8 of the Best Rock Pools in Brisbane

  • All Ages

Sometimes it's nice to scoop up the family, escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and head off to somewhere secluded. And what better way to do that, than by surrounding yourself with stunning bushland, plenty of wildlife and crystal clear, swimmable rock pools in Brisbane. 

Lucky for us, Brisbane is within close proximity to plenty of beautiful rock pools, which provide the perfect location for privacy, seclusion, and lots of fun.

Whether it's bushwalking, birdwatching, or rock pool bathing, these local spots provide a great escape for adults and kids of all ages.  

8 of the Best Rock Pools in Brisbane

1. Bunya Riverside Reserve

The best rock pools in Brisbane
Bunya Swimming Hole is located just 25 minutes from Brisbane CBD.

Also known as Bunya Crossing, this deep waterhole on the South Pine River is wonderful for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. It’s a popular spot with families (and dogs!), with a nice flat walking and cycling track, and rock pools near the boardwalk where you might spot some fun wildlife, including turtles, ducks and fish.

There is a gas barbecue, toilets and several picnic tables, making this a great place to stop for lunch. Gates close at sunset.

Location: 88 Duganden Road, Bunay
Follow the signs from Bunya Road, along Dugandan Road, down to the carpark next to Bunya Riverside waterhole.

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2. Currumbin Rock Pools

Currumbin Rock Pools
Currumbin Rock Pools are suitable for all ages, with shallow sections perfect for the little ones.

Currumbin Rock Pools is delightful secret swimming hole just 15 minutes’ drive from Currumbin Beach that not many non-locals know about!

There are plenty of shallow spots for toddlers to splash around, but also ropes for bigger kids (and adults) to swing off. There is a barbecue and some beautiful grassy spots for a picnic, plus there are toilets too, so the kids will be well looked after. 

Location: Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley

3. Cedar Creek Rock Pools

Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek is a treasure trove of rock pools, waterfalls and stunning picnic spots.

This is such a great spot for little kids, with plenty of spots to choose from where you can paddle around in the water or stop for a picnic.

Andy Williams Park has picnic tables and free barbecues overlooking the creek, as well as toilets. There are plenty of miniature waterfalls, and if you’re lucky you might just spot a platypus or an eel.

Location: Andy Williams Park, Cedar Creek Road, Samford Valley

4. Rocky Hole

The best rock pools in Brisbane
Rocky Hole is a stunning swimming hole etched into the natural contours of Mount Mee.

Rocky Hole is a series of stunning rock pools at Mt Mee in the D’Aguilar National Park – perfect for a swim! 

Entry is via an unsealed road which should be fine in a regular car as long as it hasn’t been raining. The pools are mostly shallow, and for a bit of extra privacy, you can follow the stairs and path a bit further along, where you'll find it gets a bit quieter, so well worth a bit of extra walking.

Location: Neurum Creek Road, Mt Mee

5. Kondalilla Falls

The best rock pools in Brisbane
Enjoy the scenic walk to the Kondalilla Falls.

Kondalilla is a local Aboriginal word meaning "rushing waters". The area is home to myriad wildlife including wallabies, platypus, goannas, bush turkeys, frogs and loads of bird species, so keep your eyes peeled! 

Choose from a variety of walks, but even the shortest choice, Picnic Creek Circuit (1.7km), will take you to some rockpools at the top of the falls. Be warned, the longer Kondalilla Falls Circuit (4.7km) will also take you to some stunning rockpools but there are A LOT of stairs.

Location: Kondalilla Falls Road, between Montville and Mapleton

6. Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls
Cedar Creek Falls is one of Mt Tamborine's most popular destinations.

The rock pools at Cedar Creek Falls are one of the area's most popular tourist attractions and one of the best rock pools in Brisbane.

Here you’ll find an open canyon, waterfall and rock pools to explore and swim in. Follow a bitumen track (suitable for prams) from the carpark to lookout over the gorge, and then follow it down through eucalypt forest to three rock pools. The water is generally pretty chilly, so enter if you dare!

Location: Cedar Creek Falls Road (off Tamborine Mountain Road), Mt Tamborine

7. Youngs Crossing

Youngs Crossing
Youngs Crossing Park is situated off Youngs Crossing Road on a grassy bank of the North Pine River.

A favourite destination for North Brisbane families, Youngs Crossing, adjacent to Old Petrie Town, is one of the best rock pools in Brisbane.

With a gradual entry leading to an expansive swimming hole, it caters to both little and big adventurers. Young's Crossing has a grassy bank ideal for picnics, nearby facilities include a toilet block and convenient parking. Stay a while and you'll be sure to see anglers dropping a line and kayakers embarking on a picturesque paddle.

Location: Youngs Crossing Road, Petrie

8. Stony Creek Swimming Hole

The best rock pools in Brisbane
Stony Creek is a beautiful natural swimming hole in Bellthorpe National Park.

Stony Creek is a boulder-hopping paradise located just 20 meters south of the car park.

Nestled within native bushlands, the creek is conveniently reachable from the Stony Creek Day-Use Area and features small waterfalls and rock pools. Pack a picnic and enjoy this natural paradise!

Location: Stony Creek Day-Use Area on Fletcher Road, Bellthorpe

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