Best Rock Pools, Rivers and Creeks for Swimming

Local rock pools, rivers and creeks offer opportunities for exploration, discovery and relaxation. They are also free of charge, which is great for larger families or those on a tight budget.

So pack your swimmers, towel and picnic and visit one of the following locations. All venues are within 90 minutes drive from Logan City (south of Brisbane) and require only a short walk from the car park or road.

Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls Road, Mount Tamborine

Located just 700m from the car park, visitors can enjoy a beautiful waterfall, wade in the rock pools or sun bake on the rocky surrounds.

Please note, transitioning from the walking trail to the rock pool area may be difficult with younger children. Assistance is advisable.

Toilet facilities and picnic areas are located near the car park.

Savages Crossing

Banks Creek Road, Fernvale 

At Savages Crossing, families can explore the water’s edge, have a splash in the shallows and sit as the cool water flows by. Adults and more capable children can venture towards the middle of the river and float along with the current.

The most populated section of this venue is around the entrance bridge. This area can easily be accessed by car and the cleared river bank is sufficiently wide to accommodate parked cars, gazebos etc.

A small toilet block is located at the entrance to the reserve.

Currumbin Rock Pools

1206 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley

The Currumbin Rock Pools are great for people of all ages and abilities. The depth varies from very shallow rocky areas (ideal for exploring and splashing) to deeper sections suitable for floating or swimming.

Facilities include toilets with disability access, picnic tables and chairs and barbecues. There’s even a cafe directly across the road!

Cougal Cascades

1815 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley

 This venue is located at the end of Currumbin Creek Road, within the Mt Cougal section of Springbrook National Park.
A bitumen walking path (suitable for prams and wheelchairs) leads through the rainforest, alongside a series of rock pools and small waterfalls. The views can be admired from designated platforms, however, accessing the water requires off-path trekking. Caution is advised, safety signs warn of the dangers associated with climbing and jumping from wet rocks.

The track itself is 1.6kms return, looping around the remains of a 1945 sawmill. From this point, families with younger children can follow a dirt track to reach a shallow and much quieter section of the creek.
Park facilities include a picnic table, toilets and small car park.

Darlington Park

2505 Kerry Road, Darlington

Darlington Park is an amazing spot for family camping or day trips.

Children of all ages can enjoy the river. There are sections with shallow water and lots of river rocks for exploring and deeper areas suitable for wading, splashing and swimming (there is even a tree swing).

The grounds also feature a playground, sporting oval, barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and on-site kiosk.

Cedar Creek Rock Pools

738 Cedar Creek Road, Cedar Creek

Andy Williams Park is a popular swimming spot for families. However, larger swimming holes and waterfalls are also located further along the road.

(photo: www.visitmoretonbayregion.com.au)

Enoggera Reservoir Swimming Area

60 Mount Nebo Rd, The Gap

Located within the D’Aguilar National Park is the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, cafe and the Enoggera Water Reservoir. This roped swimming enclosure is accessed via a short bush walk from the car park.

This section has beach style entry with sandy flooring. Outside of the ropes, watercraft activities can be enjoyed. During the weekends and school holidays, paddle boards and kayaks can be hired from an onsite company.

Toilets and picnic areas are provided.

Edward Allison Park

 647 Eatons Crossing Road, Eatons Hill 

Families can wade in the cool waters of Cedar Creek or explore more shallow sections. To reach this creek, visitors walk down a gravel path from the car park and across a grassy paddock.

There are no facilities at this site.

(photo: www.visitmoretonbayregion.com.au/natural-attractions/edward-allison-park-eatons-hill)

Bunya Crossing Reserve Swimming Hole

Dugandan Road, Albany Creek

The Bunya Swimming Hole is located at the junction of Bergin Creek and South Pine River. Fishing and swimming are permitted.

Younger children can frolic in the shallows and explore the water’s edge. In contrast, adults and more capable children can venture into the deeper sections for swimming or kayaking.

Facilities include barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and bins.

(photo: www.visitmoretonbayregion.com.au)

Gardner’s Falls

50 Obi Lane South, Maleny

Gardner’s Falls is accessed via a short and easy walk from the car park.

Visitors seeking thrills can leap from rope swings or rock ledges of varying heights.
Less adventurous visitors can swim or simply relax in the cool fresh water. Nearby, shallow rock pools provide opportunities for younger children to splash or explore.

Toilet facilities are available.

This location is just outside of the 90 minute driving time frame, but worthy of inclusion for those willing to travel a little further.