Beyond the beach – the best waterfalls and swimming holes near Brisbane and the Gold Coast
Spring is almost here, and with it, warmer weather (finally). As the temperatures rise, it’s only natural to gravitate towards the coast for a refreshing ocean swim. Don’t get us wrong, we love our beaches as much as the next guy, but there’s more than one way to cool off when the winter chill fades away. Southeast Queensland is home to a never-ending supply of waterfalls and swimming holes, tucked away within breathtaking mountains and valleys waiting to be explored. We’ve rounded up the best freshwater dips all within driving distance of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Cougal Cascades
Mount Cougal forms part of Springbrook National Park and is closer than you think. Just drive straight to the end of Currumbin Valley and keep going past Camp Eden through to the car park. From here, take a leisurely stroll through the rainforest and you’ll soon come across the popular Cougal Cascades and rock pools. Keep following the track along the creek, you will also come across the remains of a 1940s sawmill – neat! Distance from Brisbane – 1 hour 30 minutes | The Gold Coast – 46 minutes.
Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park | Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Natural Bridge
No list of waterfalls on the Gold Coast is complete without mentioning Natural Bridge in the Springbrook National Park. The hike itself is a low-impact 1-km circuit past lush greenery that will eventually lead you to the famous Natural Bridge falls. We recommend heading out later in the afternoon, as you may be lucky enough to see glow worms and fireflies once the sun goes down. Distance from Brisbane – 1 hour 25 minutes | Gold Coast – 40 minutes.
Browns Falls
If you’re an experienced hiker looking for a view worth a challenge, Browns Falls located in the Scenic Rim is regarded a natural wonder that must be earned to be seen. On the way to Queen Mary Falls you’ll find Brown Falls Park, where the walk begins through a tunnel underneath Spring Creek Road. The 600m metre walk to the falls, marked by vague reflective signs, is short but difficult, requiring you to traverse over rough rocks, slippery mud and fallen trees. When in doubt, follow the creek, but don’t expect to keep your shoes dry – the creek may even be unpassable if there’s been heavy rain. If this sounds like too much work for a waterfall view, think again. There’s a reason why this challenging track sees a lot of foot traffic – at the end of the trail is a stunning view you’ll just have to see for yourself. Distance from Brisbane – 2 hours 40 minutes | Gold Coast – 2 hours 40 minutes.
You might like
Kondalilla Falls, Sunshine Coast | Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Kondalilla Falls
Not far from Montville on the the Sunshine Coast lies Kondalilla Falls, a popular retreat that sits where Skene Creek plummets into the rainforest valley. This spot is popular among families and groups, with plenty of parking and room for all. In addition to the falls, the Kondalilla National Park features overnight campsites, picnic areas, short walking tracks as well as a 58-km hiking track for the truly adventurous. Distance from Brisbane – 1 hour 35 minutes | Gold Coast – 2 hours 10 minutes.
Curtis Falls, Mount Tamborine | Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Curtis Falls
An enchanting walk through the lush eucalyptus forest beneath towering gum trees will lead you to one of Mount Tamborine’s most magical spots – Curtis Falls. The area is a haven for turtles, fish and eels and if you keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot a platypus! At night, make sure you keep a lookout for glow-worms in the surrounding cliffs. Get your iPhone ready – there will be plenty of shots worthy of your ‘gram. Distance from Brisbane – 1 hour | Gold Coast – 37 minutes.
Gorge Falls
This not-so-secret spot is nestled at the very end of Tallebudgera Valley. Google maps will take your car to a dead end, where you’ll need to jump out and start strolling along the track and over a few creek crossings. The 20-minute walk will take you through some breathtaking surroundings before you finish walking upstream to stare at the gorge-ous Gorge Falls. Distance from Brisbane – 1 hour 30 minutes | Gold Coast – 1 hour 50 minutes.
Morans Falls, Lamington National Park | Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Morans Falls
Subscribe for updates
Located near the Green Mountains in Lamington National Park is Morans Falls. After following the walking track (about a 4.4-km return walk), wanderers will descend roughly 150 m through sub-tropical rainforests to find the base of the plunge waterfall. We recommend trekking a bit further to reach the top of the falls, where you can enjoy a majestic view of the sprawling landscape. While in the area, tick off another Gold Coast waterfall and check out Elabana Falls. Distance from Brisbane – 2 hours | Gold Coast – 1 hour 25 minutes.
Serenity Falls (aka Buderim Falls)
Serenity is literally hidden in Buderim Forest Park and only minutes away from Buderim Village. Originally named Buderim Falls, the babbling falls have been unofficially dubbed Serenity Falls by locals and it’s no wonder why. Martins Creek flows into the falls year-round, cascading into the water hole below where many enjoy a dip in the warmer months. The singing and calls of local birds add to the area’s natural soundscape and its relaxing reputation. Distance from Brisbane – 1 hour 30 minutes | Gold Coast – 2 hours.
Elabana Falls, Lamington National Park | Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Elabana Falls
Nestled inside Lamington National Park is where you’ll discover the Elabana Falls Track, a hike that descends through the national park and greets strollers with the ultimate prize – the cool waters of Elabana Falls. Top tip – bring some snacks and enjoy lunch at Picnic Rock, a shady spot just 400 m from the falls. Distance from Brisbane – 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 40 minutes.
Minyon Falls
Just over the border in Northern New South Wales, Minyon Falls is a gem offering breathtaking coastal views, lush rainforests and a constant cascade of refreshing water. The area features shady picnic spots, bush walks and wheelchair-accessible lookout areas, making it well worth the drive. We also highly recommend the trek down to the bottom of the falls, where a crystal clear swimming hole will serve as the perfect way to cool off. Distance from Brisbane – 2 hours 20 minutes | Gold Coast – 1 hour 45 minutes.
Enoggera Reservoir
Although not technically a waterfall, if you follow Waterworks Road all the way to The Gap, you’ll find one of Brisbane’s most popular spots to cool off. Families load up the car with picnic supplies, pool noodles and kayaks and make tracks for Brisbane Forest Park’s visitor centre, which sits a couple of minutes walk from the gently lapping shores of the Enoggera Dam. A space has been conveniently cordoned off for swimming, while a few scenic walking tracks wind around the dam’s exterior. Distance from Brisbane – 30 minutes | Gold Coast – 1 hour 10 minutes.
Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park | Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Purling Brook Falls
Also located in Springbrook National Park is one of the Gold Coast’s more dramatic waterfalls – Purling Brook Falls. The 4-km walking circuit will take most hikers around two hours, with a few steep ascents and a casual 256 steps thrown in along the way. Trust us when we say it is worth it, and your hard work will pay off when you come face-to-face with Purling Brook’s 300 feet plunge of cascading water into the gorge. Expect Eucalypt forests, plenty of wildlife and a refreshing spray from the falls during your trip. Distance from Brisbane – 1 hour 28 minutes | Gold Coast – 46 minutes.
Mirror Falls
The Albert River Circuit in Lamington National Park is home to some of the Gold Coast’s most magnificent waterfalls, including the spectacular Mirror Falls. Prepare for a full day hike, with the lush-but-lengthy trek running 21.8-km. Those ready to go hard on a day hike will be rewarded with Mirror Fall’s cooling embrace about halfway along the walk. Alternatively, you can pull up camp overnight and make it a two-day affair by staying at the Echo Point campsite. Distance from Brisbane – 2 hours | Gold Coast – 1 hour 10 minutes.
Honourable mentions: Queen Mary Falls, Coomera and Yarrabilgong Falls, Twin Falls and Cedar Creek Falls.
Pals, please make sure you check the national parks websites for Queensland and New South Wales for any updates before heading out! Also, don’t forget to let a friend know where you’re headed and pack plenty of snacks and water to be safe. Have fun out there!