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. 

This year will be joined by ReSmart (formerly RecycleSmart) at our Byron Bay Brewery for National Recycling Week. We caught up with Eugenie Alonzo from ReSmart ahead of the event to get a better understanding of their work, our current recycling situation, and how to best use their services.

We are delighted to have you join us at the Byron Bay brewery during National Recycling Week.

For those who are new to ReSmart (formerly RecycleSmart), can you briefly describe what ReSmart is, how it started and what your mission is?

It all started with our co-founders, Marco and Giorgio, who couldn’t quite wrap their heads around the idea of burying things that could be reused or recycled. They began collecting clothes on their Vespa from friends and dropping them off at charity shops, and that small idea grew into ReSmart (formerly RecycleSmart).

We’re a Sydney-based scale-up on a mission to make it easy for people, councils, and businesses to keep unwanted items in use and out of landfill. Through our Pickup service, powered by smart technology and full traceability, we help Australians recycle the things that can’t go in their kerbside bins: from clothes to e-waste and beyond (soft plastics, batteries, beer bottles, you name it!) Our vision is simple: a world where nothing is wasted because every unwanted item gets a second life.

Can you describe how scheduling a pickup works and what happens with peoples items from there?

Scheduling a pickup with ReSmart (formerly RecycleSmart) is super easy: it only takes a few clicks. You can book through our app or on our website: just choose your Pickup size (and if you’re not sure, you can snap a photo and our ReSmart AI will suggest the right size for you), pick a date, and ta-da: you’re all set! On Pickup day, one of our friendly local drivers will come by to collect your items. They’ll sort things on the spot, making sure everything is clean, dry, and safe to handle (no hazardous or organic materials, please!). 

After that, your items head to one of our local consolidation points: that’s where everything gets carefully sorted and grouped by material. From there, we work with our network of vetted partners who ensure every item gets a proper second life. For example, soft plastics will be turned into pellets to make new flexible packaging, batteries are dismantled to recover precious metals, and coffee capsules are separated so the grounds become compost while the aluminium gets recycled, again and again, since it’s infinitely 
recyclable

Do you accept items in all conditions or are there any no-no’s people should be aware of before booking a pickup?

We like to keep things simple: we’ll take almost (almost!) anything as long as it’s dry, reasonably clean, and not hazardous or organic. So no liquids, food scraps, or chemicals, please. If it’s something you’d be happy to store indoors for a few days without it smelling or leaking, chances are we can take it!

Where are your services available and do you work with both individuals and businesses

We’re available across Australia in most metropolitan areas, pretty much everywhere except the Northern Territory for now. You can check exactly where we operate on our Pickup map. And yes: we work with everyone! More than 30,000 individuals already use ReSmart (formerly RecycleSmart), and we also partner with businesses and councils around the country to help keep valuable materials out of landfill.

Are there any items you found people are extra confused about how to recycle?

P L A S T I C… hands down! It comes in so many shapes and forms, and the recycling rules can change from one council to the next. So every time you move house (which, let’s be honest, happens a lot in Australia!), you might have to relearn what goes where. Things like flexible plastics vs. soft plastics, lids on or of, and all those odd little bits can get really confusing.

That’s why at ReSmart (formerly RecycleSmart), we decided to take them all and do the sorting for you. Our Pickup service is your easy, reliable fallback when you’re just not sure what to do with something.

If there was one item you could keep out of landfill, what would it be?

If I had to pick one item to keep out of landfill forever, it’d be batteries. They’re deceptively dangerous: when tossed in general waste, they often trigger fires, and this isn’t rare. In Australia, battery-related fires in waste and recycling streams number between 10,000 and 12,000 per year. A battery fire can ignite when a cell is damaged, crushed, or shorted — setting off a chain reaction.

Once batteries end up in landfill, they can leak heavy metals and toxic chemicals into soil and water. On the upside: through recycling, we can recover materials like lithium, copper, aluminium, cobalt (and more), which avoids the environmental impacts of mining those resources anew. So yes, if I had one thing I could magically rescue and recycle forever, it would be batteries.

Is there any part of the waste stream that we have managed to create a more or less sustainable system around?

Yes: there are parts of the waste stream where we’ve built more sustainable systems, and one of the brightest examples is the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS). The beauty of CDS is that it puts value back into bottles and cans, giving people a direct incentive to return them instead of tossing them in the bin. And despite that, there’s still a big gap: around one in three aluminium cans go missing, they never make it back to the system.

But when the CDS works, it works well. In New South Wales alone, over 13 billion containers have been returned since the launch of its scheme, with more than $1.3 billion refunded to people. Also, good news: the majority of aluminium cans collected through these schemes end up being recycled back into new cans — a real “can-to-can” loop. CDS is a brilliant example of a more circular, sustainable system in action.

What is the most out of the ordinary item you have ever picked up?

A satellite dish!

What has been your biggest surprise or learning about our relationship with waste so far?

Honestly, the biggest surprise has been how oblivious we are, as a nation, about our own waste. We hear about recycling and sustainability all the time, but when it comes to how we actually deal with our stuff: we’ve still got a long way to go. Australia has a bit of catching up to do, but the good news is there’s a real mindshift happening.

More and more people are realising that there’s no such thing as “throwing away” ,  because there is no “away”. Everything we toss has to end up somewhere. We just can’t keep burying our heads in the sand like ostriches, it’s time we face it, take responsibility, and find smarter ways to deal with what we no longer need.

Looking ahead, what do you hope the Australian waste situation will look like in 5 years time and what role does ReSmart (formerly RecycleSmart) play in that future?

In five years, I really hope we’ll see stronger producer responsibility in Australia, where manufacturers, brands, and anyone putting products on the market are also responsible for what happens to those products at the end of their life. It’s already happening across Europe, and I think it’s the only real way to build and sustain the circular economy we need.

When that happens, more brands will be working directly with ReSmart (formerly RecycleSmart) to help cover or offset the cost of pickups for their customers, making our service even more accessible to everyone.

We also see a future where reporting and transparency become non-negotiable, where businesses not only aim to reduce what goes to landfill, but can actually prove it. That’s where ReSmart's traceable system and live reporting will really shine, helping organisations measure their impact and show they’re part of the solution.

Any final words, thoughts or advice before we see you in a couple of weeks at the brewery?

Recycling, or dealing with our waste, doesn’t have to be boring, dirty, or overwhelming. It can actually be fun, simple, and really rewarding, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to show at ReSmart (formerly RecycleSmart).

We’re here to make it easy for people to do the right thing, one pickup, one item, one small action at a time, because those little changes really do add up. And when you see the difference it makes, it feels good! We honestly can’t wait to meet everyone at the brewery, have a chat, and share a few recycling stories (and maybe a beer or two) during National Recycling Week. See you soon!

Thank you

There’s something about lacing up your boots, hitting a winding track, and breathing in that crisp bush air that makes you feel alive. And here in Queensland, we’re spoilt for choice. Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find hiking trails that locals return to time and again, the kind of Brisbane hikes that leave you sweaty, smiling, and craving a cold one afterwards.

So, if you’re chasing new adventures or simply looking for the best hikes near Brisbane to enjoy with mates, here are a few trails that have earned cult status among locals.

1. Mount Coot-tha Summit Track

Image courtesy of Loose Outdoors

It’s the classic, and for good reason. The Mount Coot-tha Summit Track is the closest thing Brisbane has to an “after work hike”. Just a stone’s throw from the CBD, this 2km return track winds gently uphill to a lookout with sweeping views across the city, the river snaking its way through, and on a clear day, all the way out to Moreton Bay. 

Popular with joggers, families, and weekend wanderers, it’s the kind of hike you can squeeze in without much planning. Go early for birdsong and soft morning light, or hit it at sunset when the sky puts on a show and the city twinkles below. Pair it with a coffee (or ice cream) at the summit café and you’ll see why locals love this Brisbane gem.

2. Lamington National Park – Box Forest Circuit

Image courtesy of Parks QLD

Down in the Gold Coast hinterland, Lamington is hiking royalty. The Box Forest Circuit is a lush 10km loop that winds beneath towering Antarctic beech trees, across creeks, and past more than a dozen waterfalls, each one begging for a photo (and maybe a dip if you’re brave). 

The rainforest feels ancient here, with moss-covered logs and tangled vines that make you slow your pace and take it all in. It’s a longer day hike, but not overly tough, so it’s perfect if you want to spend a few hours immersed in nature. 

Trust us: pack snacks, take your time, and stop at Elabana Falls along the way, it’s a stunner and one of the most photographed spots in the park.

3. Glass House Mountains - Mount Ngungun

Image courtesy of Queensland.com

Ask any local about hikes around Brisbane and Mount Ngungun will almost always come up. Just over an hour north of the city, this short but rewarding 2.8km return trail climbs steadily through open forest before popping you out on bare rock at the summit. 

From here, the view is nothing short of iconic: jagged volcanic plugs of the Glass House Mountains jutting dramatically from the landscape, framed by rolling green fields below. It’s family-friendly, a favourite with sunrise chasers, and perfect for first-timers who want a big reward without needing serious fitness prep. 

If you’ve got visitors in town and want to show off a slice of Queensland magic, this is the hike to take them on.

4. Springbrook National Park – Twin Falls Circuit

Image courtesy of Kokoda Challenge

This one’s pure magic. The Twin Falls Circuit is a 4km loop that packs in everything you’d want from a rainforest walk, towering trees, mossy gullies, cave-like rock formations, and of course, waterfalls you can walk behind. 

There’s something special about feeling the spray on your face as you duck beneath Twin Falls themselves, looking out through the curtain of water at the lush forest beyond. The track is well-signed and suitable for most fitness levels, making it a crowd-pleaser. 

Go after decent rain and the waterfalls roar to life, but even in the drier months, the cool shade of the rainforest makes this one of the best hikes near Brisbane to escape the summer heat.

5. Mount Barney National Park – Mount Barney Summit

Image courtesy of We Are Explorers

For the more adventurous, Mount Barney is the big one. Standing at 1,359m, it’s Queensland’s second-highest peak, and summiting it is a rite of passage for serious bushwalkers.

The trails are rugged and often unmarked, demanding both physical fitness and solid navigation skills, but the payoff is enormous. From the top, you’re treated to a 360-degree view of the Scenic Rim, layers of ranges stretching endlessly towards the horizon. 

The climb can take 8–10 hours return, so it’s best started early and tackled with experienced mates who know their way around a map (and a compass). This isn’t just a hike; it’s an adventure that’ll push your limits and reward you with bragging rights for years to come.

Tips for Making the Most of Brisbane Hikes

Like any good adventure, a little prep goes a long way. If you’re planning a day on the trails, head out early to beat the heat, pack plenty of water, and don’t forget your camera, the views on these hiking trails are the kind you’ll want to remember. Hiking with mates? Share the load with snacks, laughs, and maybe even a post-hike playlist for the drive home.

Hiking Brisbane: Best Enjoyed with Mates and a Cold One

Whether it’s a cruisy stroll up Mount Coot-tha or a full-day mission out to Mount Barney, the beauty of hiking around Brisbane is how accessible it all is. One minute you’re dodging city traffic, the next you’re surrounded by towering gums, rushing creeks, and the kind of silence you can only find in the bush.

And of course, nothing beats capping off a day on the trails with a cold beer and a yarn. Around here, that usually means cracking a Stone & Wood Pacific Ale, light, fresh, and brewed to share with mates as the sun dips low. Because that’s what it’s all about, good company, great outdoors, and making the most of the place we’re lucky enough to call home.