Some Of The Best Waterfalls & Swimming Pools Near Brisbane
Introduction
Brisbane, Australia, is a booming metropolis with many undiscovered natural marvels. It is tucked away within the lush vegetation and undulating landscapes of Queensland.
The peaceful swimming holes and magnificent waterfalls are among these riches; they offer relief from the summer heat and act as havens for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
This article explores some of the top swimming holes and waterfalls close to Brisbane, inviting you to take a fantastic trip into the heart of Queensland’s environment.
The Best Waterfalls & Swimming Pools Near Brisbane
1. Cedar Creek Falls
The calm rock pools of Cedar Creek are situated not far from Samford. A quick, picturesque trip northwest of Brisbane will offer you a taste of the countryside, with undulating hills.
After travelling up Mt. Samson Road, turn left onto Cedar Creek Road. You may follow the stream up to more significant falls and pools or stop at Andy Williams Park for a series of rock pools.
However, the region contains private properties, so watch for and show consideration for the residences nearby and ensure Cedar Creek remains unaltered, as nature intended.
2. Lower Portals
The Lower Portals may require an hour and a half of driving and a three-hour return trek up a rough route, but these pristine rock pools are well worth the effort.
Fortunately, there’s always enough cool water for a splash here, surrounded on both sides by granite rocks. You’ll need it after the trek in. It is a great place to swim, and you can also camp nearby. You just need to get permission ahead of time.
3. Curtis Falls
Make sure to stay and take advantage of everything this mountain town offers, as Tamborine Mountain boasts more top waterfalls close to Brisbane.
Curtis Falls is a short, easy hike of 1km through a rainforest and exquisite wet eucalypt woodland; it is adorable after a downpour.
Swimming is not permitted at this waterfall to preserve the platypus and glow worms in this national park area, but there is still enough beautiful beauty. You should stay an extra day or two after reading it.
4. Enorggera Dam
Enoggera Dam is located in the heart of D’Aguilar National Park in The Gap. Surrounded by a beautiful green forest, it feels as though you’ve escaped to nature, even though you’re just around thirty minutes west of Brisbane.
With construction going back to the 19th century, this reservoir is heritage-listed and, for good reason, continues to be one of Walkabout Creek’s top attractions.
This is the ideal location if you’ve found a hilarious floaty that you can’t wait to test out; the surge of people on summer weekends turns this area into a swimming haven.
5. Springbrook National Park’s Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most impressive sites in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
A paved walking pathway takes you around, over, and below these enchanted falls to get here. You can see fantastic glow worms near Natural Bridge if you hang around a little after the sun sets.
Swimming is not allowed here to preserve the natural environment of these stunning glow worms, but it’s still well worth the trip to view it for yourself.
6. Lamington National Park’s Morans Falls
Morans Falls is a sight full of joy and is located in Lamington National Park’s Green Mountains region. To get there, you must trek 4.4 kilometres on a round trip to the top of the falls. Gaze out over the valley and take in the vistas that span more than 180 million years.
7. Bunya Crossing Reserve
Tucked away in the northside Hills District of Brisbane, this hidden swimming hole is ideal for a peaceful getaway without travelling too far. With shallow water ideal for wading and more profound water ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding, this place has plenty to offer everyone.
Doggos are welcome in the Bunya Crossing Reserve, so load up your dog in the car and get there as soon as possible.
8. Queen Mary Falls Of Main Range National Park
Take in the clean, rural air at the breathtaking Queen Mary Falls.
Follow Spring Creek Road until you see a sign directing you toward the falls. A short stroll from the parking lot is the overlook, where you may take in the aerial view, but the 2km walking pathway that descends to the stream below offers the complete experience. It takes around forty minutes to finish the walk.
Take advantage of the limitless splendour of this area by planning a road trip that stops at more waterfalls along the route.
9. Springbrook National Park’s Twin Falls
You can opt to begin the 4 km circuit from Canyon Lookout or Tallanbana Picnic Area to reach Twin Falls.
The hike is made even more distinctive by the rocky outcrops and caves you will see as you descend into the old Gondwana rainforest.
When you finally see Twin, you have two options: take in the sight of it from the front or stroll around the back and cross behind the falls to experience the cool mist of the water, a refreshing change of pace on a hot day.
Take a full day to explore Springbrook National Park by visiting Twin Falls, located along a portion of the 17km Warrie Circuit.
10. Kondalilla Falls
Kondalilla Falls, in the Blackall Range, is where Skene Creek plunges 90 meters into the eucalypt rainforest beneath it. Enormous AF, indeed. Climbers with an intense fitness level can descend 100 steps to reach the picnic spot and rock pool, where the falls are empty.
Alternatively, you might climb to the overlook above and get an incredible perspective of the falls. We would do the following: prepare a picnic lunch (bringing your beverages is optional, of course), enjoy a stroll through the subtropical rainforest, swim in the azure waters, and then use your post-swim snacking time to try to identify as many of the 32 species of frog that inhabit Kondalilla National Park.
11. Purling Brooks Falls Of Springbrook National Park
Put Purling Brook Falls on your itinerary; it’s a 4km trek that leads to some of Queensland’s most stunning World Heritage sites.
Beginning in Springbrook National Park’s Gwongorella picnic spot, go through a profusion of wildflowers in the open woodland on your approach to the gorge.
You may enjoy breathtaking views of Purling Brook Falls from the circuit above and below.
Advice: It’s easiest to stroll clockwise on this 265-step trek.
12. Booloumba Waterfall
For those seeking excitement, this swimming location is ideal. The only way to get to Booloumba Falls, which is situated in the stunning Conondale National Park on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, is to load up the crew into a 4WD and drive over many stream crossings, gravel roads to the falls’ parking area.
But it’s all worth it because of the vista and swimming hole at the other end. Upon arrival, a lush, green wonderland surrounded by towering, open woods and the thunderous sound of the falls await you. Relax under a tree and take it all in, or dive headfirst into the chilly waters of the rock pool in front of you with an elegant belly flop.
Final Words
In summary, many natural treasures exist in Brisbane and the surrounding areas, such as breathtaking waterfalls and enchanted swimming holes. These undiscovered treasures provide an unmatched respite from the rush of city life, whether you’re looking for adventure, leisure, or just a chance to connect with nature.
Experience the beauty and tranquillity of Queensland’s wilderness at each stop, which ranges from the serene pools of Cedar Creek Falls to the breathtaking fall of Booloumba Falls.
