NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS
The Best 50 Places to Swim
in SE Queensland Including: Natural swimming holes Outdoor water parks Beaches Swimming pools
The Best...
Natural Swimming We have listed our favourite places to swim in creeks, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and waterfalls.
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Best Places to Camp & Swim We’ve put together the best camping spots within a 2 hour drive from Brisbane and the best bit is that you can go swimming too.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Bunya Creek Crossing Bunya Crossing Reserve Swimming Hole is a hidden gem in the Moreton Region and just 25 minutes from CBD. It’s an idyllic place to swim, but offers much more with a rope swing, suspension bridge, fairy garden, and a chance to spot the local wildlife.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Cedar Creek Falls, Tamborine Nestled beneath Mt Tamborine in the Tamborine National Park, the Cedar Creek Falls have three rock pools to swim in.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Cedar Creek Cedar Creek is a popular family destination on Brisbane’s north side running from Mt Glorious state forest to Eaton’s Hill. It consists of low but impressive waterfalls, rock pools, swimming holes and even some water caves that are home to a host of native animals.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Coomba Falls, Maidenwell Coomba Falls, at Maidenwell, is an exceptionally beautiful place, featuring a deep natural swimming hole. The water is icy most of the year, so it’s the ideal site to cool down on a hot day. It’s a solid 2 ½ hours drive from Brisbane but worth the trek, especially for a weekend stay.
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offered with a strong focus on water safety and swimming skills. See the next program dates here
Logan Aquatic Centres Logan’s aquatic centres are top places to cool off this summer. There’s outdoor lap pools, wading pools and splash pads as well as heated indoor pools that offer year-round Learn to Swim Classes. Logan Leisure Centres has everything you need to have fun in the water with locations at Underwood, Beenleigh Eagleby and Bethania. Aqualogan Laurie Lawrence Swim School There’s no better way to keep your kids safe around water than to teach water safety. The Aqualogan Laurie Lawrence Swim School (ALLLSS) knows there’s no substitute for quality swimming lessons. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Laurie Lawrence to provide tried and true teaching techniques that are the best Australia has to offer. We offer FREE swim assessments and teach people of all ages to love swimming and be safe in water. Laurie Lawrence is a world leader in teaching youngsters to swim and our program has been developed over 35 years to incorporate the social, emotional and physical growth and development of children from four months of age. Adult learn-to-swim classes are also available – it’s never too late to learn water safety and survival skills! FREE Kids Alive Do the Five Kids Alive Do the Five is a FREE water safety program for children 4 months+ created by Laurie Lawrence to reduce the risk of preschool drowning. Five free consecutive swimming lessons are
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Paddle Splash – 4 FREE introductory lessons Children aged from 3 months to 3 years can join in 4 FREE introductory lessons in our indoor heated pools. Sessions run the last 4 weeks on each term. View our 2020 calendar here Turtles and Seals – 2 lessons for the price of 1 When swimmers reach the Turtles and Seals levels we offer two lessons for the price of one. Laurie Lawrence believes two lessons are better than one so we give you the second on FREE! Swim Clinics Throughout the school holidays Aqualogan runs specialty swim clinics that focus on a specific skill. We hold clinics for diving, starts and turns, stroke correction and more. Follow us on Facebook to see all relevant information about the next available School holiday intensive. Squad From babies to champions, we teach swim skills that will enable swimmers to compete at the highest level of competition. Specialty swim clinics and intensive programs run throughout the school holidays. Adaptive Aquatics For children who require specialised learning that suits their needs, our Adaptive Aquatics program could be the answer. Children of varying ability gain confidence in the water in a relaxed and caring environment. Enquire now
• • • • • • • • PROUDLY
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Currumbin Creek Currumbin Creek is a fresh water river at the Gold Coast that is sheltered and shaded, making it a popular destination on hot days. The creek has calm water where kids can swim or have a paddle in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Currumbin Valley Rock Pool A beautiful alternative to the typical beach settings on the Gold Coast, the Currumbin Valley rock pool has cascading waterfalls, lagoons and trickling streams, all surrounded by lush, tropical greenery.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Enoggera Reservoir Nestled next to the western suburb of The Gap in Brisbane, Enoggera Reservoir is a must do fresh water swimming hole where motorised water vehicles are prohibited, making for a safe and peaceful experience.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Fairy Pools, Noosa Trek through the Noosa National Park from the main carpark entrance and you will come across the Noosa Fairy Pools. There are two to choose from, so enjoy!
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Queensland’s newest learn to swim program A brand new Swim School will “hatch” in November 2020 at Canterbury College in Waterford. The school, whose mascot is the Taipan, will shortly open their state of the art aquatic and tennis centre, featuring an exciting “Tiny Taipans” learn to swim school. The Canterbury facility will offer easy and plentiful parking and very bright and modern facilities, including a 10 lane 50m pool and a learn to swim pool, both heated for year round swimmer comfort. The Tiny Taipans Swim School will be run by a team of quality instructors, led by one of Australia’s best learn to swim coaches, Mr Daniel Blackborrow. Daniel comes to Canterbury with a wealth of swim experience, in large learn to swim schools in Brisbane and Melbourne and in overseeing not only state and nationally ranked swimmers but also beginner and development squads. He has developed elite swimming programs for local, state and national squads, gaining medal success at national and international level. Daniel is himself an accomplished athlete, still holding top-10 rank Junior times in his favourite stroke, backstroke.
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The Tiny Taipans learn to swim programs will include classes for
babies, preschool and school aged children. Canterbury will also have the Taipans Club swimming, for stroke development, squad and high-performance swimming. Soon after the commencement of learn to swim, there will be community swimming and fitness classes also offered, so that all members of any age from the wider community can enjoy this great facility. Alongside swimming, the centre also has eight tennis courts, for tennis lessons and club tennis, run by another very experienced sports professional who is well known around Brisbane, Mr James Rapkins. “This is a much-anticipated exciting addition to our already impressive Sports Precinct facilities.” Canterbury Principal Mr Daniel Walker said. “We look forward to welcoming Canterbury families but also the greater Logan community to join our club, take swimming and tennis lessons, or just use the pool and courts for social swim or game.” For enquiries, please call 07 3299 0900 or email swim@canterburytaipans.com.au
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Gardners Falls Gardners Falls is a beautiful natural swimming hole in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, near Maleny. The water is crisp and refreshing, and it’s a lovely walk through the bush to reach the falls and rock pools.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Kondalilla Falls Kondalilla Falls is a serene place to explore in the Sunshine Coast hinterland near Montville. While the falls themselves drop 90 metres into a rainforest valley, there’s a lovely swimming hole with a four-metre cascade that’s just a few minutes walk from the car park.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Lake Mackenzie, Fraser Island This popular attraction on Fraser Island is good for visitors of all ages. It’s dazzling show of colours of blue and the fresh clear water will be enjoyed by you and your little ones! What’s even better is that it is free from those scary waves and sea creature stings.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Lake Moogerah With internationally acclaimed mountain views and a pristine lake that’s loved for its ability to host all kinds of water sports in addition to being a prime fishing destination, Lake Moogerah is a must visit for families.
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Make a splash this summer at Nudgee College Swimming Nudgee College Swimming is a fullservice swimming club for boys and girls, based at St Joseph’s Nudgee College in Boondall. The Club has an established name within the Brisbane community, and with heated 25m and 50m pools, it allows swimming to operate all year round. Nudgee College Swimming is home to an extensive Learn to Swim program that caters for both boys and girls, with classes starting at 10 months through to the highly technical Skills Squad. Swim Program Manager Ms Simone Ryan has overseen the Nudgee College Swimming program since 2013. “We pride ourselves on our Learn to Swim program which caters to the youngest children gaining water familiarity, confidence and quality technique in all swimming strokes,” Simone said. “This program then filters through to our high-level training and competing squads ranging from Junior Development to Age Nationals.” In addition to the regular weekly training sessions, Nudgee College Swimming also offers an Intensive Program every Easter, September and Christmas holidays as an add-on to the Learn to Swim program.
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“The Intensive Program runs over four consecutive days, with reduced studentteacher ratios, and is a great opportunity for swimmers to excel and refine their technique.” At the helm of the program is Swimming Director at Nudgee College and Performance Coach at Nudgee College Swimming Club, Mr David Proud. David has a wealth of knowledge and experience as a former elite athlete that he now brings to his senior role at Nudgee College Swimming. He has a real passion for swimming and helping athletes achieve more than they thought possible. “The talent of swimmers at Nudgee College Swimming Club is maximised by providing a quality environment where all swimmers can achieve the many benefits of this sport such as health, self-discipline, fitness and fun.” “I take great pride in overseeing a program that helps swimmers of all levels achieve their goals.” “The commitment and self-drive learned from swimming are traits that will continue to help swimmers through all stages of their life.” Nudgee College Swimming is also home to an Aqua Fitness program which includes deep water running, aqua aerobics and adult swimfit. The Aqua Fitness program offers a diverse range of activities and intensities to cater for the elderly, rehabilitation and general fitness.
NUDGEE COLLEGE SWIMMING Learn to Swim Program Aqua Fitness
All swimmers welcome! Book your free assessment today! ncswimmingclub.com swim@nudgee.qld.edu.au 07 3865 0516 FAM-02_NC20
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Minyon Falls If you fancy a walk and a swim, then Minyon Falls is for you! As you walk along the Boggy Creek trail, there are plenty of places for you to take a breather, skip some stones on the water, or go for a swim in one of the rock pools along the way.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Neurum Creek About a 75-minute drive from Brisbane, near Woodford, Neurum Creek offers waterholes for swimming, canoeing and the possibility of spotting platypus. Neurum Creek has a campground, making it a good choice for a weekend trip.
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WHY CHOOSE SHAPLAND Over seven decades of teaching Australians to swim positions Shapland as one of the most experienced swim school operators in Australia, if not the World. Their teaching program is tried and proven and is based around two basic concepts in which a simple five skill acquisition process is followed. By setting our class numbers at three pupils, regardless of the skill level, and limiting the number of classes in the pool to two, Shapland offers a more personalised, boutique experience. Their current teaching pool design boasts eight different water depths with all future designs having eleven different water depths. It is this unique, quarter Olympic size, heated teaching pool which provides our skilled, qualified teachers, with a variety of areas where the right water depth helps rapidly remove any fear and allows the skill acquisition to begin. With water heated to 32 degrees Celsius all year round, and climate-controlled change and observation rooms, your experience at Shapland is more personalised. Whilst the pool is the ‘Engine Room’ for Shapland it is our efficient administration system that keeps it running smoothly. Clients have multiple ways in which to book swimming lessons including a direct phone call, filling out an online booking form, emailing the swim school directly or by using our unique client interface called MySSS.
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Through this real time client interface, you
can initially search for a suitable time for a lesson and then book and pay for that lesson without leaving the comfort of home. MySSS also plays a vital role in the day to day operation of the swim school because through this interface you can cancel a lesson, book a make-up lesson, book a sibling into a suitable spot in our program and pay your account. Quality teaching and service are the driving forces behind Shapland. These forces are maintained through regular workshops for teachers and managers at our company owned and operated sites, and extends to the eleven Shapland Franchises, the longest of which has been with Shapland since 1992. The average time for all Franchises with the Shapland group is twenty-one years. Every member of the group from teachers to managers to franchisees have direct access to Chris Shapland in order to ensure the quality of the information provided in the ongoing commitment to quality swimming lessons. Giving Children the opportunity to enjoy the water and be safer in the water for the rest of their lives is what motivates the Shapland Group. Find out more https://www.shapland.com.au/
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Stony Creek Swimming Hole Stony Creek swimming hole is quiet and yet to be discovered by tourists. Located near Woodford, about a 90-minute drive from Brisbane, it’s a perfect place for families.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Tallebudgera Creek Tallebudgera Creek is a great place to relax, snorkel and chill out without worrying about big surf and big crowds. As the area is bordered by Burleigh Heads National Park and Palm Beach with its amazing pirate park, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained both in and out of the water.
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Superfish Swimming lessons – An ‘Essential’ Skill for Babies & Children!
but the safety and hands-on nature of learn to swim education is recognised and approved by the QLD Government.
Children thrive on consistency, routine and repetition to support their developing muscle memory, with all the skills they are learning and developing.
Superfish Swim Schools are following all Government Covid-19 Frameworks on Social Distancing, Safety Operations, Hygiene Precautions, Indoor Space Capacity to comply with Capacity Restrictions within our Swim Centres.
It is vital that babies and children continue the life-saving skills learnt in swimming lessons. Especially in preparation for the dreaded drowning season, when we see a ‘spike’ during summer months of ‘Under 5’ drownings. We MUST ensure our toddlers and young children have developed the highest water safety skills possible. This is only going to be achieved with regular skill-based swimming lessons until independent skills are attained and accomplished. This takes dedicated parents to achieve this for their child! Older, school age children need sport, exercise and routine for optimum mental and physical health, which swimming and stroke correction lessons and squads can provide. Swimming lessons are deemed ‘essential’ for our way of life as Queenslanders! The QLD Government’s approval of our Swim Industry COVIDSafe Plan- for Swimming Pools and Aquatic Centres means swimming lessons have resumed with instructorled classes in the water. Social distancing applies where practical,
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Superfish Swim Schools approach to Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the health and safety, with our Families visiting our Swim Schools our utmost priority. You will see ‘Covid Safe’ Procedures throughout centres – including separate entries and exits, spectator social & physical distancing, cashless transactions and increased cleaning and sanitation of our facilities and teaching equipment. As well as this, Superfish Swim Schools have: • Our managers and full team have completed Covid Training • All Instructors in full health & temperature checked every shift • We have introduced smaller class sizes • Impeccable water quality • Plus, we all know chlorine is the ‘ultimate’ sanitizer! Our helpful team is always available for any questions you may have about swimming lessons for your child in our new Covid-Safe World! Please contact our team for your free lesson trial in our Indoor Heated Pools! Find out more about Superfish swim lessons - https://superfish.com.au/
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Twin Falls, Springbrook Springbrook National Park is full of waterfalls and swimming holes that families can explore. Twin Falls is particularly suitable for swimming, as the falls cascade into three separate rock pools.
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NATURAL SWIMMING
Wivenhoe Dam Wivenhoe Dam offers an oasis of family-friendly outdoor adventure that’s right on our doorstep. It’s an easy hour’s drive from Brisbane along picturesque country roads.
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The Best...
Outdoor Water Parks We have listed our favourite outdoor water parks from the Sunshine Coast down to the Gold Coast and everything in between.
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OUTDOOR WATER PARKS
Aquasplash, Gold Coast AquaSplash is THE destination for active, energetic families with school-aged children who can swim. An open-water fun park, it has an outdoor course that uses a series of inflatables to create challenges, slides and cushions to help you get air-borne.
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OUTDOOR WATER PARKS
Coolum Aqua Park This is a great secret in the calm waters of Coolum! Coolum Aqua Park offers inflatable CRAZY fun for primary school kids and older. This will really wear them out!
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OUTDOOR WATER PARKS
Darlington Parklands, Logan Not so much a place to swim as a place to splash about, the Darlington Parklands waterpark at Yarrabilba has an ankle-deep water play area, along with lots of other activities to keep the kids entertained.
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OUTDOOR WATER PARKS
Ferny Grove Splash Park With separate areas for little kids and big kids there is something for all ages: giant bucket that fills and then overflows, a spray tunnel, a multilevel waterplay table with moving parts and more.
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OUTDOOR WATER PARKS
Orion Lagoon in Robelle Domain Some of the best (free) water parks are located in Ipswich. Topping the list is the Springfield Water Park at the Robelle Domain parklands with its pools, water cascades, splash pads and water play areas. At the end of the parkland the Orion Lagoon features a series of interconnected pools of varying depths to suit all ages.
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OUTDOOR WATER PARKS
Settlement Cove, Redcliffe If you’ve not been to this idyllic location then you truly don’t know what you’re missing. The combination of shallow water, a hot day, beautiful views and sea breezes makes this a perfect splash spot for a Brisbane family with kids of any age!
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OUTDOOR WATER PARKS
Southport Rock Pools A long-standing favourite for Gold Coast families, the Southport Rock Pools is a fun water park with water jets, animal statues and shallow water to jump and splash in. There’s also a swimming lagoon and beach area, and heaps of other activities.
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OUTDOOR WATER PARKS
Streets Beach, South Bank Streets Beach South Bank is an iconic Brisbane venue right in the heart of the city. Entirely purpose built, it’s home to a pool, lagoon, sandy beaches and a wide variety of tropical plants and is freely available for every family to enjoy.
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OUTDOOR WATER PARKS
Dreamworld’s Whitewater World Float away in the Cave of Waves, slip and slide at Wiggle Bay, make a splash at the Green Room – or take in the awesome new Fully-6 water slides!
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OUTDOOR WATER PARKS
Wynnum Wading Pool The Wynnum wading pool and playground is an area of fountains and waterplay, complete with a giant tipping bucket and water squirters. The wading pool has a sandy base and is only 75cm deep, meaning it is perfect for kids. There is a small waterslide at one end for little thrill seekers.
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South East Queensland
Beaches
We have listed our favourite beaches, with big waves, with small waves and with no waves. We even have told you where to take your dog!.
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BEACHES
Bongaree Beach, Bribie Island Located on the Pumicestone Passage side of Bribie Island, Bongaree Beach has gentle and shallow waters, making it perfect for toddlers. There’s also a jetty that confident swimmers enjoy jumping from, and it’s a popular spot for kayaks, paddleboards and floatation devices.
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Budds Beach, Gold Coast A hidden gem just minutes from the heart of Surfers Paradise, Budd’s Beach is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the glitter strip. Pack your swimmers, a picnic lunch and you can spend the day riverside watching boaties and swimming in safe water.
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BEACHES
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Burleigh Heads Beach One of the most beautiful beaches along the Gold Coast, your kids will be safe swimming in the protected waters at Burleigh Heads, which isn’t as rough as some of the other beaches around the Gold Coast.
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BEACHES
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Coochiemudlo Island Coochiemudlo Island just a 20 minute ferry ride from Victoria Point. Sand flats are home to waves of hermit crabs and the haunting cry of the curlew and plover are as common as sightings of these fascinating birds. A beautiful low-key place to enjoy a swim and a rest.
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BEACHES
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Currimundi Lake One of our top picks for the Sunshine Coast, Currimundi Lake is an AWESOME spot where you can enjoy everything the coast has to offer without worrying about crowded surf and big waves.
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BEACHES
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Dog Friendly Beaches Who says a splashing good time is only for the humans? We also know where all the best dog beaches are on the Sunshine Coast and on the Gold Coast. Sunshine Coast:
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BEACHES
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Kings Beach, Caloundra The main attraction at Kings Beach is the surf beach, but there’s so much more with a 25m seawater lap pool, children’s swimming pool and wading area, and a water park with timed fountains.
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BEACHES
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Nudgee Beach Another somewhat under-rated Brisbane beach is the family friendly Nudgee Beach. Rather than golden sand, this is a beach where the kids can dig and get muddy. Swimming is also good and is best at low tide (we have a secret spot).
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BEACHES
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Southport Spit The calm waters on the inside of Southport Spit are ideal for a relaxing family day at the beach, minus the big waves, rips and currents.
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BEACHES
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Suttons Beach, Redcliffe Suttons Beach is a flat-water surf beach that provides a safe spot to paddle, swim, snorkel, surf-ski or just laze in a pool tube.
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BEACHES
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BEACHES
Woorim Beach, Bribie Island Woorim Beach on the ocean side of Bribie Island is a low-key, family-friendly swimming destination. It’s a fully patrolled surf beach and is perfect for those looking to enjoy the waves without the crashing dumpers of other surf beaches.
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The Best...
Swimming Pools We have listed our favourite local swimming pools that are perfect for families.
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SWIMMING POOLS
Centenary Pool, Spring Hill The Centenary Aquatic Centre at Spring Hill offers more than just swimming. There’s a dedicated high-diving area where you can put your daredevil skills to the test, or just relax and splash about in the play pool
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SWIMMING POOLS
Chermside Aquatic Centre The Chermside Aquatic Centre is home to Brisbane’s largest water park, with more than 200 metres of twisty water slides. The centre also has a wading lagoon pool, indoor programs pool and a lap pool, so there’s something for the whole family.
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SWIMMING POOLS
Colmslie Pool Colmslie Pool is open for year-round fun and relaxation and has a special Fun Pool play area for kids that’s open during the summer season.
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SWIMMING POOLS
Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre This is a great place for locals and tourists alike to engage in some healthy, safe water-based fun. Here you’ll find heated pools, a crazy-fun Water Park, an outdoor fitness system and a fully comprehensive fitness program.
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SWIMMING POOLS
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Southport Head to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and take advantage of their (heated to 27 degrees) public swimming pools. There is a great freeform splash pool with water play features that is perfect or little kids
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SWIMMING POOLS
Heated Pools, Brisbane If you want to keep swimming and enjoying the water in the cooler months, we have a list of all the heated pools across Brisbane.
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SWIMMING POOLS
Milne Bay Leisure Centre, Toowoomba If you’re looking for somewhere to swim or keep cool in Toowoomba, Milne Bay Aquatic Centre is the place to go. With a specialised baby and toddler pool, an indoor 25 metre pool and the outdoor Olympic sized pool, as well as a slide and wave pool, Milne Bay Aquatic Centre has you and your family covered.
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SWIMMING POOLS
Newmarket Pool Newmarket pool has both 50m and 25m pools and plenty of water play opportunities. Children will love the animal-themed splash pad with water-drop buckets and fountains, the twisty slides and giant slides, and the wading pool with mushroom features.
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SWIMMING POOLS
Sandgate Aquatic Centre It’s fun, fun, fun all the way at the Sandgate Aquatic Centre. Located on the foreshore of Moreton Bay, the centre has all-ages and all-abilities water play areas, a tipping bucket, waterslide and so much more. With a 50m pool as well, everyone will be happy.
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SWIMMING POOLS
Valley Pool The Valley Pool is an historic pool that’s undergone many changes over the past century. It has a 50m heated outdoor pool and is a great place to learn to swim and enjoy water sports.
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