Plunge Into Brisbane's Best Swimming Spots

When the mercury rises, find instant cool at the most glorious Brisbane swimming spots.

Boasting blue skies all year round, it’s rarely the wrong time to take a dip in Brisbane. But once you’ve ticked off the city’s best beaches, it’s time to discover the ultimate Brisbane swimming spots. From Olympic-style lap pools and heritage baths to secret swimming holes and luxe hotel pools, here are the most enticing bodies of water to help you take the plunge.

1. Spring Hill Baths

Dip your toe into a bygone era at Spring Hill Baths – the oldest of their kind in the southern hemisphere. This Heritage-listed facility built in 1886 exudes old-world charm from its classic Victorian-era change rooms and grandstand seating. The 25-metre indoor pool offers everything from lap swimming to swimming lessons and aqua aerobics classes.

Address: 14 Torrington Street, Spring Hill

2. Streets Beach

One of our favourite ways to cool down when temps soar, Streets Beach at South Bank offers easy access reprieve. One of the best things to do in Brisbane, is visit this man-made inner-city spot that provides real sand, leafy shade and water views out over the Brisbane River. There are also cute creeks to explore with the kids as lifeguards patrol every day of the week.

a couple walking down to Streets Beach, South Bank — Cool down at Streets Beach, South Bank. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Address: Stanley Street Plaza, South Brisbane

3. Enoggera Reservoir

The oldest reservoir in this city is the beautiful Enoggera Reservoir which is open for recreational use. Here, the entire family can enjoy a swim in calm waters, relax on BYO inflatables or even chase adventure if you’ve got a SUP board or kayak in tow.

Address: 60 Mt Nebo Road, The Gap

4. Chermside Aquatic Centre

This family-friendly water activity facility has it all. As Brisbane’s largest waterpark, Chermside Aquatic Centre features more than 200 metres of twisty water slides and a wading lagoon pool, as well as an outdoor 25-metre lap pool and indoor heated hydro pool, making it a dream day out with the littlies.

the waterpark at Chermside Aquatic Centre, Brisbane — Chermside Aquatic Centre is Brisbane’s largest waterpark.

Address: 375 Hamilton Road, Chermside

5. The Calile Hotel Pool Deck

You’ll need to be staying at The Calile , one of the world’s most exceptional hotels, to access its showstopping Pool Deck so if you are, dedicate serious time to it. The Miami poolside vibes swing all day long with palm trees, cabanas, and pool service setting an ultra-glamorous scene. Technically a lap pool, dedicated to the travelling fitness conscious, this Brisbane swimming spot is full of action—but we highly advise you experience it while sitting back, doing a whole lot of nothing.

Calile Swimming Pool — Soak up Miami poolside vibes at The Calile Hotel Pool Deck.

Address: 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley

6. Centenary Aquatic Centre

As well as the usual family-friendly aquatic centre facilities, what makes Centenary Aquatic Centre stand out is its multi-tiered diving platform. Operating at three, five, and 10 metres, you’re invited to finesse your tuck and spins between trips to the on-site cafe, the heated pool, the dedicated kids’ pool and the 50-metre lap pool.

Address: 400 Gregory Terrace, Brisbane

7. UQ Sport Aquatic Centre

Along the Brisbane River, the UQ Sport Aquatic Centre boasts three heated pools: a 50-metre Olympic-sized outdoor pool, a 25-metre pool, and a Program Pool used for learn-to-swim lessons and infant swimming. There’s also deck-side bleacher seating and landscaped grassed areas for you to spread a picnic out over.

Address: The University of Queensland, Corner Blair Drive and Union Road, St Lucia

8. Wynnum Wading Pool

Since its opening in 1932, the family-friendly Wynnum Wading Pool has become a much-loved Brisbane swimming spot.

the Wynnum Wading Pool in Brisbane — Wynnum Wading Pool is a great swimming spot for families. (Image: Brisbane City Council)

At high tide, the large 128 x 54-metre pool fills with seawater while mesh covers the pipes to keep the marine life out.

the playground at the Wynnum Wading Pool, Brisbane — The family-friendly Wynnum Wading Pool is love by locals. (Image: Brisbane City Council)

With a waterslide, adjacent playground, and picnic areas, it’s the ideal paddle spot for little ones and arguably safer than the ocean.

Address: The Esplanade, Wynnum

9. Settlement Cove Lagoon

After undergoing a mini facelift in winter 2024, Redcliffe’s best swimming spot is back, better than ever.

an aerial view of Settlement Cove Lagoon — Settlement Cove Lagoon is a paradise overlooking Moreton Bay. (Image: Kara Hamilton)

Settlement Cove Lagoon is a man-made haven for families, surrounded by palm trees and overlooking Moreton Bay, just an hour’s drive from central Brisbane.

kids swimming at Settlement Cove Lagoon — Take your kids to Settlement Cove Lagoon for a soothing dip. (Image: Kara Hamilton)

While the nearby Shorncliffe and Suttons Beaches tend to hog the Brisbane swimming spotlight, this delightful lagoon offers top-notch amenities, lifeguards, a kids’ playground and barbecue areas.

the Settlement Cove Lagoon overlooking Moreton Bay — The lagoon is just an hour’s drive from central Brisbane. (Image: Kara Hamilton)

Address: Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe

10. Cedar Creek

No need to stray too far from the city limits to chase waterfalls. Not to be confused with Cedar Creek on the Gold Coast, this Cedar Creek is just a few clicks northwest of Brisbane and primed for a paddle and a picnic – especially after a decent downpour. Dotted with rock pools of varying depths, it rewards the more sure-footed with trickling falls further upstream, creating one of Brisbane’s best spots to spy waterfalls. To get there, pop Andy Williams Park into Maps.

a couple swimming at Cedar Creek, Samford — Cedar Creek has rock pools of varying depths. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: Andy Williams Park, 744 Cedar Creek Road, Samford

11. Hotel X Rooftop Pool

Grab a sun lounge and a non-negotiable warm weather cocktail while perched beside the rooftop pool at the sleek Hotel X .

the Hotel X Rooftop Pool Brisbane from above — The sleek Hotel X Rooftop Pool offers sweeping city views. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Offering sweeping city views (you can see the Story Bridge from up there), it’s a picture-perfect backdrop to your ultimate hotel pool life. When hunger strikes, grab a feed from Iris Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, conveniently located a few steps away from the central sun-soaking action.

Address: 458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

12. Lake Moogerah

About 1.5 hours’ drive south of Brisbane in the heart of the Scenic Rim within Moogerah Peaks National Park sits Lake Moogerah – a popular base for all sorts of aquatic sports. This hidden gem holds its own secret: a rocky gorge that doubles as a private 200-metre-long swimming hole around 1.5 metres deep. You can get there via hike or boat.

two people sitting on a kayak at Lake Moogerah at sunset — Lake Moogerah enchants at sunset.

Address: Moogerah Peaks National Park, Moogerah

13. Emporium Hotel South Bank

Overlooking the South Bank Parklands and Brisbane River, the 23-metre infinity-edge rooftop pool at Emporium Hotel will make you feel like you’re a world away.

a woman at the edge of the pool at Emporium Hotel South Bank — Emporium Hotel South Bank overlooks the Brisbane River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Bask in the city’s subtropical climate and soak up the distinctive rooftop atmosphere before turning your attention to the rooftop bar, one of Brisbane’s finest rooftop destinations.

the infinity pool at dusk, Emporium Hotel South Bank — Spend an epic weekend away at Emporium Hotel South Bank. (Image: David Kelly)

Address: 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane

14. The Valley Pool

If there was an award for the best lap pool atmosphere at a Brisbane swimming spot, it’d go to The Valley Pool . The 50-metre outdoor pool with grandstands runs all sorts of aquatic classes and activities. Arguably best of all is its on-site bar and palm tree-dotted views. Serving up local beers and quality wine, plus cocktails, it’s an underrated inner-city sanctuary.

the outdoor lap pool at The Valley Pool — The Valley Pool is renowned for its 50-metre outdoor pool.

Address: 432 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley

15. Soleil Pool Bar at Rydges South Bank Brisbane

You could be forgiven for thinking you were in LA when you arrive at the Soleil Pool Bar at Rydges South Bank .

friends enjoying drinks under a huge red umbrella at Soleil Pool Bar at Rydges South Bank Brisbane — Drink by the pool at Soleil Pool Bar. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Brisbane swimming hot spot is all timber blended with a gold and white palette, and DJs spin their magic to create a thumping pool party vibe. There’s also a giant LED screen embedded into the ceiling and a snack menu filled with refined tapas plates.

Address: 9 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane

16. Bunya Crossing Reserve

An idyllic Brisbane swimming spot just 45 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, Bunya Crossing Reserve is family-friendly and endlessly charming. Dog-friendly, too, and beautifully spacious, the slice of heaven features still waters so expect to see kayaks, SUP boards and canoes bobbing along next to you. It’s located along the soothing South Pine River which passes through the Samford Valley.

a couple sitting next to a dog at Bunya River — Hit pause at this idyllic Brisbane swimming spot. (Image: Visit Moreton Bay Region)

Address: 89 Dugandan Road, Bunya

17. Stony Creek

Tackle the 1.5 hours’ drive north of Brisbane to uncover Stony Creek, a stunning natural rock pool located at the southern end of Bellthorpe National Park . Enveloped in lush bushland to ensure you feel a million miles away from civilisation, the Brisbane swimming spot is flanked by large flat rocks to help you spread out as you soak up the serenity.

Address: Bellthorpe National Park, Bellthorpe

18. Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre

Paying tribute to the queen of the Olympic pool, the Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre is a beloved Brisbane swimming spot located on the city’s northside. Cool off in your choice of the 25-metre outdoor lap pool that’s heated during the winter months or the 25-metre indoor heated lap pool. Dry off sprawled across the centre’s grassy area or take a table in the shade. It’s a hit with families when summer rolls in.

Address: 523 Telegraph Road, Fitzgibbon

19. WET Deck at W Brisbane

Don’t you hate it when the hotel pool shuts as it gets dark? You can avoid that bummer at the WET Deck , a rooftop pool and entertainment area inside W Brisbane .

the swimming pool at WET Deck at W Brisbane — Swim in style at the WET Deck. (Image: W Brisbane)

Open right around the clock every night of the week, the Brisbane swimming spot welcomes non-hotel guests, making it even more appealing. And while the pool itself is covered, the lounges and dining tables that skirt the deck’s crowning glory are al fresco and pure fabulous in signature W Hotel style.

view of Brisbane River and South Bank buildings from the WET Deck at W Brisbane — While away the afternoon at the WET Deck terrace.

Address: 81 North Quay, Brisbane

20. Yeronga Park Swimming Complex

Home to four individual pools, the Yeronga Park Swimming Complex caters to all sorts of swimmers including ankle biters who just want to splash their parents. Choose from a 50-metre heated outdoor lap pool, a 25-metre heated outdoor lap pool, an indoor one that hosts learn-to-swim programs, and a kid-friendly recreational area fitted with fountains to bring out the child in everyone.

a person standing at the outdoor lap pool of Yeronga Park Swimming Complex, Brisbane — Swim a few laps at the 25-metre outdoor pool within the Yeronga Park Swimming Complex.

Address: 55 School Road, Yeronga

21. The Pool Terrace at Hyatt Regency Brisbane

Set on a glorious rooftop terrace lies a killer outdoor pool begging to be partied upon.

Grab a cocktail and float at the infinity end of Hyatt Regency Brisbane ’s swimmable superstar as the hum of the city down below sets an all-day buzzy scene.

an empty chair at The Pool Terrace at Hyatt Regency Brisbane — Soak up the city views at The Pool Terrace at Hyatt Regency Brisbane. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: 33 Burnett Lane, Brisbane

Discover the best things to do in Brisbane.

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

Every beautiful Brisbane swimming spot to cool off at