony Creek. The gentle waters make this swimming hole perfect for those searching for a more tranquil experience, or for those travelling with kids.

Bring your inflatable floaties to relax on the water, pack lunch to cook on the electric bbqs in the picnic area, and save some energy to explore the many walking tracks - after recent rainfall you can find other small rockpools and rapids to explore. 

How to get there: You’ll find Stony Creek nestled in Byfield National Park, a 30 drive from Yeppoon. To access the waterhole, park at Upper Stony Creek Picnic Grounds and Camp area and take an easy 15 minute trek through the bush. 

Chasing more Queensland waterfall swimming adventures? Discover more of our favourites here.