Brisbane Waterfalls That Will Take Your Breath Away

Cool down amid natural splendour with our pick of the most wonderous waterfalls in Brisbane.

Much like a scavenger hunt, chasing down waterfalls in Brisbane and its surroundings is endlessly rewarding. While the beaches attract their fair share of headlines, it’s the harder-to-find bush-immersed streams that can equally soothe.

From delicate trickles afoot, hidden swimming holes to cascading downpours to utterly hypnotise, waterfalls in and around Brisbane are showstoppers in every shape and form.

1. Cedar Creek

Distance from Brisbane: 50 minutes
Where: Samford
Parking: Yes, there’s a car park, but it’s small
Swimming: Yes

two people swimming in Cedar Creek, Brisbane — The natural rock pool at Cedar Creek is enveloped in leafy trees. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Not to be mistaken for Cedar Creek Falls (more on that one soon), Cedar Creek in Samford, north of Brisbane, is a cluster of baby falls that team up to orchestrate pure magic. Creating a natural rock pool, the itty-bitty gems are enveloped in leafy trees, creating a blanket of lush greenery to help take the sting out of the clingy climate. It runs all the way into Moreton Bay, and you’ll find native critters and incredible plant life in the surrounding bushland.

2. J.C. Slaughter Falls

Distance from Brisbane: 20 minutes
Where: Mount Coot-Tha
Parking: Yes, there’s a car park, but you’ll need to walk a bit to get there
Swimming: Yes

If it’s been soggy for multiple days, grab your wheels and get moving to J.C. Slaughter Falls , the closest waterfall to the centre of Brisbane. Located within Mount Coot-Tha Reserve, the hot spot is a hit with picnic goers, so get there early to secure a prime spot. If there’s been enough rain, you’ll fall in love with this spot’s dramatic rocky backdrops and multiple streams, plus several swimming holes naturally pop up if the weather plays nice.

3. Curtis Falls

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Where: Tamborine National Park
Parking: Yes, there’s a car park on Dapsang Drive
Swimming: No

As glow worms and platypus call this spectacular corner of the world home, you’re unable to swim at Curtis Falls in Tamborine National Park – but don’t let that deter you from taking a peek.

a woman admiring Curtis Falls in Brisbane — Don’t miss the spectacular Curtis Falls in Tamborine National Park. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Wet season will bring the crowds and slightly more of a downpour, but no matter when you visit, this spot gushes with the good stuff. As a bonus, you might spot those tiny residents slipping through the water and chilling in the nearby caves.

4. Simpson Falls

Distance from Brisbane: 20 minutes
Where: Mount Coot-Tha
Parking: Yes, there’s a car park, but you’ll need to walk a bit to get there
Swimming: Yes

Another waterfall in Brisbane within Mount Coot-Tha Reserve, Simpson Falls is best visited between January and March when the rain is on higher rotation and the swimming holes swell. Again, plan to go after a good few days of rain to spy the many gentle cascades. The scene is a little quieter than J.C. Slaughter Falls, making it even more sacred in our book.

5. Cedar Creek Falls

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Where: Tamborine Mountain
Parking: Yes, but it’s tiny so parking is limited
Swimming: Yes

a top view of the Cedar Creek Falls, Brisbane — Trot down 80-odd stairs to reach the glistening rock pool at the bottom. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Another hot spot when the heavens open during the days prior, Cedar Creek Falls is a tranquil space with impressive waterworks.

You’ll need to trot down 80-odd stairs to reach the glistening rock pool at the bottom and catch the falls in all their glory but make the effort because the water is clear and delicious.

If the fall’s flowing, sit down and drench your hair beneath it like you’re filming a shampoo commercial (just us?).

6. Kondalilla Falls

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Where: Kondalilla National Park
Parking: Yes, there’s a car park
Swimming: Yes

the swimming hole at Kondalilla Falls, Brisbane — Kondalilla Falls attracts many Brisbanites for its natural swimming holes. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Nestled within the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Kondalilla Falls attracts many a Brisbanite for its natural swimming holes and frothy waterfalls.

Visit during the wet season (the heat of summer) to spy, especially vibrant sprays, but it really is a masterpiece all year round. Choose a large overhanging rock to perch upon and simply gaze into the hypnotic flow.

7. Gardners Falls

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Where: Maleny
Parking: Yes, there’s a car park just off Obi Obi Creek
Swimming: Yes

two people exploring Gardners Falls — Stroll down a 300-metre path to reach Gardners Falls. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

You’ll need to stroll down a 300-metre path to reach it, but Gardners Falls is worth every (well-paved) effort. The Sunshine Coast gem is immersed in a leafy forest, creating a cooling canopy as you catch the falls doing their otherworldly thing.

If the rain’s been, little free-flowing falls create an ethereal setting, spilling over to enhance the swimmable freshwater even further.

8. Wappa Falls

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Where: Yandina
Parking: Yes, there’s a carpark
Swimming: Yes, but be careful as the rocks are very slippery

friends swimming in Wappa Falls, Brisbane — Wappa Falls is set against the backdrop of twin cascades. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Beloved by locals, Wappa Falls, located right near Wappa Dam, is a picture-perfect collection of natural rock pools set against the backdrop of a twin pair of waterfalls. Given its proximity to the dam, you can expect to see the duo in action any time you visit, a factoid not lost on locals who flock to this under-the-radar hot spot for instant cool.

9. Currumbin Rock Pools

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Where: Currumbin Valley
Parking: There’s plenty of designated street parking off Currumbin Creek Road
Swimming: Yes

people soaking in Currumbin Rock Pools — Currumbin Creek provides year-round good flow to the rock pools. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Technically a jewel in the Gold Coast’s crown, the Currumbin Rock Pools are well worth the day trip from Brisbane. Even if it hasn’t rained tremendously, the pools’ linkage to the Currumbin Creek provides year-round good flow.

You’ll spy a shallow waterfall in the middle of the pools, and while it is quite small, its low-hanging stream means you can sit right under it to create your own natural jacuzzi-style jets. A ton of fun that never grows old.

10. Natural Bridge

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Where: Springbrook National Park
Parking: Yes, there’s a nearby car park
Swimming: No

visitors admiring the waterfall at the Natural Bridge in the Springbrook National Park, Brisbane — The Natural Bridge in the Springbrook National Park is best viewed from within the cave. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Again, a piece of the Gold Coast Hinterland to make a day out of. The Natural Bridge in the Springbrook National Park is simply spectacular, so get your camera fully charged. Plan to stay through sunset and you’ll spot glow worms making their mark right next to the cascading shower, best viewed from within the cave where the waterfall breaks the surface. Magnificent.

11. Purling Brook Falls

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Where: Springbrook National Park
Parking: Yes, there are multiple car parks to choose from
Swimming: No

the Purling Brook Falls in Brisbane — Purling Brook Falls is potentially Brisbane’s finest. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Another Springbrook National Park must-visit spot, Purling Brook Falls, is the type of waterfall you’ll struggle to fit into your camera frame (arguably the best type of waterfall in Brisbane, really).

Fair warning: You’ll need to trek about four kilometres to reach it, but the spectacle is dramatic, colossal and potentially the state’s finest.

12. Morans Falls

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Where: Lamington National Park
Parking: Yes, there is a car park
Swimming: No

the Morans Falls in Lamington National Park — Morans Falls drops water 80 metres off a sharp cliff face. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Shooting water 80 metres off a sharp cliff face, Morans Falls is visible from the top of the drop, so you won’t catch a panoramic cascade snap, we’re afraid. You will, however, score incredible views out over the edge.

Located within the Green Mountains section of stunning Lamington National Park, you’ll need to bushwalk about 4.4 kilometres to get there and back.

13. Cougal Cascades

Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Where: Currumbin Valley
Parking: Yes, there is a car park, but it’s tiny
Swimming: Yes

Drop the car and tackle the short walk up past a string of natural rock pools to hit Cougal Cascades’ downpour. The excellent day trip is easy to access if you just plan on gazing adoringly at it, but if swims are on the agenda, you’ll need to climb down rocky terrain to get in. Our advice? Head back down the road to the Currumbin Rock Pools once you’re done locking eyes with this beauty.

Now read our guide to Brisbane’s best swimming spots.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

13 of the best waterfalls in and around Brisbane