All the best spots for swimming, kayaking and keeping cool in Rockhampton this summer

Don’t let the heat get you down — check out these fantastic waterholes near Rockhampton this summer.

Upper Stoney Creek is located in Byfield National Park.

Summer has well and truly set in for Rockhampton, with daily temperatures averaging over 30c.
Don’t waste the holiday season sitting around in the aircon — we’ve compiled a list of the best swimming holes in the area for you to enjoy with your friends and family!

1. Mt Morgan ‘Big Dam’

Mount Morgan Dam Photo: Tamara MacKenzie / The Morning Bulletin

Mt Morgan’s Big Dam is also known as the No. 7 Dam.

The cool, clean water is perfect for swimming and kayaking.

The site is well equipped with barbecues, public toilet and a large playground for kids to enjoy.

You can even bring your pooch along: the Dam is host to a large dog off-leash area.
This spot is located at 2 Byrnes Parade in Mount Morgan.

2. Bouldercombe Gorge Falls

Bouldercombe Gorge Falls. Source: Supplied

Bouldercombe Falls is a beautiful site surrounded by dry rainforest and massive boulders.

You can often see rock wallabies sneaking over the rocky outcrops and an array of rare birds in the trees and in the sky.

This spot is dry most of the year, and the waterfall only flows during the wetter summer months — get in quick!
However, please be mindful that some people been injured or died at this site due to flash flooding.

Keep an eye on the weather before you attend, and if conditions become unpredictable be sure to retreat to higher ground.
To get to the Bouldercombe Falls, turn off the Burnett Highway onto Mount Usher Road.

Follow it to the end, and then take the walking track from the parking area.

3. First Turkey Swimming Hole

The swimming hole at First Turkey is popular after decent rainfall.

Mount Archer National Park is usually known for its fantastic hiking trails and BMX tracks which meander through xanthorrhoea groves, massive eucalypts and dry rainforest scrub.
However, during the summer months, a selection of cold freshwater swimming holes emerge at the base of the mountain fed from Moore’s Creek.
The best time to visit here is a couple days after heavy rain, once the creek has stopped rushing and the water is clear and clean.
To get to First Turkey’s main swimming hole, drive along Sunset Drive in Norman Gardens and turn right onto the bush track — follow it up to the end, and you’ll arrive at the spot.

4. Springer’s Lagoon

Springers Lagoon, Gracemere. Photo: Tamara MacKenzie / The Morning Bulletin

Springer’s Lagoon is a pleasant waterhole located two kilometres from Gracemere.
It’s a popular spot for swimming, fishing, kayaking and wildlife watching.
The area is perfect for families, with shaded areas, paved paths and picnic tables.
The easiest way to get there is by turning off Gavial Gracemere Rd onto Sullivan Rd and following it to the end.

5. Fairy Bower

Scrubby Creek Bridge on Fairy Bower Rd.

Fairy Bower is another swimming hole located near Gracemere.
You can find it at the Scrubby Creek Bridge on Fairy Bower Road.
It is important to exercise caution if you or your children are planning to use the rope swing at the site.
In order to get there, turn off the Capricorn Highway onto Fairy Bower Road and follow it until you come to the bridge.

6. Upper Stoney Creek

Upper Stoney Creek is located in Byfield National Park.

Stoney Creek is the most-well known and Instagram-worthy spot on this list.
It’s located in the Byfield National Park, a 15,000 hectare site made up of rainforest pockets, rugged hills and mountains, pine plantations, massive sand dunes and rare cycads.
Upper Stoney Creek has beautiful blue water all year round and is situated next to a large paid camping area.

This spot is sure to be a favourite with parents and kids alike.
To get here, turn left off Byfield Road onto Stoney Creek Road and follow it until you see the turn-off for Upper Stoney Creek Road on the right.
The final section of the road is rough and contains large potholes - it is possible to access in a 2WD, but a 4WD is a better option if possible.

Originally published as All the best spots for swimming, kayaking and keeping cool in Rockhampton this summer