Rock Pools And Creeks

Rock Pools of Cedar Creek in Thunderbird Park

We are so lucky to have swimming creeks in Brisbane to enjoy for free on a hot summer’s day. Remember that all Brisbane creeks are only as good as the rain that came before them.

NOTE: Very recent or heavy rain can also create changes in conditions—from debris in the water to fast running falls. Always use caution in and around water.

Cedar Creek, Samford

CEDAR CREEK (SAMFORD)

The entire drive up to Cedar Creek offers roadside swimming opportunities but the main places to swim are Andy Williams Park and Cedar Creek rock pools and falls. In some areas it is limited to wading and kneedeep levels of water and then in other places you will find deeper pools.

Fact Sheet

• There are no facilities at the main Cedar Creek rock pools and Falls • Andy Williams Park features toilets and electric BBQs • Limited parking at Andy Williams Park and very limited parking at the falls end

Location

Cedar Creek Rock Pools is located on Cedar Creek Road in Samford. Read more about Cedar Creek and Andy Williams Park

BUNYA RIVERSIDE RESERVE

Bunya Riverside Reserve (AKA Bunya Crossing) is nestled behind an acreage community on Brisbane’s northside and its waters are replenished via the rains that come from Mount Glorious. This is a very popular swimming hole and offers an inland beach-style set-up, with plenty of trees for a picnic. Visit first thing in the morning and you might spot a platypus!

Fact Sheet

• Toilets • Electric BBQs • Onsite parking (limited spaces) • Shade • Dogs on lead welcome • Walking tracks • Gates opened on sunrise, closed at sunset

Location

Bunya Riverside Reserve is located on Dugandan Road in Bunya. Read more about Bunya Riverside

CEDAR CREEK (TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN)

Cedar Creek in Tamborine Mountain is as popular as it is beautiful. There is limited parking, so arrive early and pack some lunch for the picturesque picnic area that sits at the beginning of the falls walk. It will take about 15 minutes to walk to the rock pools and falls and it is not particularly pram friendly, though still an easy walk.

Fact Sheet

• Toilets in the picnic grounds at the beginning of the walk • Picnic spots and lots of shade • Carpark (limited spaces) • Viewing platform (5 min walk) that is wheelchair and pram accessible • Open between 1 October and 31 March from 6am to 8pm and between 1 April and 30 September from 6am to 6pm.

Location

Cedar Creek Falls & Rock Pools are located in Tamborine National Park, off Cedar Creek Falls Road, in Cedar Creek. Read more about Cedar Creek Tamborine Mountain

Bunya Riverside, Bunya

CURRUMBIN CREEK & ROCK POOLS

The Currumbin Rock Pools, just 12km up the valley from Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast, are the perfect place to escape the heat when the beach is too hot. Whether you are seeking deep pools or shallow play areas, you will find it at Currumbin Creek.

Fact Sheet

• Toilets • Picnic areas • Onsite parking • Cafe across the road

Location

Currumbin Creek & Rock Pools are located on Currumbin Creek Road in Currumbin. Read more about Currumbin Creek and Rock Pools

ENOGGERA RESERVOIR

Located in the bushy surrounds of D’Aguilar National Park, Enoggera Reservoir is a nice, open swimming hole for Brisbane families. It is deep enough and large enough to kayak in and you can hire equipment there to make the most of the experience.

Fact Sheet

• Toilets and cafe available nearby, up at the

Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre • Onsite parking • Walkabout Creek Adventures offer segway, kayak, stand up paddleboards and mountain bikes for hire • Open daily from 6am to 6pm

Location

Enoggera Reservoir is located at 60 Mount Nebo Road in The Gap. Read more about Enoggera Reservoir

Kondalilla Falls Enoggera Reservoir

KONDALILLA FALLS

Kondalilla National Park is part of the traditional lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people and Kondalilla is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘rushing waters’, which is exactly what you can expect from the spectacular falls during the summer wet season.

Fact Sheet

• Toilets • Picnic tables and electric BBQs • Onsite parking • Bring insect repellent • BYO drinking water • No pets, as this is a National Park • Open daylight hours only

Location

Kondalilla Falls is located on Kondalilla Falls Road in Montville. Read more about Kondalilla Falls

SAVAGES CROSSING

Savages Crossing is downstream from Wivenhoe Dam, around 5 minutes from the town of Fernvale, and is situated on the upper reaches of the Brisbane River. This is a popular spot for a variety of fresh water activities and you’ll find people fishing, kayaking and swimming here.

Fact Sheet

• Roadside toilets • Parking • Swimming spot • Water sports • Fishing

Location

Savages Crossing is located on Banks Creek Road in Fernvale. Read more about Savages Crossing

WAPPA FALLS

Wappa Falls’ range of rock pools and waterfalls are popular spots for a swim. If there has been recent rainfall, the falls might not be great for swimming but can be an impressive sight. Jack Harrison Park at Wappa Dam offers an extensive open picnic area if you fancy a picnic lunch after your swim (swimming is not permitted in the actual Wappa Dam).

Fact Sheet

• Nearby toilets (Wappa Dam) • Picnic areas (Wappa Dam) • Playground (Wappa Dam) • Onsite parking

Location

Wappa Falls is located on Wappa Falls Road in Yandina. Read more about Wappa Falls

YOUNGS CROSSING

Close to Old Petrie Town, Youngs Crossing is an expansive swimming hole in the Moreton Bay Region. Bring your kayaks and inflatables and enjoy some respite from the heat. There’s a small carpark on-site and toilet facilities. This is also a popular fishing spot, with many freshwater species calling the North Pine River home.

Fact Sheet

• Toilets • Picnic area • Onsite parking

Location

Youngs Crossing is located on Youngs Crossing Road in Petrie Read more about Youngs Crossing

OTHER NOTABLE FRESHWATER SWIMMING OPTIONS

• Stony Creek, Bellthorpe: Creek swimming, toilets and

BBQ facilities • Rocky Hole, Mount Mee: Creek swimming, accessed via an unsealed road • Lees Road Crossing, Dayboro: Creek swimming • Edward Allison Park, Eatons Hill: Shallow creek play • Gardners Falls, Maleny: Creek swimming • Serenity Falls, Buderim: Swimming hole beneath falls