Secret Swimming Holes & Rock Pools near Brisbane

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly swimming hole close to Brisbane or a weekend adventure camping by a cascading waterfall, Brisbane has you sorted with its great range of places to take a dip.

Only 15 minutes from one of the most popular Brisbane beaches, Currumbin Beach, Currumbin Rock Pools is the region’s worst kept secret. A popular weekend spot for families and friends looking to escape the summer heat with a refreshing dip, Currumbin Rock Pools offer plenty of space for you to roll out your beach towel.

This delightful natural swimming hole offers shallow spots where kids can safely splash around, as well as rope swings for the older ones to enjoy. Lined by a grassy ledge which boasts BBQs, toilets and excellent shady picnic spots, there is nothing to not like about Currumbin Rock Pools.

The main freshwater swimming hole is the most popular and can sometimes draw in the party crowds on the weekends – so be sure to get in early to secure your spot. Once you have enjoyed splashing and swimming in the natural pools, and bathing, the grassy knolls be sure to head up to Cougal Cascades to a great waterfall view. 

The Gorge at Lake Moogerah is your secluded oasis outside of Brisbane. This quiet and shady swimming hole has plenty of large rocks for you to sunbathe on and is lined by shady overhanging trees to keep you cool while the Brisbane sunshine is out.

It’s worth noting that water tends to get deeper the further upstream you go. Safe and inviting, this local swimming hole is also a popular camping spot for city dwellers looking to escape to the great outdoors.

While this swimming hole may be a little further from Brisbane than the others, there is no way we could leave it off this list. An hour and a half drive from Brisbane along with a seven-kilometre walk from Lower Portals carpark, you're sure to earn your cool dip.

Not a hike for the faint of heart, the walk from the carpark to swimming hole can be quite challenging, so remember to bring along plenty of water. Luckily, you can also camp near to the swimming-hole (permit required in advance) so you can make awhole weekend of your out-of-city adventure.

Once at this Brisbane swimming hole, you will be rewarded with crystal clear, cool waters with plenty of space to splash around, all framed by large granite boulders which make excellent sunbathing spots.

Located on the Sunshine Coast just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane lies Gardner Falls – one of the most popular swimming holes in Brisbane and surrounds.

While there are a lot of rock pools in this area, the main swimming spots around Gardner Falls are by far the best. Little ones can enjoy the shallower pools while parents can sit on the rocky edges.

The ultimate swimming spot on a hot Queensland day, Gardner Falls offers a soothing soundtrack of running water all day long, sure to transport you to place far away. Those seeking an adrenaline thrill can make use of the two rope swings into the pools, sure to bring out your inner Tarzan. 

Rumour is that there are some resident eels that like the dwell in the shallow pools and nibble at your feet! So be sure to bring some reef shoes or sandals along.

Wynnum Wading Pool is a man-made tidal pool set along the foreshore of Moreton Bay. This large seawater pool fills with ocean water at high tide (with the flood gates shutting at low tide) creating the ideal paddling pool for families not wanting to venture into the open water. 

Wynnum Wading Pool features a manmade sand beach to lie out your beach towel and a tier of steps leading down into the pool, which also doubles as a concrete sea wall, creating a barrier from the open water. The base of the pool is made up of compacted clay and covered in fresh sand which is replaced fortnightly, creating a beach-like paddling pool.

While in the areas, make use of the local BBQs, picnic tables, showers and change rooms alongside the nearby waterpark and playground – ideal for a family day out during the school holidays.

Only a 25-minute drive from Ipswich and a 30-minute drive from Brisbane CBD, Orion Lagoon is perfect for an afternoon dip or weekend paddle. Orion Lagoon is located inside Robelle Domain which offers parklands, playgrounds, walking tracks and sports fields.

Featuring a vast expanse of pools, Orion Lagoon has areas tailored to both kids and adults. While adults enjoy the 50-meter lap pool and deeper areas of the pool, kids can splash around in the wading pool, and enjoy the steppingstones, water squirts and beach-entry. 

Permanent shade cloths, BBQs, picnic areas, toilets, change rooms and even lockers feature at Orion Lagoon – plus there is a café to enjoy a morning coffee or lunch for the whole family.

This man-made lagoon offers free access to the general public without any bookings. A favourite for families looking to escape the Brisbane heat, this tropical lagoon is located in front of Redcliffe Parade. 

Surrounded by shady trees, Settlement Cove Lagoon is perfect for both a swim and a picnic.

This ideal Brisbane swimming spot has public toilets and changing rooms as well as BBQ areas, picnic tables and a kiosk stocked with ice-creams. Kids will love playing in the splash-pad area under the mushroom fountains and in the playground.