Incredibly popular Lip Falls water hole at Beechmont closed to public

TWO of the Gold Coast’s most incredible water holes will remain closed to the public this summer.

Siobhan Dunn, Shannon Leahy and Bridget Kasnick at Lip Falls. Picture: Richard Gosling

TWO of the Gold Coast’s most incredible water holes will remain closed to the public this summer.

Heart-shaped swimming hole Killarney Glen has been closed since December last year after a 19-year-old died there. Scenic Rim bosses are working with the Australian Defence Force, who own the land, to find a solution for public access again.

Secret gem Lip Falls at Beechmont is also currently closed to the public.

Scenic Rim council closed the gorgeous swimming hole in response to liability concerns regarding visitors who were crossing private property to gain access to the waterhole.

While some tourists continue to trespass across private land to reach the swimming hole, council is still to find a solution that’ll restore public access.

BEFORE IT CLOSED:

Lip Falls at Beechmont is a waterhole and curtain waterfall, it used to be a secluded gem known only to locals, but then the word got out.

It’s a one-hour return walk through stunning rainforest but you’ll want to take your time to savour the scenery. With lots of steep descents and rock scrambles, you’ll want to watch your footing too and keep any kids close by.

Lip Falls. Photo: Bob Fairless

Accessed via the Back Creek Gorge Track, which is within the Denham Scenic Reserve, take note that there are no public facilities here — so ensure you take out whatever you bring in, and maybe take a toilet trip before you arrive.

Once you start your walk, you’ll quickly descend — but make sure you look around and enjoy the amazing views over the gorge while walking down to the swimming holes.

The first swimming pool you’ll approach is Lip Falls, there are further swimming areas and waterfalls located above if you follow the goat track up around the top.

The falls themselves make the perfect subject for budding photographers, particularly if you know how to use long exposure. The colours of the falls, the swimming pool and its surroundings change dramatically between seasons and even day and night — making every photo, and visit, one in a million. And a picture says a thousand words, right?

Lip Falls is beautiful. Picture: Richard Gosling

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO:

If you can’t get enough of that clean mountain air, take a detour on your way back down with a visit to Syd Duncan Park at Lower Beechmont. Kids will love the recently refurbished park that features the first community-built nature play space, which includes a dry creek bed, timber structures for physical and imaginative play, a tunnels embankment slide, basketball court and more. Meanwhile, parents can savour the scenery with views right down to the coast and out to Mount Warning.

Syd Duncan Park. Picture: Supplied

DISCOVER:

Watch your feet when you’re exploring the wilderness as you just might spot some natural inhabitants — snakes. But for some real wildlife, why not check out the human variety? The nearby Beechmont Launch, known as Rosin’s Lookout, overlooks the stunning Numinbah Valley and is a favourite spot for hangliders and paragliders. If you’re not quite ready to jump off a cliff, take advantage of the adjacent peaceful picnic area, with dedicated barbecue facilities and toilets, and enjoy a picnic while watching the wild humans fly above you.

Crowds gather at Mt Tamborine to watch the paragliders. Picture: Luke Marsden.

EAT AND DRINK:

There’s nothing quite like some country hospitality, and Lower Beechmont Kitchen offers exactly that. Nestled in the picturesque hinterland village on Beechmont Road, the eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But just because it’s country, doesn’t mean it’s not up on city trends. You can opt for an old-fashioned full breakfast or an acai bowl, a traditional pizza or some tasty tapas — the choice is yours. It’s perfect for fuelling up or winding down after a day exploring.

Morning coffee in the mountains.