Top 3 Freshwater Rock Pools Near Brisbane

Are you looking for a weekend adventure that will get the kids out in nature?

South East Queensland has a great range of rock pools scattered around the region that offer the perfect day trip adventure with some amazing scenery.

We've put together a short list of our three favourite freshwater rock pools to swim and explore all within a few hours of Brisbane CBD.

CEDAR CREEK SWIMMING HOLES NEAR SAMFORD

​Less than an hour northwest of the CBD and about twenty minutes past Samford Village, the Cedar Creek Swimming Holes are a popular destination for families. 

  The drive there will take you through Samford Village and the scenic hills at the edge of the D'Aguilar National Park. Click here for directions.

Before you reach the swimming holes, you'll pass Andy Williams Park which is the perfect spot to stop for a picnic lunch by the waterfalls. The swimming holes are a wonderful spot to cool off on a hot day. The streams and wildlife offer tranquility that's sure to make you feel like your hours away from the hustle and bustle.

The creek is best for swimming after some light rain has flushed it with fresh water.

CURRUMBIN ROCK POOLS, CURRUMBIN VALLEY

About one hour and fifteen minutes from Brisbane and around twenty minutes from Currumbin Beach is this hidden gem tucked away in the lush Currumbin Valley​. Click here for directions.

The Currumbin Rock Pools are a popular spot for swimming and are just off the main road so there's no hiking required. Bring your picnic items and spread out for a lazy afternoon on the shores, or drop into the Om Cafe & Convenience Store just across the road for a coffee or a yummy treat.  

If you want to experience more of the rainforest, head a further ten minutes down the road to Cougal Cascade. A short fifteen-minute walk from the car park, you'll be greeted with beautiful waterfalls and another cute swimming hole that's sure to be a hit with the kids. Just a heads up, the parking situation at Cougal Cascade can get a bit tight on more popular days.

Note: Unlike the Cedar Creek Swimming Holes, it's best to avoid the Currumbin Rock Pools post-rainfall due to potential contamination from stormwater run-off.

LOWER PORTALS ROCK POOLS, MOUNT BARNEY NATIONAL PARK

If you're looking for a bit more of an adventurous day trip that'll get your muscles moving and your heart pumping, we'd recommend heading out to Mount Barney National Park to visit the Lower Portals Rock Pools of Mount Barney Creek. Not only is it one of the best rock pools near Brisbane, but the semi-challenging 3.5-kilometre hike to get there makes reaching the rock pools that much more rewarding. The hike is a three-hour return trip with a short scramble near the end so prepare for a little more than a leisurely stroll.

Getting there will take you just under two hours so it's best to set aside a full day to make the most of the experience. From Brisbane, head out via Mount Lindesay Highway towards Rathdowney - the turn off the main highway is about a kilometre past the centre of town. If you're after a tasty feed, drop into the Rathlogan Olive Grove & Shed Cafe where Boonah-Rathdowney Road meets Upper Logan Road. 

The last section of your drive into the Lower Portals Car Park (from where you begin your hike) is a gravel road yet still suitable for passenger vehicles - a four-wheel drive isn't required. Click here for directions to the car park.

The pools are flanked by large rock walls that rise high above the water level and offer picturesque framing of the crystal-clear stream. Stretch out on one of the larger boulders or cool off amongst the rocks in the flowing creek. If you're game to make a weekend of it, there's even a camping spot a short distance upstream.

Despite its beauty and thrilling experience, our natural environment is dynamic and ever-changing, therefore - as with all our adventure ideas - we advise common sense, caution and an appropriate level of safety awareness. Rock pools often feature wet or mossy rocks that can be slippery under foot, plus any areas with flowing water can be an issue around periods of significant rainfall. Have fun and stay safe!