Cool off in these waterholes and waterfalls in Queensland Country
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By Ariana Potamianakis
Sand and surf aren’t the only stars of summer. If you want to escape the holiday frenzy at the local pool or beach, consider cooling off at these waterfalls and waterholes in Queensland Country.
Amidst the lush green hills, farms and national parks near Toowoomba, Stanthorpe and Crows Nest, you'll find some of the state’s most refreshing, secluded and serene spots to swim, wander or just take it all in.
Wild spots for a swim
1. Coomba Falls, Maidenwell
Coomba Falls, Queensland Country. Photo by @darkskybunya
The icy cool waters of deep natural swimming hole Coomba Falls offer respite year-round for those who wander here to bask underneath dramatic granite cliffs. Pack a picnic and set yourself up on the large grassy patch next to the waterhole and lap up this rocky oasis. It’s a beautiful mix of sunny spots and dappled shade, so pick the right spot and stay all day.
How to get there: Follow Coomba Falls Road from Maidenwell and arrive at the gravel carpark in less than 10 minutes. The falls are a short walk down sturdy stairs.
2. Pools in Crows Nest National Park, Crows Nest
Crows Nest National Park, Queensland Country. Photo by @sqcountry
Take a hike and you'll be rewarded in Crows Nest National Park, where you can cool down in three different waterholes: Cascades Pool, Kauyoo Pool and Bottlebrush Pool.
Follow the signs along the 2.7km walking track to reach The Cascades Pool and Kauyoo Pool first. At both waterholes, you’ll find a sandy ‘rainforest’ beach with easy access to shallow water – great for little ones to splash in. If you’re more of a keen swimmer, keep going until you reach Bottlebrush Pool. The biggest waterhole of the three is deep enough for a decent dip underwater.
Keep an eye out for brush-tailed wallabies popping up as they make their way through the granite hills and boulders.
How to get there: From Crows Nest follow Albert Street, which then turns into Three Mile Road, before turning right 5km to Crows Nest National Park. Follow the signs to each of the pools.
3. Girraween National Park, Ballandean
Need a technology detox? Get off the grid at the Granite Belt's Girraween National Park. Known for its iconic granite landscapes that tower over the landscape in pyramids and even Sphinx-like formations, this national park has more than rewarding views for hikers.
Refreshing seasonal rock pools can be found near Castle Rock and Bald Rock Creek. Check first however; during times of little rainfall and low water levels, Bald Rock Creek can be temporarily closed for swimming to help protect the vulnerable Bell’s turtle population.
If you need to work up a bit of a sweat beforehand, you’ve got 30 kilometers of walking tracks to choose from. Girraween means “place of flowers”, so a visit in springtime will see a kaleidoscope of colourful wildflowers accent the blouders and outcrops.
How to get there: Follow the New England Highway south of Ballandean before turning left on Pyramids Road. You can park at either the information centre, or Bald Rock Creek day-use area.
4. Dalrymple Creek, Goomburra Section of Main Range National Park, Goomburra
Dalrymple Creek, Goomburra, Queensland Country. Photo by @_lizwalsh
Swing from a tyre and make friends with the locals (that is, cows roaming the grounds) at the beautiful swimming spots dotted along Dalrymple Creek in the Goomburra Section of the Main Range National Park.
Access is only via the various campgrounds of the area, but if you’re not staying the night, pay for a visitor’s day pass from Janowen Hills and Gordon Country (who also have exclusive access to the stunning Banshee Creek). Drive straight on through to set yourself up on the grassy patches for a day of lazing and grazing.
How to get there: Head towards the Goomburra Section of Main Range National Park, then follow the directions from your chosen campground.
Swim or throw a line in
5. Storm King Dam, Stanthorpe
Storm King Dam, Stanthorpe, Queensland Country. Photo by @traytablesaway
Set in the Granite Belt's glorious wine country, Storm King Dam isn’t just heaven for fishermen - though golden perch, murray cod, silver perch,and river black fish are plentiful.
If you’re after a languid summer’s day escape, it has everything you need. There are prime spots for swimming and watersports, a playground for little ones, and wood barbeques and picnic tables when you’re ready to tuck into a midday feast.
Note: Camping is not permitted, however there is a private campground not far away.
How to get there: Find Storm King Dam just 10 kilometres southeast of Stanthorpe on the road to Eukey.
6. Lee’s Reserve, Dumaresq River, Goondiwindi
Swathes of shade, pet-friendly and free camping? Lee’s Reserve has got all you need to truly reconnect with nature. The secluded swimming spot also offers plentiful fishing and wildlife watching.
Note: The site has no facilities, so campers will need to come prepared, including firewood and drinking water. It’s best suited to campers with 4WD.
How to get there: From Goondiwindi travel east along Marshall Street till you reach the large roundabout. Take the Border Rivers Tourist Dr Exit (Old Warwick Rd) 29km out to the site.
7. Lake Leslie, Warwick
Lake Leslie, Warwick, Queensland Country. Photo by @foxtailadventure
One of Queensland’s most popular freshwater fishing and camping destinations, Lake Leslie is an ideal spot for a refreshing dip and watersports alike. There’s no waterfall here, but an amazingly calm lake perfect for anything from a serene swim through to adrenaline-pumping activities. Gather the tubes and kayaks, and get the jetski in tow for this one.
How to get there: From Warwick travel on the New England Highway before turning onto Leslie Dam Road.
Wander here for the views
While you can’t exactly take a dip in these waterfalls in Queensland Country, they’re definitely worth a visit.
8. Queen Mary Falls, Killarney
Queen Mary Falls, Main Range National Park, Queensland Country. Photo by @kyle_hunter
Queen Mary Falls is the most impressive waterfall in Queensland Country. Part of the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, this area is recognised for its incredible natural value, having provided refuge to unique species for millions of years.
That alone is enough reason to journey to this pot of gold at the end of a country-drive rainbow. Take in the views from the top, then wander the short and sweet hike to the base: when the falls run high after rainfall you can expect to get lost in its wonder - and mist too.
How to get there: Follow this road trip itinerary.
9. Lake Cooby, Toowoomba
While you might not be able to go swimming at Lake Cooby, you’ll find there are plenty of other soul-refreshing water activities to keep you occupied, from fishing and windsurfing to a quiet paddle in the canoe or kayak. Spend the day here, with picnic and BBQ facilities for a lazy long lunch afterwards.
How to get there: Travel north approximately 35km from Toowoomba along the New England Highway and look for the turnoff to your left at Highfields.
10. Valley of Diamonds, Crows Nest National Park
Crows Nest National Park, Queensland Country. Photo by @channiemaree_discovers
Stopping for a soak in the pools of Crows Nest National Park? Stretch your legs beforehand with a walk to the summit of Koonin Lookout. There, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the deeper sparkling gorge known as Valley of Diamonds as it disappears into the rolling hills around Ravensbourne.
How to get there: Follow the signs to Koonin Lookout at the start of Crows Nest National Park.
Please undertake swimming in waterholes, dams and rivers at your own risk. Use caution, check water depth, never dive into waterholes, dams or rivers as they may be shallow or rocky; never leave children unattended and be wary of fast flowing currents.
Note: some of these locations can be affected by weather events. Before you head out, check Queensland park alerts page for up-to-date information about closures, access and conditions.
Featured image: @travelling_dory
