There’s something about summer in Queensland that just begs you to pack the esky, chuck a towel in the car, and escape the city heat. Brisbane might be all about bustling laneways, riverside walks, and rooftop bars, but not far beyond the skyline you’ll find some of the most refreshing swimming holes near me and some of the most scenic Brisbane swimming spots in Australia. Crystal-clear creeks, lush forest backdrops, and that blissful feeling of plunging into cool freshwater, it’s about as good as life gets.
At Stone & Wood, we’re all about celebrating community, good times, and those laidback moments that make living in Australia so special. And while we brew beer right across the country, the Northern Rivers has taught us a thing or two about slowing down and soaking it all in. So, if you’re keen to swap traffic noise for cicadas and skyscrapers for gum trees, here are our picks for the best swimming holes Brisbane has to offer.
Cedar Creek, Samford
Image courtesy of Samford Valley News
Just an hour out of the city, Cedar Creek feels like stepping into another world. As you wind your way through Samford Valley, the scenery changes from suburban streets to rolling hills and bushland. Once you reach the creek, you’ll find a series of little rock pools linked together by trickling cascades. The water here is cool and crystal clear, tumbling over smooth boulders into pools perfect for a dip or a lazy float.
There are plenty of flat rocks where you can spread out a picnic rug, and shady trees that give it a real hideaway feel. On summer weekends it can be lively with families and groups of mates, but midweek it’s often quiet enough to feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret.
Kondalilla Falls, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Image courtesy of Queensland.com
A little further afield, but absolutely worth the drive, Kondalilla Falls in Montville is the kind of spot you remember long after the day’s done. The name ‘Kondalilla’ means ‘rushing waters’ in the local Aboriginal language, and it couldn’t be more fitting. The walk in takes you through lush subtropical rainforest, filled with birdsong and the smell of eucalyptus, before you’re rewarded with a swimming hole that looks like something out of a postcard.
This is one of the most iconic waterfalls Brisbane adventurers love to chase. The rock pool at the top of the falls is perfect for cooling off, with sweeping views out over the Blackall Range. If you’re feeling adventurous, the longer circuit takes you down to the base of the 90-metre waterfall, where mist rises off the rocks and the air feels a good five degrees cooler. Floating on your back, gazing up at the green canopy above, it’s one of those pure summer moments you can’t help but savour.
Enoggera Reservoir, The Gap
Image courtesy of Must Do Brisbane
Perfect for families or anyone after an easy-access swim, Enoggera Reservoir is just 30 minutes from the city but feels like a world away. This huge expanse of calm water is framed by bushland, and it’s one of those places where you can set up camp for the day.
There’s a grassy foreshore that makes it easy to lay out a blanket and unpack the esky, and the water itself is ideal for everything from a lazy swim to paddleboarding and kayaking. The dam wall makes a dramatic backdrop, and the loop walking track around the reservoir gives you a chance to stretch the legs before a well-earned dip.
Gardners Falls, Maleny
Image courtesy of Visit Sunshine Coast
If you’re after a mix of relaxation and a little bit of adventure, Gardners Falls in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland delivers. From the car park, it’s just a short stroll along the Obi Obi Creek before you come across a string of rock pools.
The main attraction, though, is the larger pool at the end, where you’ll often find a rope swing tied to a tree and the braver souls launching themselves into the water. It’s all good fun and adds a playful energy to the place. The surrounding rocks are perfect for sunbaking, and the sound of rushing water makes it all the more peaceful.
Once you’ve had your fill of Brisbane swimming fun, head into Maleny village for an ice cream, coffee, or even a cheeky pint, it’s the kind of day trip that ticks all the boxes.
Curtis Falls, Tamborine Mountain
Image courtesy of Tripadvisor
Tucked away in the cool, green rainforest of Tamborine Mountain, Curtis Falls is a gem for anyone chasing that classic waterfall hike near Brisbane. The short walk in is shaded by towering eucalypts and giant strangler figs, and if you’re lucky you might spot some glow-worms clinging to the damp rock walls along the way.
The falls themselves tumble into a beautiful rock pool, surrounded by mossy boulders and rainforest ferns. The water here is fresh and brisk, exactly what you need after a warm day exploring the mountain. It’s a popular spot with locals and day-trippers alike, but still manages to feel peaceful and restorative. Pair it with a wander through Tamborine’s markets, wineries, or brewery scene and you’ve got yourself a perfect weekend escape.
Tips for Making the Most of Brisbane Swimming Holes
Like any great day out, a little planning makes all the difference. Pack a picnic, a big water bottle, and a good dose of sunscreen, you’ll be out in the Queensland sun after all.
And don’t forget the esky. Load it up with snacks, fresh fruit, and a few Stone & Wood favourites, Pacific Ale for those easy-drinking summer vibes, Easy Pale Ale for something refreshing and light-bodied, or Citrus Radler if you’re after a little extra flavour. Nothing beats the first sip after a swim when you’re sprawled out on the riverbank with your mates.
Swimming Holes: Best Enjoyed with Mates and a Cold One
That’s the beauty of Brissy’s backyard, one moment you’re weaving through city traffic, and the next you’re floating in cool freshwater with the sound of cicadas buzzing overhead. These spots aren’t just about cooling down; they’re about slowing down, kicking back, and enjoying the simple pleasures that come with being outdoors together.
And when the day’s done, there’s no better way to toast the adventure than with a Stone & Wood Pacific Ale, light, zesty, and brewed to share.
