📍16 Best Natural Wild Swimming Holes Near Brisbane Within 2 Hours Travel. (2024.)

LOOKING FOR THE BEST SWIMMING HOLES NEAR BRISBANE?

As one of Australia’s breathtaking state capitals and the country’s premier River City, Brisbane is at the forefront for exploration of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. With its warm weather and enviable riverside lifestyle capitalizing on its winding waterway, this spectacular city sees over 7 million people travelling to it domestically and internationally to see what it’s all about.

And while you could easily spend your entire holiday in the inner city, many of its greatest attractions and activities lie outside the CBD, like frolicking around in the water on a hot spring or summer day, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.

From the stunning plunge pools of waterfalls such as Cedar Creek Falls and Gardners Falls, to the beautiful rivers and creeks of Tallebudgera Creek and Colleges Crossing and the lovely lakes of Enoggerah, Wivenhoe and Brown Lake and everything in between, here are the most beautiful natural wild swimming holes near Brisbane.

Caution: Always adhere to the signage and never swim in natural waterholes after its been raining heavily or jump in unless you’re sure of the depth and flow.

1. Walkabout Creek/ Enoggera Reservoir.
(D’Aguilar National Park.)

One of the greatest things about Brisbane is that it in the vicinity of many breathtaking national parks, which makes it an outstanding place to visit for those who love exploring natural habitats and landscapes, with the closest being D’Aguilar National Park, which begins less than 15km west of the CBD.

There are many lovely walks, mountain-bike trails and remote camping opportunities to enjoy along with the numerous lookouts it has scattered along what is one of the most fun and satisfying driving routes in South East Queensland, thanks to the gorgeous, fully-paved winding road goes across its southern expanse.

And at the very eastern side of the national park, right as suburbia suddenly changes into nature, is the family-friendly Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, an information centre about the natural heritage of the area, and sits nearby to Enoggera Reservoir, which was Brisbane’s first water supply lake, but is now a gorgeous outdoor recreation facility. What make’s it such a drawcard is that not only does it have a dedicated section for swimming in the tranquil waters surrounded by trees, but there are also kayaks available to hire for further exploration, making it a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the natural environment without having bring your own equipment or go too far out of the way.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 13km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 23min.

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2. Cedar Creek Falls.
(Mt Tamborine.)

There are few natural wild swimming holes near Brisbane more breathtakingly picturesque than Cedar Creek Falls. Located near Thunderbird Park on the lower slopes of northern Mt Tamborine, it’s only a short walk along a stunning series of cascading waterfalls to reach the plunge pool where visitors can cool off in its refreshing mountain-fed waters.

While it’s not somewhere you can go for a full-bodied swim, it is deep enough to enjoy a half-bodied dip sitting down. However, it is such a gorgeous spot that it won’t even matter because you’ll be appreciating the wonderful scenery from this phenomenal infinity pool far more.

Caution: The rocks can be slippery, especially the ones that are submerged.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 72km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr.

3. Colleges Crossing.

Sitting just on the Ipswich side of the Queensland capital’s border with the heritage city lies one of the runner-up-to-the-capital-city’s must-visit attractions: Colleges Crossing. This stunning parkland on the banks of the mighty Brisbane is one of the all-time favourite places nearby to enjoy Australia’s favourite quintessential pastimes: wild swimming.

Part of what makes it a top day trip destination is that built along the southern banks is a premier outdoor recreation facility that only enhances the natural appeal, creating the perfect place for a family outing.

It’s got huge grassy areas, gentle slopes leading to the water, a boat ramp for launching motorised and non-motorised vessels, numerous picnic tables, BBQs, a cafe, playgrounds, walking trail, providing plenty of opportunity for exploration and play where you can easily spend several hours enjoying this stunning natural setting. What makes it even more exciting is that it’s dog-friendly, so you can take your puppy on a fun play adventure with you and make new memories with them too.

Note: Partial reopening from 29/04/23

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 42km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 40min.

3. Tallebudgera Creek Beach.

One of the most beautiful coastal creeks to wild swim in within a two hour drive from Brisbane is easily Tallebudgera Creek. Renowned for its crystal clear azure waters that you’d expect to see surrounding a distant offshore shore island, this incredible place can be found halfway down the Gold Coast’s long line-up of gorgeous sandy beaches.

But it’s not just the calm waters that make it an all-round favourite destination for swimming, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. It’s also thanks to Burleigh Head National Park, a gorgeous remnant rainforest that frames the creek’s northern banks as it empties into the sea. It not only creates a gorgeous backdrop to the waterway, but the small natural habitat features two walking trails that lead to some of the most breathtaking viewpoints the coastal city has to offer. This includes Tumgum Lookout, which features unforgettable views of this iconic waterway and the expansive coastline south, making walking through it the perfect accompaniment to visiting the creek.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 92km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 16min.

5. Currumbin Creek.

A little further down the coast is the equally splendid Currumbin Creek, which is also sheltered from the ocean creating the perfect conditions to enjoy the same calm water activities. But what makes this place pop is that it features the coastal city’s most striking natural landmark, with another similar one not too far away.

Currumbin Rock and the nearby Elephant Rock are distinguished rugged rock formations that impressively jut out of the sand. And because they are the only two of their kind in the city, they’re a mecca for photographers looking to capture the beach’s most unique landscapes. The latter also has a platform atop it and with the Gold Coast Airport a short distance away and dolphins and whales swimming along the coast at various times of year, it’s also an exceptional place to go plane spotting and be on the lookout for majestic marine animals of the deep.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 98km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 20min.

6. Currumbin Valley Rock Pool.

Inland from the coast, just north of the Queensland/New South Wales border lies one of loveliest naturally-formed wild swimming holes less than two hours drive from Brisbane’s CBD. Situated right beside Currumbin Creek Road, what makes the gorgeous, mountain-fed Currumbin Valley Rock Pool the perfect place to seek out on a hot summer day is that it is a freshwater change-of-pace to the Gold Coast’s sandy and salty beaches and it has some variety.

There’s the main pool, which is deep enough to enjoy a fully submersive dip, and just upstream is a series of gentle cascades to sit and enjoy the peaceful ambience. What’s weird is how much the depth changes the water’s temperature. Despite being exposed to the sun all day, the main pool is significantly cooler than the shallower cascades which is almost akin to being in a hot tub! But that just means it appeals to a broader scope of people, from those looking for something cool and refreshing to those who prefer something warmer.

This place is also en route to the stunning Cougal Cascades and an old heritage sawmill at the southeastern edge of the waterfall heaven that is Springbrook National Park.

Note: The rock pools are one of only two places I’ve ever been where been gnawed on something (eels in both these cases), so while I always recommend wearing water shoes when going wild swimming as you never know what’s hanging around on the bottom, something that goes over the ankles is what I suggest for here, even though the damage was only marginal with only a drop of two of blood lost.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 101km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 23min.

7. Bochow Park.

Along the windy road between Nerang and Mulliminbah, lies the Natural Bridge in the westernmost expanse of Springbrook National Park. It’s one of South East Queensland’s most unique and spectacular geographical formations and a must-visit natural attraction thanks to the way Cave Creek plunges in through the ceiling of a dark cavern before flowing out through its gaping mouth. But while it looks like the most magical place to go wild swimming, the ecosystem, particularly inside the cave is extremely fragile and therefore to protect it and its inhabitants, it’s off limits.

However, somewhere nearby you can frolic in the water is at Bochow Park, just 4.4km north of the iconic landmark. It’s a beautiful spot where you can play in a stunning freshwater mountain-fed waterhole surrounded by mountains. You can also have a peaceful outdoor picnic, BBQ or play with the park’s facilities. It’s so quiet and serene, it’s also a fantastic place to birdwatch with a stunning blue kingfisher, a relative of the famous kookaburras, being the most striking bird I have seen there.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 104km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 30min.

8. Alexandria Bay.
(Noosa National Park.)

With so much urban development happening from the Sunshine Coast down to the border, there’s few beaches between here and there that are as pristine as they were before colonisation. However, one gem that’ll feel timeless is Alexandria Bay in the breathtakingly beautiful Noosa National Park. Getting to this untouched paradise involves a scenic hiking adventure along one of the most unforgettable coastlines in Queensland, making the entire trip all the more worthwhile.

Situated along the Coastal Route, you can access it from either side, but the most scenic route is the way to go as it navigates past the rugged coastal cliffs of the Devil’s Kitchen before reaching the stunning isolated bay. Frolick in the beautiful waters off this breathtaking beach and live out your Pirates Of The Caribbean shipwreck fantasies (But don’t drown. There are no lifeguards here to save you!).

Afterwards, whether you’re making a journey through to the other side, or going back the way you came, I highly recommend at least checking out Hells Gate, the highlight of this magnificent national park and one of the most breathtaking lookouts on the Sunshine Coast, featuring even more dramatic sea cliffs and churning waters.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 150km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 50min.

9. Ewen Maddock Dam.

Heading up from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, Ewen Maddock Dam lies just off the Bruce Highway and although it’s not the most authentically natural place on this list, offers a fantastic swimming experience in the great outdoors none-the-less.

With a special cordoned-off area for the activity, it’s a fantastic location to be able to cool of on a hot summer’s day, plus enjoy several other water and land-based activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing, walking and cycling.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 92km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 19min.

10. Gardeners Falls.

One of the most picturesque and easiest places to access for wild swimming near Brisbane is, undoubtedly, Gardners Falls. Located at the end of a tiny backstreet just down the road from the stunning scenic hilltop town of Maleny, this spectacular waterfall is a hot favourite for cooling off when the temperatures get high and the armpits get sweaty. This is thanks to the shallow cascades upstream and deep plunge pool downstream providing the perfect space for having an outdoor spa day just sitting in the creek with the stream washing over you, or going for a fully immersive dip in the refreshing waters with trees towering all around you.

Plus, the fact that it’s only a short distance to walk to the waterfall. Be warned though, that the car park is small and the roads leading to it aren’t designed with parking in mind, so unless you come early on those days that are expected to be hotter than hell, getting a spot is likely to prove difficult.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 100km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 23min.

11. Kondalilla Rock Pool.
(Kondalilla National Park.)

My favourite natural wild swimming hole within 2 hours drive of Brisbane has to be Kondalilla Rock Pool in Kondalilla National Park. What makes it elite is that it is one of South East Queensland’s most picturesque rainforest walking trails, which is saying something as there are many exceptional trails that fit that bill. However, most of those don’t include a pristine waterhole featuring a small waterfall you can take a dip in surrounded by ancient trees and nearby views overlooking a lush valley, taking this track up to the next tier.

But being able to have a refreshing dip in this stunning freshwater lagoon is only part of the appeal. The first half of the 4.7km circuit has the beautiful Picnic Falls and Obi Obi Lookouts, while the second half goes steeply down into the valley and offers several breathtaking viewpoints of the spectacular 90m high Kondalilla Falls that the rock pool feeds, culminating in a physically rewarding and visually spectacular hike to remember.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 111km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 35min.

12. Lake Wivenhoe – Logans Inlet Day Use Area. 

Lake Wivenhoe is South East Queensland’s largest dam and the primary supplier of Brisbane’s water. It’s also one of the most gorgeous lakes in the region, and with over 10 day-use areas scattered around its perimeter, it’s a firm favourite for boating and kayaking, picnicking, BBQs and much more.

The most popular day-use area is the spacious Logans Inlet on the western shoreline, which is jammed packed with the most facilities to make visiting it a wonderful destination for a day trip, such as a fully concreted boat ramp with numerous parking bays for trailers, many sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables and free gas BBQs, a decent-sized playground and change rooms in the toilet block.

And what it also has that the other places don’t have is a cordoned-off area for swimming, which is perfect for adventurous days out, especially when the temperatures are in the mid-late 30s or you’ve been hiking the trails at the nearby Wivenhoe Hill for a few hours.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 95km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 35min.

13. Twin Bridges.

Downstream from Brisbane’s largest supply lake, lies a beautiful part of the Brisbane River that offers incredible wild swimming opportunities. Located just north of Fernvale, I’m not sure whether the name Twin Bridges refers to the two river overpasses that look nothing alike or the span that connects the northern and southern banks of the waterway but lands on the permanent island in the middle.

Regardless, it’s a gorgeous rustic, easily accessible spot to take a dip in the refreshing waters and give snorkelling a go to see what lurks beneath. What’s also great about it is that you can park close to the water, and the slope is so gentle that it’s virtually flat, making it incredibly easy to transport kayaks and paddleboard and go on a secluded adventure for hours upstream as far as the kayak launch point near the spillway.

Note: The Spillway Lookouts kayak launch point is a much longer and steeper path to and from the car park.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 64km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr.

14 . Lake Somerset – The Spit.

Over on the northern side of Lake Wivenhoe is supply lake for the supply lake as releases from Lake Somerset fill into Brisbane’s main dam. Along with being an additional water source for the Queensland capital and its neighbouring regions, The Spit also a fantastic outdoor recreational area, with there being a special cordoned-off area around the side for swimming, gentle slopes for launching boats, canoes and other vessels, and plenty of sheltered picnic tables and BBQs for a leisurely lunch or dinner experience.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 94km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 40min.

14. Rocky Hole.
(D’Aguilar National Park – Mt Mee Section.)

It’s not just Enoggerah Creek Reservoir where you can go for a dip in D’Aguilar National Park. In the northern Mt Mee section along the 16km forest drive, one of the pitstops is a track to a naturally-formed pond called the Rocky Hole. It’s a lovely, small mountain-fed creek you can splash around in a enjoy the peaceful ambience of this stunning location.

Note: The forest road used to be passable in a conventional 2WD vehicle, but when my Dad and I last went a few years ago, the ruts and erosion closer to the trailhead were too rugged for us to comfortably navigate them in such a vehicle, so we ended up turning back.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 78km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 40min.

15. Lady Elliot Island.

Way offshore off the coast of Bundaberg is the southernmost island on the Great Barrier Reef. Wait! What? This is supposed to be a list of the best natural wild swimming holes near Brisbane. What’s Lady Elliot Island doing here? Well, it’s one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets, as this acclaimed island destination is one of the greatest places accessible from the Queensland capital.

You can take a private plane with Lady Elliot Island Eco-Resort and go swimming, snorkelling and diving with majestic creatures of the deep. There is a shallow reef known as the lagoon that surrounds the island, but slightly further out, it drops off into deeper water, and that is where the good stuff lies. 

Venture out on your own or join one of the guided activities such as a glass-bottom boat excursion/snorkelling adventure and discover a myriad of colourful fish, graceful sea turtles, and perhaps even a friendly reef shark!

This is the perfect thing to do if you’ve always wanted to spend time exploring the world’s greatest marine ecosystems and see some of the incredible animals that call it home but aren’t able to head further north where all the other tours depart. And whether you choose a day trip or stay overnight at the island’s accommodation digs, you will leave with incredible wild swimming memories which will last a lifetime!

Note: As a traveller, you can only get to the island with a tour or if you stay overnight. But if you have your own boat, you can make your own way there.

From waterfall plunge pools in national parks to picturesque rivers, creeks and streams, and secluded beaches, plus everything in between Brisbane has plenty of fantastic natural wild swimming holes where you can enjoy Australia’s favourite outdoor past time when the temperatures get hotter than the sun.

If you plan to visit Brisbane, consider looking at these other posts.