The best waterfalls near Brisbane

If you want to hit up some waterfalls without leaving the city, check out the Mt Coot-tha Reserve. The reserve is home to two spectacular waterfalls and is just a 15-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD. The uphill hike to the falls follows Ithaca Creek and along the way, you’ll see plenty of native flora and fauna. If you’ve worked up a sweat you can have a dip when you reach the falls, but that will depend on how much rain Brisbane has had - the falls are more impressive after a big storm. If you’ve worked up an appetite you can make use of the nearby barbeque and picnic facilities, or head up to the cafe at the lookout which boasts some of the best sunset views over Brisbane.

Nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Kondalilla Falls is one of Montville’s hidden gems. Just an hour north of Brisbane, a day trip to Kondalilla National Park is an excellent way to escape the heat of the city. Kondalilla means ‘rushing waters’ in the local Aboriginal language, and the falls more than deliver on this promise, especially after big rains. The main waterfall boasts a drop of over 90 metres into a lush rainforest valley, and there is also a smaller four-metre waterfall with a deep pool for swimming in. With plenty of picnic tables nearby, make sure you take refreshments as the 45-minute circuit walk has over 300 stairs and can be tiring, especially for little legs. 

Mount Tamborine has something for everyone - accessible waterfalls, picturesque views, great walking tracks, and plenty of activities for the whole family. Only a one-hour drive from Brisbane’s CBD, Cedar Creek is extremely popular, so make sure you go early to find a park. The lookout near the car park offers stunning views of the falls and the gorge below and is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Head down the track for 900 metres and you’ll find the only swimming holes in the area. Curtis Falls can be reached via a moderate one-kilometre walk through lush rainforest. The falls are stunning, and you can get pretty close via the viewing platform at the end of the walk. Swimming is not allowed at Curtis Falls, but if you’re lucky you might spot a platypus or even some glow worms.  

Springbrook National Park is home to a host of natural wonders, including Natural Bridge, Twin Falls, Goomoolahra Falls and Purling Brook Falls. Springbrook is just over 100 kilometres south of Brisbane and many of the waterfall lookouts are only a short distance from the car park, meaning you can easily check out several in one day. For one of the most dramatic waterfalls near Brisbane, we recommend heading to Purling Brook Falls. Take the four-kilometre circuit track down to the bottom of the gorge, stopping along the way to marvel at the stunning views of the falls from both above and below. Swimming at the falls is not recommended, but Warringa Pool is an extra six-kilometre trek if you are keen for a dip.

Cedar Creek is a favourite swimming destination among Brisbanites, especially during the sweltering summer months. The drive to the falls will take you through Samford Village, where you can pick up picnic supplies before driving through the picturesque rolling hills of Cedar Creek Road. At Andy Williams Park you’ll find picnic tables and a large grassy area to spread out on. There are plenty of options for swimming, from easy-access rock pools to more secluded spots the further you walk along the creek. To reach the falls, follow the creek away from the road, but be mindful that it will involve some rock scrambling as there are no roads or walkways to the waterfall. It should take about thirty minutes to reach the falls from the end of the road, and when you get there you’ll feel like you’ve found a hidden paradise.