Pack your hiking shoes – where to go chasing waterfalls near Brisbane

BL
Bonnie
Liston
Dec 16, 2024, updated Dec 17, 2024
In the words of Hans Moleman, “You’re certainly doing your job today, Mr Sun!”. With spring well and truly here and summer on the horizon, we’re on the search for places to cool off. Instead of getting soupy at your local public pool (no thank you), we’ve rounded up the best swimming holes and waterfalls near Brisbane to help you cool off the natural way – even if it’s just from a distance.

Kondalilla Falls: Not far from the Sunshine Coast lies Kondalilla Falls, a popular retreat that sits where Skene Creek plummets into the rainforest valley. This spot is popular among families and groups, with plenty of parking and room for all. In addition to the falls, the Kondalilla National Park features a 58-km walking track, shorter tracks, overnight campsites and picnic areas.

Elabana Falls: Nestled inside Lamington National Park is where you’ll discover The Elabana Falls Track, a hike that descends through the national park and greets strollers with the ultimate prize – the cool waters of Elabana Falls. Top tip – bring some snacks and enjoy lunch at Picnic Rock, a shady spot just 400 m from the falls.

Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Curtis Falls: An enchanting walk through lush eucalypt forest beneath towering gum trees will lead you to one of Mount Tambourine’s most magical spots – Curtis Falls. The area is a haven for turtles, fish and eels and if you keep your eyes super peeled, you might even spot a platypus! At night, make sure you keep a lookout for glow-worms in the surrounding cliffs.

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Enoggera Reservoir: If you follow Waterworks Road all the way to The Gap, you’ll find one of Brisbane’s most popular spots to cool off. Families load up the car with picnic supplies, pool noodles and kayaks and make tracks for Brisbane Forest Park’s visitor centre, which sits a couple of minutes walk from the gently lapping shores of the Enoggera Dam. A space has been conveniently cordoned off for swimming, while a few scenic walking tracks wind around the dam’s exterior.

Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Morans Falls: Located near the Green Mountains of Lamington National Park is Morans Falls. After following the walking track (a 4.4-km return walk), wanderers descend roughly 150 m through sub-tropical rainforests to find the base of the plunge waterfall. You can trek a bit further to reach the top of the falls, where you can enjoy a majestic view of the sprawling landscape.Booloumba Falls and Gorge: Located in the Somerset Area in Conondale National Park, Booloumba Falls and Gorge boasts lush rainforest scenery and cascading waterfalls and rock pools. Swim at the base of the falls before exploring the amazing rock formations of The Breadknife. The falls are reached by a track which is a 4 km return trip.Honourable mentions: Queen Mary Falls, Elabana Falls, Coomera and Yarrabilgong Falls.

Image one credit: Tourism and Events Queensland