Seven Incredible Waterfalls Near Brisbane

  • All Ages

The song says don't go chasing waterfalls but we say DO go chasing waterfalls, especially if you live in a state as stunning as Queensland and there are loads of exquisite waterfalls near Brisbane to tickle (or trickle?) your fancy!

There's something to be said about exploring nature's waterways - aside from being a glorious day out in nature that's basically chicken soup for the soul, flowing waterfalls have a magical nature about them that's made even more majestic by that soothing sound of running water. You won't want to forget the camera for this adventure!

Seven Incredible Waterfalls Near Brisbane

1. Kondalilla Falls

Waterfalls near Brisbane
Kondalilla Falls in full swing after rainfall. 


Waterfalls don't get more magical than at Kondalilla Falls.

If you don't mind travelling a couple of hours outside of Brisbane to Kondalilla National Park, you'll be rewarded with a day spent in a spectacular national park, sightseeing and maybe even some swimming in the Kondalilla Falls rock pool. The Picnic Creek Circuit is another highlight of visiting the national park and takes you through the lush rainforest, exciting rock formations, and stunning views of the falls from the rock pool above the falls. You can choose to carry on to the Kondalilla Falls Circuit but please note that there are 300 stairs in the circuit so it's quite a walk!

Kondalilla Falls car park can be accessed on Kondalilla Falls Road in Montville. 

Location: Kondalilla Falls Rd, Flaxton

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2. JC Slaughter Falls and Simpsons Falls

Simpsons Falls
Simpsons Falls


For one of the closest waterfalls near Brisbane, JC Slaughter Falls and Simpsons Falls tick all the right boxes for your first-time waterfall adventures.

Both waterfalls are located at Mt-Coot-tha Reserve and offer easily accessible and short tracks for all fitness levels. Access JC Slaughter Falls via the JC Slaughter Falls car park at 38 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive and follow the one-kilometre Aboriginal Art Trail to the falls. The Simpsons Falls track is shorter at roughly 650 metres from the car park at 310 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive. 

Please note that both falls are relatively dry for most of the year but will put on a show after a decent amount of rainfall. 

Location: Mount Coot-Tha

3. Curtis Falls

Curtis Falls
Curtis Falls


Another spectacular waterfall near Brisbane, Curtis Falls is located in Tamborine Mountain and is a short and easy walk if you're visiting with the littlies.

While you can't get up close to Curtis Falls and the surrounding rock pool (this is a restricted access area for the protection of glowworm and platypus populations), the view from the Curtis Falls Lookout Bridge is incredible.

Access to Curtis Falls is via Dapsang Drive car park, Joalah section, and Tamborine National Park and will reward you with towering flooded gums as you wander through the wet eucalyptus rainforest on your way to the falls. 

Location: Tamborine National Park, Cedar Creek

4. Cedar Creek Falls

Rock pool at Cedar Creek Falls
The natural swimming hole at Cedar Creek Falls. Image: supplied.


Also located in Mt Tamborine, Cedar Creek Falls has to be one of the most popular natural swimming holes and waterfalls near Brisbane.

The Cedar Creek Falls rock pools are a swimmer's dream during a stinking-hot Brisbane summer and are well worth the 900-metre walk to get to them. To enjoy your refreshing dip in nature's rock pools, simply follow the track from Cedar Creek car park on Tamborine Mountain Road and don't forget to pack a picnic! 

Location: 76 Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain

5. Serenity Falls

Waterfalls near Brisbane
Serenity Falls. Image credit: Andy Lewis.


How's the serenity? Serenity Falls in Buderim Forest Park is a not-so-well-kept secret waterfall near Brisbane but that doesn't make it any less magical.

This secluded oasis offers an easy walk through sub-tropical bushland and the waterfall is almost always flowing. You can access Serenity Falls from Harry’s Lane off Lindsey Road where you'll traverse 600 metres of the winding boardwalk, followed by 300 metres of rocky terrain - be careful if it's wet from the rain. 

Location: Quorn Cl, Buderim

6. Cougal Cascades

Waterfalls near Brisbane
Cougal Cascades


If you're out and about on a hot day in Currumbin, let Mother Nature cool you off with her refreshing rock pool at Cougal Cascades.

Also known as Waterfall Cougz, Cougal Cascades and the rock pool are tucked away in Currumbin Valley and get very popular during the summer months. The walk to the Cascades is roughly 500 metres from the Currumbin Valley car park and is relatively easy, however, you'll have to climb down a rocky bank to get down to the emerald swimming hole - we don't recommend attempting this with young kids. 

Location: Currumbin Valley

7. Natural Bridge Falls

Waterfalls near Brisbane
Natural Bridge Falls in Springbrook National Park. Image: supplied.


One of the most unique and mesmerising waterfalls, Natural Bridge Falls is located in Springbrook National Park and is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia's World Heritage Area.

When flowing in full swing, Natural Bridge Falls look just like a natural bridge as they plummet through the huge basalt rock hole, which formed because of the falls themselves. The one-kilometre circuit track to Natural Bridge Falls is an easy walk for families and can be accessed via the car park on Nerang-Murwillumbah Road. Please note that swimming in the waters beneath Natural Bridge Falls is not permitted.

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