Brisbane’s best waterfalls, lakes and swimming holes
As the southeast swelters, there’s no better time to explore the region’s best waterfalls, lakes and secret swimming holes. Have you got a favourite place to cool off?
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As the temperature rises across Brisbane, there’s no better time to explore the region’s best waterfalls, lakes and swimming holes.
Some locals will know these spots well. Others will wish they discovered them sooner.
Either way, you won’t regret beating the heat here.
Share your favourite swimming spot in the comments section below
WATERFALLS
Morans Falls, Lamington National Park
A postcard perfect view awaits at Morans Falls in Lamington National Park. Found in the Green Mountains section, the 4.6km walk starts just down from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
Cedar Creek Falls, Scenic Rim
Take a day trip to the lush area of Mt Tamborine where you will find Cedar Creek Falls. It’s worth the walk to the rock pools at its base where you can peer up at the 15-20m waterfall.
Curtis Falls, Scenic Rim
While you’re in the region, don’t miss Curtis Falls in the heart of Tamborine Mountain National Park. The 1.1km track through the mossy forest leads to a viewing platform overlooking a large rock pool.
Chalahn, Box Log and Elabana Falls, Lamington National Park
Feel an immediate drop in temperature as you descend into the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park. Begin your hunt for the three falls at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, a privately-owned resort at the end of Lamington National Park Rd.
You’ll find Chalahn Falls about half-way along the 17.4km Toolona Creek Circuit. From the O’Reilly’s car park, the 10.6km Box Forest Circuit will lead you to Box Log Falls, one of the many waterfalls you will find on the journey.
Have your camera for that perfect snap of Elabana Falls. The walk to find this waterfall takes three hours, but the journey is worth it.
Coomera and Yarrabilgong Falls, Lamington National Park
One of the most breathtaking views in Lamington National Park can be found along the 8km return trail to Coomera and Yarrabilgong Falls in the Binna Burra section of the park.
Mt Coot-tha Reserve, Brisbane
Not only is Mt Coot-tha home to one of the best lookouts for capturing that iconic shot of Brisbane, there are also a couple of waterfalls worth checking out. There’s even enough space for a picnic or barbecue. JC Slaughter Falls and Simpson Falls are a short 10-minute drive from Brisbane and can be found along Sir Samuel Griffith Drive. See them at their best during the wet season.
LAKES
Lake Moogerah, Scenic Rim
Head to Lake Moogerah in the Scenic Rim for perfect water skiing, fishing and jet skiing conditions. You’ll need a permit to fish but there are no boating restrictions. Pair this with an overnight camp under the stars to wake up lakeside with the sun.
Enoggera Reservoir, Brisbane
Closer to home you’ll find Enoggera Reservoir, where recreational activities keep families occupied. Enjoy a swim, bring or hire a kayak from Walkabout Creek Adventures for some peaceful paddling, or cast a line if you’re feeling lucky.
Lake Samsonvale, Moreton Bay Region
Lake Samsonvale in the Moreton Bay Region has a dedicated water sports association that promotes all water sports, with sailing the most popular.
Lake Somerset, Somerset
If water sports are more your thing, take a drive out to Lake Somerset for a day of kayaking, water skiing, jet skiing, boating, swimming and even sailing. Permits are not required for boating but are required for fishing.
Lake Wivenhoe, Somerset
Logan’s Inlet is the main recreational facility at Lake Wivenhoe. Suitable for swimming, boating and camping, it’s also the go-to area for day visitors who are chasing a relaxing day out complete with a picnic.
Lake Kurwongbah, Moreton Bay Region
Located north of Brisbane, Lake Kurwongbah is a popular recreational spot for fishing, kayaking, rowing and water skiing. Please note that there is no dedicated swimming area.
Lake Manchester, Brisbane
Pack a picnic then take a stroll along the grassy shore of Lake Manchester in D’Aguilar National Park. Although swimming is not allowed in the lake, you can canoe or kayak.
Lake Dyer, Lockyer Valley
Head west from Laidley and you’ll find Lake Dyer, a popular recreational spot for fishing, boating and paddling. Pack a picnic and let the kids have fun on the playground.
Lake Atkinson, Lockyer Valley
With two privately-owned camp grounds near Lake Atkinson, it’s the perfect weekend getaway spot for boaties, water-skiers and fishermen. It’s also a short drive to Lake Wivenhoe where there are walking trails, and playgrounds for littlies.
Lake Maroon, Scenic Rim
Take a day trip to Lake Maroon, where boats are aplenty and keen fishermen are hoping for a catch. Water sports are a popular pastime, with a number of lakeside camping grounds allowing you the chance to ski and paddle until your heart’s content.
Brown Lake and Blue Lake, North Stradbroke Island
Step back from the sandy beaches of North Stradbroke Island and you’ll be surprised by the freshwater lake system that includes Brown Lake and Blue Lake. Brown Lake is pure, yet is tinged brown by the native paperbarks and tea-trees that line the banks and organic matter on its bed. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities like birdwatching and photography, or for a picnic. Blue Lake is part of the Naree Budjong Djara National Park which offers protection to the lake, a culturally significant area to the Quandamooka people. Walk the 5.2km return trail to the lake through wallum woodlands, flowering heath and stunted eucalypts.
WATERHOLES
Stony Creek, Moreton Bay Region
Stony Creek, Bellthorpe National Park’s day-use area, is the perfect place for a picnic. Enjoy an unspoilt landscape with rainforest, small waterfalls, creek cascades and a rock pool. Waters are shallow, so for your safety, jumping and diving into the creek is not recommended.
Lower & Upper Portals, Scenic Rim
For those that like to hike, take a day trip to Mt Barney and do the Lower Portals or Upper Portals trail. Both hikes are approximately a three-hour return route that trek through these waterholes and are the perfect spot to cool off on a hot day.
Rocky Hole at D’Aguilar National Park
The 90-minute drive from Brisbane to Mount Mee will lead you through the townships of Samford and Dayboro. Rocky Hole is a popular spot during the summer and features a rock pool surrounded by eucalypt forest. Access is via an unsealed, formed gravel road.
Content source: visitbrisbane.com.au
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