Swimming Creeks In Brisbane

We are so lucky to have swimming creeks in Brisbane to enjoy for free on a hot Summer’s day. Before we list our favourite places for a freshwater swim, it is important to understand that all Brisbane creeks are only as good as the rain that came before them. Post wet season you can usually rely on a clean fresh swim but drought conditions have seen our creeks dry up from time to time and caution should be taken should this be the case.

Creek play and what that means for your family will change as your kids grow older. When your kids are young, long days can be spent enjoying the exploration of shallow-running creeks, experimenting with floating leaves and crossing rivers like their lives depend on it. For teenagers, often there needs to be something a little deeper and more expansive to lure them from their devices. This list includes freshwater creek play for all ages and in truth, most of the locations cater for all age groups. 

We have made every effort to put what facilities you can expect but sometimes things like gate opening times and unexpected closures can occur. Before your visit, it is always worth heading to the relevant local council authority website (council), who will have the most up to date information. We have also included some of the most popular swimming creeks near to Brisbane in case you are after a bit of a road trip. 

Swimming Holes in Brisbane

Bunya Crossing Reserve Swimming Hole

Bunya Crossing Reserve Swimming Hole is nestled behind an acreage community on Brisbane’s Northside and its waters are replenished via the rains that come from Mount Glorious. This popular swimming hole offers an inland beach-type set up with plenty of trees for a picnic.

Big enough for inflatables, and if there has been enough rain, you can even enjoy an adventure up the creek with a kayak. Dogs are welcome (on lead) and there are toilets. The biggest issue you will have is parking, so get there early if you want to make a day of it. 

Fact Sheet

• Toilets
• Electric BBQ’s
• Onsite parking (limited amount)
• Shade
• Dogs on lead welcome
• Walking tracks
• Gates opened on sunrise, closed at sunset

Bunya Riverside Location: Dugandan Road in Bunya

Cedar Creek Rock Pools, Cedar Creek

Whilst the name suggests a singular rockpool, the entire drive up to Cedar Creek offers roadside swimming opportunities. In some areas, it will be limited to wading and knee-deep levels of water and then in other places like Andy Williams Park, you will find deeper pools and facilities like toilets and picnic tables. Be mindful that while the river is open to the public, the Cedar Creek Falls and the main pool is adjacent to private land and quite a walk from the road. You won’t find any facilities at the actual “Cedar Creek Rockpools”. 

If you have younger kids then Andy Williams Park is a better option given the facilities and that the creek is only metres from the carpark. (Just to be clear, Andy Williams Park is on the left, on the way to the main Cedar Creek Falls. Cedar Creek Falls is located at the end of Cedar Creek Road and is a somewhat challenging walk from where you will leave your car (although there are swimming spots along the walk to the falls). As mentioned there are no facilities at Cedar Creek Falls. 

Fact Sheet

• There are no facilities at the main Cedar Creek Falls
• Andy Williams Park features toilets and electric BBQ’s
• Limited onsite parking at all locations (very limited at the falls end)

Cedar Creek Location: Cedar Creek Road, Cedar Creek

Enoggera Creek (Reservoir)

Located in the bushy surrounds of D’Aguilar National Park, Enoggera Creek is a nice open swimming hole for Brisbane families. It is deep enough and large enough to kayak and you can hire equipment there to make the most of the experience. Located next to the Walkabout Creek Environment Centre, the recreation area also features a mountain bike course and bushwalking opportunities. 

Fact sheet

• Toilets and cafe only available up at the Environment Centre
• Onsite parking
• Walkabout Creek Adventures offer Segway, kayak, stand up paddleboards and mountain bikes for hire 
• Open from 6am-6pm daily

Location: 60 Mount Nebo Road, The Gap

Swimming Holes near Brisbane

Currumbin Creek

The Currumbin Rock Pools, just 12km up the valley from Currumbin Beach, on the Gold Coast is the perfect place to escape the heat when even the beach is too hot. Whether you are seeking deep pools or shallow play areas, you will find it at Currumbin Creek. There are toilets, picnic areas and a cafe across the road. Again parking will be your biggest challenge as this is a popular Gold Coast family destination. 

Fact Sheet

• Toilets
• Picnic areas
• Onsite Parking

Location:  Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin, Gold Coast

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. Before falling 90m into the rainforest valley below, Skene Creek gathers in a rock pool with its own 4m waterfall, providing a tranquil spot to cool off and relax. This is wild creek swimming and we recommend Kondillila Falls for older kids – tweens and teens.

Location: Kondalilla Falls Road, Maleny

Fact Sheet

• Toilets
• picnic tables and electric BBQ’s
• Onsite parking
• (bring insect repellent)
• BYO drinking water
• No pets as this is a National Park
• Open daylight hours only

Cedar Creek, Mount Tamborine

Cedar Creek, Mount Tamborine is as popular as it is beautiful. There is limited parking so arrive early and pack a picnic 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. Once you arrive you will immediately understand why this rainforest treasure is so popular. Stunning rock formations, a variety of pools and waterfalls, it is quite an incredible sight to see! You should read our full review of Cedar Creek Mount Tamborine before you go.

Fact sheet 

• Toilets in the picnic grounds as the beginning of the walk
• Picnic spots and lots of shade
• Limited street parking
• Open Between 1 October and 31 March—6am to 8pm.
  Between 1 April and 30 September—6am to 6pm.

Location Cedar Creek Falls Rock Pools are located in Tamborine National Park, off Cedar Creek Falls Road in Cedar Creek.