Currumbin Rock Pools: The best Gold Coast Christmas tradition

THIS is the perfect Gold Coast Christmas tradition. Instead of hitting the sales on Boxing Day, hit the water at Currumbin Rock Pools

Sarah Heighway of Helensvale pictured cooling off in the Currumbin Rock pools. Picture Mike Batterham

THIS is the perfect Gold Coast Christmas tradition.

Instead of hitting the sales on Boxing Day, hit the water at Currumbin Rock Pools.

Go full blown Aussie by warming up with a bit of backyard cricket on the banks of the waterhole before cooling off in this emerald gem of the Hinterland.

The rock pools are a stretch of smooth sloping rocks, large boulders and pebbled pathways filled with fresh — and cool — mountain waters.

Currumbin Rockpools. Picture: GCCC

There are plenty of shallow wading areas for the little ones to explore as well as running rapids and gentle waterfalls on a very small, family friendly scale.

There is also a deeper pool into which daredevils leap from swinging ropes. Some may be tempted to jump off the perfect rocky ledges, but beware: this can be a dangerous — and deadly — pursuit.

Mardee Rodel cools off at Currumbin Rock pools. Pic by Luke Marsden.

Out of the water, there are plenty of paths to explore, rocks to overturn and creatures to find. For those who find the water too refreshing, get flat out like a lizard drinking on the hot, flat rocks surrounding the water.

Pack a picnic full of Christmas Day leftovers and literally spread out on the grassy banks or, if you can find the energy, grill some snags on the barbie.

Visiting tourist Paola Saralegui from Spain cools off at the Currumbin Rock Pools. Pic Tim Marsden

There are picnic tables and toilets close by and the pools themselves are only 15 minutes inland from Currumbin Beach through beautiful Currumbin Valley, so you’re as one with nature without even really leaving the city.

Best of all, you can even bring man’s best friend along for a swim. Just remember to be a responsible dog owner — not everyone will consider a cuddle with your pooch as all their Christmases come at once.

Steve Taylor at the Currumbin Rock Pools Cafe in 2004.

Eat and drink

If you can’t be bothered to pack a post-Chrissy picnic, you can find hot coffee, cold drinks and plenty of treats across the road at the Currumbin Valley Rock Pool Cafe. The cafe doubles as an art studio so you can order your coffee and then stroll around the art workshop and peruse the paintings for sale by local artists. Just be sure to check their Facebook page or call 5533 0464 for opening times as they can vary, especially during the holiday period.

Rainbow Lorikeet at Gorge Wildlife Park. Picture: Simon Cross

Discover

While you’ll spot plenty of fish and maybe even the odd eel darting about the waters of the rock pool, why not start or finish your day with one of the best wildlife attractions on the Gold Coast? Plus, it’s free. Just 15 minutes back towards the coast, check out the rainbow lorikeet feedings every morning and afternoon inside Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. A gold coin donation is always welcome, being used to keep this fantastic venue pumping. An entry fee does apply for the rest of the park’s attractions.

While you’re there … do

If you haven’t had enough water action, pay a visit to nextdoor Long Tan Park. On the corner of Bains Road and Currumbin Creek Road, this simple little park is the perfect place to scrabble in the rocks of the creek bed, or — if you can wait your turn — enjoy the old-fashioned fun of a rope swing hanging from a giant tree. Entry to the park is via a picturesque old one-lane bridge. Combine all that with lush Hinterland greenery and you have a seriously romantic and Insta-worthy setting.