In Brisbane, we have loads of things to do. We have lots of restaurants and plenty of shops. Many museums and entertainment venues, and a wealth of open spaces to enjoy. We love our rugby and Aussie Rules, and we're mad for motorsports.
But we also love our wild spaces and their natural beauty. We like getting away from the concrete and pavement to connect with nature. And we love water.
Brisbane boasts some of the best wild swimming spots in Australia. We have waterfalls and swimming holes, crystal-clear pools and lazy rivers. And our beaches, of course. But sometimes, Woorim and Bulmer just don't hit us quite right.
But we're always up for a swim and these swimming holes near Brisbane hit the spot. Whether you want a quick dip or to make a day of your outing, head to one of these swimming holes in Brisbane.
Swimming Holes Near Brisbane
Bunya Riverside Reserve
If you don't want to drive that long for seclusion and serenity, Bunya Crossing Reserve is only 30 minutes north of the city centre. Once you arrive, you can wade through the cool waters or immerse yourself in the deeper waters.
Water depths give an open invitation for kayaking and paddleboarding. You can spread your picnic blanket on a grassy patch to enjoy your lunch while taking in the scenery. Best of all, Bunya is pet-friendly! Surely, Fido and Rover will enjoy a day by the water, too.
Enoggera Dam
Another 30-minute drive, this time westward, will bring you from the city centre to this popular water hole. Located in the middle of D’Aguilar National Park, you'll walk through lush greenery before arriving at the reservoir.
This heritage-listed locale sees the most traffic during the summer months, particularly on weekends. Many park visitors observe the curious custom of bringing the most outrageous floaty. Inflatable swans aside, floating around on these calming waters is a surefire way to de-stress from your week.
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Swimming Holes, Brisbane and Beyond
Lower Portals
This swimming hole is for those who don't mind a bit of exertion. Getting to Lower Portals first entails driving southwest for an hour and a half, and then calls for a bit of a hike. But once you reach those waters, you'll find all that work was worth it.
Of all the wild swimming spots we found, this one is the most cathedral-like. Granite boulders frame the crystal-clear water. Depending on the season, you might find only enough aqua for a splash but after that hike, it will feel heavenly.
Tallebudgera Creek
Gold Coasters are well acquainted with this creek but Brisbanites may be less familiar with this Palm Beach locale. Put this swimming hole on your list! You won't want to miss its white sand and azure waters.
You'll stroll through the Burleigh National Park headland (southern end) for about 300 metres before the canopy opens up. You will then feast your eyes on this beach's calm waters. The breakwater protects this cove, making swimming here the epitome of relaxation.
The Gorge Lake
Just about one and a half hours southwest of Brisbane lies one of the most secluded wild swimming spots. The Gorge Lake, near Lake Moogerah, offers camping as well as swimming.
Note that the camping area is also wild; you'll have to pack in your own water and power sources. But then, with all that natural beauty, why would you want or need any electronic devices? Well, except to recharge your camera after capturing so much of the Scenic Rim's natural beauty.
Lake Moogerah
After dallying around The Gorge Lake, you might travel a bit further to visit Lake Moogerah's bodies of water. Some are large enough for boat traffic, though they include a roped-off area for swimmers. Others are more secluded and far too small for any watercraft. And did we mention how photogenic these bodies of water are?
Admittedly, getting here might be a pain but the drive is worth your time. So captivating is this lake that even Sydneysiders don't mind the travel, especially as a camping getaway. That is, when they're tired of all the swimming holes in Sydney.
Top Swimming Spots Brisbane
Wappa Falls
Wappa Dam lies about an hour and a half north of Brisbane, just west of Yandina. You'll find no water to swim in immediately around the dam but a short hike will lead you to several delectable swimming holes.
You may swim in the waterfall pool or discover others nearby. These wild swimming spots are fairly secluded. Local swimmers know all about them but word has yet to get out to the rest of Queensland. Note that, as these swimming holes are wild, you must assess water conditions before dipping in.
Cedar Creek
We have to make a distinction between Cedar Creek Falls and Cedar Creek Rock Pools. The first is in Mount Tambourine and the latter is in Samford Valley. Both are worthy of the Top Swimming Spot label. Both beat any swimming hole in Melbourne for their beauty and appeal.
Cedar Creek Falls lies an hour and a half southwest of Brisbane city centre.; The Rock Pools are roughly 30 minutes northwest of the city. You can reach the pools easily once you arrive at Samford Valley. However, to access Cedar Creek Falls, you must hike for about 30 minutes.
Rocky Hole
Some swimming holes near Brisbane are so remote that you need a four-wheel-drive (4WD) to get to them. Rocky Hole verges on that distinction. The road is unsealed, but as long as it's dry and you drive carefully, your two-wheel-drive car should get you there.
You'll find this collection of pools in the Mt Mee part of D’Aguilar National Park, about 90 minutes west of Brisbane. Once you park your car, you'll have to walk to the pool(s) of your choice. None of them are very deep, so don't count on jumping or diving in.
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Wild Swimming Spots in and Around Brisbane
These wild swimming spots are a bit further away from the city centre but well worth the trip. Note that some do not have any amenities. Don't forget to bring drinking water and food that needs no cooking.
Northbrook Gorge
None of the Adelaide swimming spots we visited had anything quite like Northbrook Gorge. It's hard to decide which aspect of this adventure was more engaging. For outdoor enthusiasts, the whole experience is a treat.
This Gorge also lies in the D’Aguilar National Park but it lies well south of the Mt Mee area. To arrive at the Gorge, you must hike about six miles. Please do so only in good weather. A sudden rainfall could pose serious dangers.
Bottlebrush Pool
If you're in the mood for a road trip before your swim, consider this 2.5-hour drive. Once you arrive at Crow's Nest National Park, you may treat yourself to a picnic before hiking down to the pool for your swim. You can splash around in the shallow water or simply recline and take in all the natural beauty.
Currumbin Rock Pools
Many Brisbanites head to the Gold Coast for the beaches. But if you want a more exclusive swimming experience, these rock pools will delight you.
Just over an hour of driving will deliver you to the Currumbin Valley, where much outdoor recreation awaits. You might grill some snags before setting off to explore everything. And then, you can end your hike with a cooling dip in this pool's clear waters.
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Swimming Holes With Waterfalls
Cascading water adds to every swimming experience. Not only are these falls the most photogenic that we've seen, but they are also the most haunting. They are the swimming places you'll want to return to again and again.
Gardner Falls
If you fancy the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, you might already know about this hidden gem. It only takes 1.5 hours to arrive, after which you'll leave your car at the Obi Obi Creek carpark. A short, gentle walk along the water will lead you to the falls. But don't hesitate to enjoy all the pools you'll pass along the way.
Booloumba Falls
If your 4WD is itching to go, travel north for about 2.5 hours, to Conondale National Park. Those roads are easy, of course, but you'll need the traction to navigate the park's gravel roads.
On the way to the falls, you'll cross over several creeks before leaving your ride behind to hike the rest of the way. Your reward for all that derring-do is a cool swim under the waterfall and/or through the rock pools.
Kondalilla Falls
This is one of Brisbanites' favourite waterfalls, if not the favourite. Like one of the best swimming holes in Perth, Kondalilla's walking track meanders through the rainforest before delivering you to the water. Once you reach it, the sights, sounds and smells reward you. Your swim is the icing on the cake.
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