List
By Danielle Reckless
Perhaps it’s the tranquillity, maybe it’s the sound of flowing water, or Mother Nature's mist surrounding you in all her glory. Whatever it is, waterfalls and swimming holes are the perfect places to get away from it all. And they’re at their best after a little summer rain.
Want to escape the bustle of the beach this summer? Cool off at these waterfalls and swimming holes near Brisbane, all within a two-hour drive of the city. Whether you're after the serenity of a secret spot or a dip in one of the most gorgeous locations, there's something for every adventure.
Always check for signs that indicate safe swimming.
Cedar Creek Falls, Brisbane. Photo by @cjexplores
Located just outside of Samford are the serene rock pools of Cedar Creek. It’s a short scenic drive north-west of Brisbane which gives you a taste of the countryside with rolling hills in every direction.
Drive along Mt Samson Road and turn left onto Cedar Creek Road. You can choose to stop at Andy Williams Park for a number of rock pools, or you can follow the creek up to some bigger falls and pools.
There are private properties in the area though, so be mindful and respectful of the homes around you and ensure that Cedar Creek stays untouched - just the way nature intended.
Gardners Falls, Sunshine Coast
Nestled near Maleny in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Gardners Falls beckons swimmers on a hot summer day.
To get here, turn off Landsborough-Maleny Road onto Obi Obi Creek Road until you reach the spot. Follow the path from the carpark to the main waterfall and swimming area where there are two rope swings for Tarzan wannabes.
Kondalila Falls, Kondalilla National Park, Sunshine Coast
Another favourite waterfall near Brisbane can be found just outside of Montville in Kondalilla National Park
Be sure to wear good walking shoes as there are over 300 steps on the Kondalilla Falls Circuit walking track. You'll wander through the rainforest on an easy track, before descending more steeply down to Kondalilla Falls. Jump on in, or take in the views from the lookout.
Here's how to make the most of your visit to Kondalilla Falls. While you’re out exploring the Sunshine Coast’s lush backyard, check out these hidden gems.
Serenity Falls, Sunshine Coast. Photo by @timeimprints
This secluded oasis is a jewel in the subtropical paradise of the Sunshine Coast.
There are two access points to Serenity Falls - also called Buderim Falls. The circuit track from Quorn Close takes about 20 minutes to complete, whereas the track to Harry’s Restaurant on the north side of the park can be completed in about an hour.
Booloumba Falls, Sunshine Coast
You will need a 4WD to navigate the gravel roads and several creek crossings to reach Booloumba Falls, but this is a destination worth the effort.
When you arrive, venture through tall open forests on the scenic walk to the falls and take a dip in the cool waters. Want to extend your stay? Conondale National Park has camping grounds available - make sure you organise a permit beforehand.
Cedar Creek Falls, Gold Coast. Photo by @our_happy_daze
The most well-known and popular fall on Tamborine Mountain has to be Cedar Creek Falls - though take care not to confuse this spot with its namesake in Samford.
Admire the cascades and rock pools from the spectacular lookouts or venture down the 86 step staircase to reach the swimming hole.
Being such a popular swimming hole, the car park fills quickly on summer days and weekends. Be mindful that this is a National Park and you should only park in the designated car parks to avoid any nasty fines.
Curtis Falls, Gold Coast
Tamborine Mountain offers more of the best waterfalls near Brisbane - so be sure to stick around and explore all this mountain town has to offer.
It's a short, easy 1km walk through enchanting wet eucalypt forest and rainforest to reach Curtis Falls, which is especially beautiful after rainfall.
There's no swimming at this waterfall in order to protect the platypus and glow worms that call this part of the national park home, but there's plenty of scenery to enjoy. It might convince you to stay an extra day or two - and if you do, we've got the rest of your activities sorted.
Currumbin Rock Pools, Gold Coast
If you’ve spent a few days on the Gold Coast and are looking for a change of scenery when it comes to swimming spots, Currumbin Rock Pools is the place to go.
Travel down Currumbin Valley Road and you’ll find a series of rock pools; a peaceful spot for a swim and a picnic. Sometimes it can get crowded so if you head a bit further down to the very end of the road you’ll find Cougal Cascades.
Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast
One of the greatest sights in the Gold Coast Hinterland is undoubtedly Natural Bridge.
Get here via a paved walking track that leads you above, below and around these magical falls. If you stay a little longer until after the sun sets, you’ll see Natural Bridge light up with incredible glow worms.
Swimming is not permitted here in order to protect the natural habitat of these gorgeous glow worms, but it’s well worth a visit to see it for yourself.
Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast
Want to visit one of the most dramatic waterfalls near Brisbane?
Put Purling Brook Falls on your radar: an adventure that combines a 4km walk with some of the best World Heritage beauty in Queensland.
Start at the Gwongorella picnic area in Springbrook National Park and make your way down to the gorge as you pass an abundance of wildflowers in the open forest. The circuit gives you breathtaking views of Purling Brook Falls from above and below.
Tip: There are 265 steps on this walk and it's easier to walk in a clockwise direction.
Twin Falls, Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast
To access Twin Falls, you can choose to start the 4km circuit from Tallanbana picnic area or Canyon Lookout.
As you descend further into the ancient Gondwana rainforest, you will come across rocky caves and outcrops; something that makes the walk so unique. When you come face to face with Twin, you can choose to admire it from the front or feel the spray of the water as you walk around the back and cross behind the falls - a welcome option on a hot day.
If you're up for a full day of walking, visit Twin Falls on part of the 17km Warrie Circuit to see more of Springbrook National Park - use this guide to start planning.
Morans Falls, Lamington National Park, Gold Coast
Looking for waterfalls near Brisbane that offer big views, too? This is it.
Situated in the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park, Morans Falls is reached via a 4.4km return walk that leads you to the top of the falls. Stand here and admire the views that stretch out into the valley, a landscape over 180 million years old.
Access is available from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
Box Log Falls, Lamington National Park, Gold Coast
Another worthy hike that leads to several waterfalls near Brisbane is the Box Forest Circuit.
Nearly 11km of walking tracks wind from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and deep into the rainforest - a journey that allows you to leave more of the crowds behind. As a reward for your efforts, you will spot the trifecta of falls along the way: Box Log, Wajinya and Darragumai.
Up for a bigger challenge? Mirror Falls is one of the longer hikes in the area: around 20.6km long and part of the Albert River Circuit, but offers an unmatched escape into nature.
Queen Mary Falls, Main Range National Park, Brisbane
Soak up the fresh country air as you embark on a road trip to the spectacular Queen Mary Falls.
Make your way to Spring Creek Road until you a see a sign pointing you towards the falls. The view from above can be enjoyed at the lookout just a few steps from the carpark, but you'll get the full experience on the 2km walking track that brings you to the creek below. The walk takes roughly 40 minutes to complete.
This area is home to endless beauty, so take the opportunity to turn your day out into a road trip that visits more waterfalls along the way.
Like many of the waterfalls near Brisbane, Queen Mary Falls is best visited after a little rain to ensure the waterfalls are flowing in all their glory.
Nothing beats the heat better than your favourite waterfall or swimming hole but always remember to be safe and cautious when accessing them, and obey any signage.
Ready to explore more of Queensland? These incredible waterfalls are waiting.