Dip into these refreshing Scenic Rim lakes and waterfalls

When the weather heats up and it’s time to cool down head to our fabulous Scenic Rim swimming holes, country creeks and lakes.
Make the Scenic Rim your go-to summer escape and discover our stunning lakes, crystal clear creeks, spectacular waterfalls and refreshing swimming holes.

Seek a cool reprieve in the Scenic Rim. Bring your ski boat, your kayaks, your picnic rug and your holiday reads and soak up the relaxed vibes of summer in the Scenic Rim.

Cool down at these scenic lakes, waterfalls and swimming holes

1. The Gorge

The Gorge is about 2.5km downstream from the Lake Moogerah spillway. It’s a quiet, shady camping spot with a 200m-long swimming hole. It’s accessed via Gorge Rd, about 15-minutes’ drive from Boonah.

2. Flanagan Reserve, Rathdowney

The upper Logan River flows into this 200m long swimming hole just outside Rathdowney. There’s a campground nearby and dogs are allowed.

 

3. Yellow Pinch Mt Barney

Park in the Yellow Pinch car park in the Mt Barney National Park to access this peaceful swimming hole nearby. There’s a rope swing and gentle rapids, which flow into the swimming hole.

4. Lower Portals

These beautiful, deep rock pools and small waterfalls are accessed along a 7.4km return walk in the Mt Barney National Park. Allow three hours, it’s worth the effort.

 

5. Burgess Park

This park, on Christmas Creek, is a great place for swimming. There are toilets, BBQs and picnic tables nearby. It’s about 20km from Beaudesert and an old Moreton Bay fig provides beautiful shelter during summer.

 

6. Darlington Park

This Park, camping ground and caravan park is on the Albert River in the Lost World. It is an ideal spot for a picnic and boasts a number of swimming holes, complete with rope swing and gentle rapids. Enjoy a gentle float downstream on a tube or airbed.

 

7. Sharp Park

A popular camping and caravanning stop on the Canungra River, this is a great swimming hole and picnic area. Upstream you may spy the resident Platypus.

8. Curtis Falls

Curtis Falls are fed by Cedar Creek and run all year. The walking track ends at a viewing platform overlooking a large rock pool with views of the falls and of the basalt rock face.

 

9. Lamington National Park

Both the Green Mountain and Binna Burra sections of the Lamington National Park are a waterfall chaser’s dream come true. Some of southern Queensland’s more spectacular waterfalls can be found here. These include Elabana Falls, Yarrabilgong Falls, Coomera Falls, Morans Falls and so many more.

10. Cameron Falls

Cameron Falls are located on the Sandy Creek Circuit within the Knoll Section of the Tamborine National Park. The walking track follows the creek and the falls can be heard in the distance. A branch track to Cameron Falls Lookout enables you to drink in the natural beauty of the waterfalls.

 

11. Yarramalong Recreation Centre

This is a privately-run recreation centre, situated on a beautiful property accessed via Lake Moogerah Rd, near Aratula. The Reynolds Creek runs through the property and flows year round, making this the perfect spot for a summer cool down. Float with the gentle creek current, or sun yourself on the rock wall. Hire a kayak, or BYO. There’s a fishing hole nearby, will you catch dinner?

12. Lake Moogerah

Now here’s a fun summer destination. Lake Moogerah is a hive of activity during the warmer months, when the boating and camping fraternity descend. It’s action stations on this busy lake, located between Boonah and Aratula. If you love jetskiing, waterskiing and fishing then this is the place for you. You’ll want to stay longer than a day so check out the great self-contained houses, cottages and camping facilties nearby.

 

13. Bigriggen Park

Oh boy, where do we begin? Bigriggen has something for everyone – including some gorgeous, clear water to cool down. This campground and park is situated between Boonah and Rathdowney in the foothills of Mt Maroon. The park offers visitors so many choices,  from camping facilities to cabins,  bunkhouses and a fabulous bike track the kids will LOVE. Fish the Logan River and take your rubber tube so you can float in the cool waters of the Burnett Creek.

14. Lake Maroon

A stunning lake in the Scenic Rim’s south, this is a relaxing spot for fishing, kayaking, and watersports. BYO watercraft, or hire from the on-site operators. The water here is deep and clean and there’s generally less traffic here than at Moogerah. But the wind does pick up, which makes it great for windsurfing. Set-up your marquee lakeside and make a day of it. The lake is said to offer some of Queensland’s best bass fishing.

15. Lake Wyaralong

Wyaralong is the Scenic Rim’s newest lake and it’s closed to powered craft, which means it’s also the region’s most peaceful lake. Lake Wyaralong is home to an Olympic-standard rowing course and is well-suited to explorations via kayak and canoe.  Pack your tent and take advantage of the two campgrounds located within the catchment.