Waterfalls Near Brisbane

Kondalilla Falls, Montville

If it’s chasing waterfalls that you crave, then you’re spoilt for choice in South East Queensland! With dozens of waterfall walks to choose from close to home, no matter which direction you head from Brisbane you can encounter this pinnacle of picturesque outlooks on your next adventure. Some waterfalls are harder to reach than others, so we highly recommend doing some research before you go. Also, please keep in mind that some waterfalls are barely ‘waterfalls’ unless there has been some decent rainfall.

Head to www.brisbanekids.com.au/waterfalls-near-brisbane to find full details of these falls.

WATERFALLS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST Gardner’s Falls, Maleny Wappa Falls, Yandina

An easy bitumen track follows Obi Obi creek with small waterfalls and swimming holes along the way before reaching the falls, which are a great spot for a swim or family picnic. There’s no big walk required here, with the carpark being roughly 30m away from the falls. Some rock hopping is required as you explore the area, and the rocks may be slippery.

Location: Obi Ln S, Maleny Location: Wappa Falls Rd, Yandina

Kondalilla Falls, Montville

The walk to these falls is a 4.7km round trip down the mountainside, with numerous stairs. The rock pools above the falls are a popular spot after some rain for a cooling splash. Location: Kondalilla Falls Rd, Montville

Buderim Falls, Buderim

The track here provides access to these spectacular falls and the cave behind them and the stunning scenery makes for a great photo opportunity. Swimming is not recommended due to water quality. Location: Quorn Cl, Buderim

Mapleton Falls, Mapleton

With a bird’s eye view of Pencil Creek dropping a stunning 120m into the rainforest below, the lookout is just 50m from the carpark and is easily accessible. Location: Mapleton Falls Rd, Mapleton

WATERFALLS ON THE GOLD COAST Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park

Featuring a truly magical glow worm cave beneath the waterfall, as well as fireflies and luminescent fungi in summer, and reached via an easy 1km, sealed circuit with some stairs.

Location: Bakers Rd, Natural Bridge

Twin Falls, Springbrook National Park

The 4km Twin Falls Circuit allows you to walk behind two waterfalls and see some amazing natural scenery, though it does contain some stairs and steep ascents/descents. Location: Old School Rd, Springbrook

Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park

The 4km Purling Brook Falls Circuit is well worth the stairs and steep ascents/descents for the incredible views of the falls from many vantage points and a picture-perfect rock pool below. Location: Forestry Rd, Springbrook

Cedar Creek Falls, Tamborine National Park

The easy 700m walk along the partially sealed track to Cedar Creek Falls can be followed by a rewarding dip in the cascading rock pools. Location: Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Curtis Falls, Tamborine National Park

A 1.5km return trail with some stairs runs through lush, tropical eucalypt forest to pass by gorgeous rock pools that are home to a platypus population, turtles, eels and fish. Location: Dapsang Dr, Eagle Heights

Morans Falls, Lamington National Park

Showcasing some dramatic falls after heavy rain, this easy 4.4km circuit through the Gondwana Rainforest offers some amazing panoramic views and just a few stairs. Location: Moran Creek Rd, Fairyland

Cougal Cascades, Currumbin Valley

The sealed track here offers an easy walk past numerous rock pools and small waterfalls and even features an old saw mill at the end. The creek is perfect for a cooling dip in summer. Location: Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Valley

WATERFALLS IN BRISBANE Cedar Creek Falls, Samford

With no established paths as such, this is a great place to explore for yourselves and take a dip after some rain in the warmer weather, and is only 20 minutes from Samford Village. Location: Cedar Creek Rd, Cedar Creek

Greenes Falls, Mt Glorious

There is a lovely rainforest walk along the boardwalk and passing over rock pools, which begins at Maiala Picnic Ground and ends at a lookout above the falls.

Location: Mount Glorious Rd, Mount Glorious

JC Slaughter Falls, Mt Coot-tha

Only flowing after decent rainfall, this area has several circuits, including one that will take you to the summit of Mt Coot-tha, where you can reward yourselves with an ice cream. Location: Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-tha

Simpson Falls, Mt Coot-tha

Beginning at the picnic area, the walk to the falls is a nature-lovers dream with plenty of wildlife and flora to marvel at. Again, these falls only flow after some heavy rain. Location: Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-tha

Buderim Falls, Buderim

TIPS FOR CHASING WATERFALLS

Check out the Queensland Parks & Forests website (www.parks.des.qld.gov.au) before you go, to ensure the trail is open and to check for any possible warnings. Mobile phone reception can be limited, so download or print your maps before you go and take a photo of the trail map (usually signposted at the beginning of the trail). Be sure to pack plenty of supplies, including hats, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks and a first aid kit.

Head to www.brisbanekids.com.au for more detailed reviews of these waterfalls and more!