The very best waterfalls Gold Coast homes are but a car singalong away. I grew up in the lush Northern Rivers hinterland and while it's scattered with idyllic natural pools and 'falls, Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country's waterfalls are genuinely gorgeous, and their swimming holes are up there with some of the best I've floated in.
I'm of the firm belief that while our impressive Gold Coast beaches so often overshadow our misty tracks, trickling streams and towering waterfalls, it's actually the escape from the cityscape, the road trip away from the dunes and the weekender spent inland that makes for one of the most outstanding Gold Coast experiences.
For me, a cracking waterfall allows you to take a dip, features an interesting journey that makes the destination sing a little louder and I'm a big fan of an easy carpark. Let's not forget the option for a staycay either. With so many spilling streams and sky-high waterfalls that appear like a mirage amidst ancient forests, there's good reason to stay a little longer.
With the return of warmer weather, the Urban List team and I reckon chasing waterfalls is exactly what you should do this weekend. Here's my pick of the very best Gold Coast waterfalls you can swim in, plus the length of their treks and what's around.
Best Waterfalls Gold Coast At A Glance
- Gold Coast Waterfalls You Can Swim In
- Best Waterfalls For Experienced Hikers
- Best Waterfalls For A Roadtrip
Gold Coast Waterfalls You Can Swim In
Twin Falls
Springbrook National Park, QLD 4213
Image credit: Set In Stone Media | Supplied
Springbrook National Park is your welcomed escaped from the Coast’s glitz and glam, and it’s right on our back doorstep. So, if you’re heading out for a hinterland adventure in our neighbouring rainforest region, visiting a splash-worthy watering hole is an absolute must-do.
Wander past rugged rock walls covered in lush palms, shimmy behind gushing waterfalls and make your way down to this well deserved swimming spot for a refreshing dip. I love that you can walk behind the waterfall (careful, it gets slippery) and feel the mist of this big beauty on your walk.
Twin Falls is renowned for its nearby canyon lookout and walkways lined with thousand-year-old trees, so it’s well worth a stop while you're in the Springbrook area.
- Where to go: Park at Tallanbana picnic area (if the small car park's full, everyone just parks on the side of the road, easy)
- How long it'll take: The track's 4.2km, allow about 2 hours
- Facilities: Toilets and picnic tables
- Accommodation pick: Mouses House is close by and idyllic. Opt for a spa and stream chalet
Cougal Cascades
Currumbin Valley QLD 4223
Image Credit: Cougal Cascades | Brooke Darling
Tucked away in the Currumbin Valley, and beyond the more widely known Currumbin Rockpools, Cougal Cascades is hands down one of the best places to escape to on a hot day. This towering forest and 'falls will mesmerise the heck out of you with its short rock face rushing with fresh water and plunging deep into an emerald pool of heaven.
It's my absolute favourite waterfall Gold Coast kindly invites us into and I've spent a heap of birthdays here because it's just unreal. When visitors are in town and I want to convince them to move to the Gold Coast, this is high on my list of places to woo them with here.
It’s an easy meander from the car park and a steep climb down stairs to the main pool, ft. a waterfall and natural waterslide, if you're game to scoot down (I haven't been). Or, if you'd like a bit of privacy, head a bit further up the track for a somewhat sketchy hike down to a pool or stream (walking shoes are helpful).
The 'cascade' part means there are a few different pools here, so even when it's busy you'll find a spot to splash. That's my favourite part about this place. Even sitting creek-side and watching the wildlife. Heads up, there are a few eels in the waterways and sometimes yabbies too.
Phone reception cuts out a bit before you arrive, so if you're meeting with mates, make sure everyone's on the same page for time, meet in the car park or at nearby Pasture & Co. ahead of time. If you're lucky, you'll snag a park in the car park, but prepare for a short walk to the start of this bitumen path on busy days.
- Where to go: For most accurate directions, type 'Eden Health Retreat' into maps, then follow Currumbin Creek Road past it and you'll reach the car park in minutes
- How long it'll take: The track's 1.6km but you'll reach the first pool in 500m
- Facilities: Toilets and picnic tables, bring your own water and take rubbish with you
- What to do: Grab a slice of enormous lemon meringue pie, a cuppa and a bite at Pasture & Co., or book in for a post-waterfall soak session at The Bathhouse at Ground.
Cedar Creek Falls
76 Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Image Credit: Cedar Creek Falls | Brooke Darling Photography
It's no surprise that Tamborine Mountain boasts some of the best waterfalls Gold Coast locals are privy to. Cedar Creek Falls is in such an epic locale in the mountains and it's my favourite swimming hole during summer, with so very much to do in the area. It's also incredibly close to those of us on the Northern end of the Gold Coast. Like only about half an hour from Maudsland kind of vibe.
Cedar Creek Falls is one of the Gold Coast's most well-known waterfalls and boasts swimming holes, a lookout over the open canyon and trickling waterfalls. I love that the track's not too long before you get to see the goods. It's a tiny 10 minute walk down to the base of the falls and the views from there rival those from the walk itself.
This track's bitumen and has a rail down the side, but I'd still recommend that it's not one to bring super young kiddos to given the sheer cliff-faces beside this track. The carpark is teeny tiny so head here early morning for a dip to have the place to yourself, before a post-dip bite and sip at one of the best cafes in Mount Tambo a short drive away.
Expect a 20-minute or 1.1km walk down from Thunderbird Park to reach the falls and plan to arrive early as Cedar Creek Falls gets very busy on the weekends.
What you need to know
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Where to go: 76 Cedar Creek Falls Road, Mount Tamborine QLD 4272
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How long it'll take: 20 minutes or 1.1km return
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQs
- What to do: Coffee and patries at Franquette Bakery, brekky at Picnic Real Food Bar, more day pastries and espresso or nighttime fine dining at Main St Provedore, or Italian dinner at Trattoria MKIII
- Accommodation pick: Homeostasis Retreats Wellness Cabin
Purling Brook Falls And Warringa Pool
Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park QLD 4213
Image Credit: Purling Brook Falls | Brooke Darling
If your visiting mates keep rolling their eyes at Gold Coast’s high rise-scattered landscape, show them this epic tree-topped skyline at this Gold Coast hinterland waterfall. Purling Brook Falls is well worth a whole day expedition, in my opinion.
You'll see 100-metre tall waterfalls, glittering swimming holes and a fragrant eucalyptus forest. Yes, it's in Springbrook, but the water's actually from Little Nerang River, so its the waterfall Gold Coast waterways fill. Cute. I recommend taking the track clockwise for the best views. And if the stars align with the sun, light and water, you may even catch a rainbow at the bottom of the massive waterfall.
It's one of the biggest waterfall on the Gold Coast and the suspension bridge is a nice punctuation to the rugged landscape. I always feel tiny against the ginormous natural beauty that are the rocky outcrops. Watching it shower ferns and vegetation behind its mist is just special in itself. The parking's also pretty generous so that shouldn't be an issue.
While you can’t (technically) swim under Purling Brook Falls itself, follow the sub-tropical path all the way through to breathtaking lookouts and then hike the extra loop to Warringa Pool where you can spend all day submerged in fresh water pools. Heaven.
What you need to know
- Where to go: Start at Purling Brook Falls on maps
- How long it'll take: 4km or 2 hours for the waterfall round trip, 8km or 3.5 hours for the full track
- Facilities: Toilets and picnic areas
Best Waterfalls For Experienced Hikers
Elabana Falls
Lamington National Park, Main Border Track, O'Reilly QLD 4275
Image credit: David Burrows | Flickr
The Gold Coast's super close, super underrated neighbour O’Reilly’s has some pretty impressive spots. But perhaps the most impressive of them all, in my opinion is Elabana Falls, hidden away in the UNESCO World-Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforest in Lamington National Park. This lush forest echoes with birdsong, homes a whole heap of bright blue yabbies and reminds me of the lush falls of Ubud, but it's right here in our backyard.
While you can take the shorter walk to Picnic Rock, Elabana Falls is one of the more challenging spots to reach, and it's also affected quite a lot by the rain, so prepare for mud and a slippery walk post-rainy day. You'll hike 3.5 km through the lush rainforest region to reach this picturesque spot and spilling waterfalls. I'm forever mesmerised by the amount of water that rushes down these two-tiered falls.
Keen to explore a little further? Then take the gutsier route home with the Box Forest Circuit’s 10.9 km track with its flowing creek-crossing and mossy rocks. A fully stocked snack pack is 100% necessary. You can dip your toes in here, but swimming is discouraged as the National Park waterways are a delicate ecological environment.
What you need to know
- Where to go: Type 'Elabana Falls' into maps, the drive here is super scenic
- How long it'll take: 3.5-10.9km, allow 2-5 hours depending on your track
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQs
- Where to stay: O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat is closeby and the perfect staycay locale (especially if you're taking on the longer treks)
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Cronan Creek Cascades
1093 Upper Local Rd, Mount Barney QLD 4287
If you're like me, you simply do not go on enough road trips. So I love to crank thecruising mix, and hit the road for an epic roadtrip to Cronan Creek Cascades. A steady two hours from the Coast, this swimmable waterfall is situated right in the heart of Mt Barney National Park.
It's definitely one of the less known waterfalls Gold Coast is close-ish to and is also one for the icebath lovers. Given the location, the water's pretty fresh year 'round. Which is kind of the perfect way to end your hike, if that's your style. Rock hop your way through to a free-flowing creek, discover secret walkways and dunk into stunning jade pools.
The walk to this natural pool is not for the faint hearted, and you'll be grateful for good walking shoes. Actually, you'll notice the start of the track because of its disclaimer info board that gives you a heads up on the intensity of the summit walk - higger than the Q1 climb, to give you a rough idea.
Start at Yellow Pinch reserve, and walk down what looks like a 4WD track. It's one of the more unique walks through farmland with epic views of Mount Barney. Head through the farm gate, just be sure to close it behind you. You'll cross a causeway, reach a fork and head left towards the waterfall. It'll take a few creek-crossings and you'll need to keep an ear out for the waterfall. But it'll be your welcomed hangout for the arvo. Definitely up there as the wildest waterfall experience.
Keep an eye out for wildlife who call this bushland home.
What you need to know
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Where to go: Start the hike from Yellow Pinch Reserve, walk the 4WD track to the left
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How long it'll take: 12km, or about 4 hours
- Facilities: Yellow Pinch Reserve has toilets and picnic tables
- Where to stay: Camp or cabins at Mount Barney Lodge
Best Waterfalls For A Roadtrip
Unicorn Falls
Uki, Northern NSW
Situated just outside of Uki in Northern NSW, Unicorn Falls and its waterholes are a secret you want to know about. It's 30 minutes from Murwillumbah (so fuel up here first with a slice at Barrel's Pizza before you head over). Explore micro falls and creeks trickling through the rugged landscape. This spot is barely touched, so keep an eye out for an abundance of wildlife.
Situated just 15 minutes from the town's centre, I love to pick up a few supplies from the cabinet at Bastion Lane Espresso before heading into the forest. To reach these waterfalls is part of the adventure. Turn left onto Rowlands Creek Road after the Uki Cafe. Turn left onto Mann's Road and you'll hit Mount Jerusalem Park a bit futher down the road. Wait for the dirt road (best suited to 4WD but I did it in my hatchback). Turn left onto South Chowan Road, then across the wooden bridge and park just off to the left. Wander past the giant boulders to start the 200 metre track.
If there's been rain you'll need to rock hop across a stream to reach this teeny waterfall. It's adorable and a little gem you'll likely feel like it's all yours.
What you need to know
- Where to go: Unicorn Falls Walking Track
- How long it'll take: About 10 minutes, or 200m
- Facilities: Nil, BYO all your things
- Where to stay: Uki Farm Stay
Killen Falls
Tintenbar, Northern NSW
A skip across the border in Tintenbar, Killen Falls has an epic waterfall and accompanying natural cave for you to check out. This impressive waterfall is perfect for swimming in with its huge natural pool and wild vegetation waving away at you while you frolic. You might've heard of The Natural Bridge in Springbrook, consider this the 'you can swim there' version.
It's an easy walk to the viewing platform which is a mere 150 metres from the car park, but a rather sketchy trek to the bottom of the waterfall. Prepare for mud and a tight grasp on the hand rail. The car park is tiny, and best suited to little vehicles if I'm being honest. Though if you can make the tricky walk to the falls and shimmy behind it, this makes for a pretty unforgettable experience. Plus, the pool itself is quite shallow so you can get a good wade through the water before getting into the deep.
This is one of those waterfalls Gold Coast locals make the roadtrip for. And yes, it is very popular so get in early to claim your spot. Make a day of it and hang behind the ten-metre waterfall, where you can stretch out and relax with fresh water mist as your own personal sprinkler.
What you need to know
- Where to go: Killen Falls
- How long it'll take: An hour return, or 1km
- Facilities: Nil, BYO all your things
- What's nearby: Prairie Coffee House
Minyon Falls
Minyon Platform Track, Whian Whian, Northern NSW 2480
Located in Nightcap National Park, this waterfall is a must-do if you're visiting the Byron Bay region, in my opinion. I grew up around this area and it basically became a second home through the summer months. There's just something about the moment you arrive at the top of the Minyon Falls lookout area and soak up the breathtaking panoramic vista. I am still to this day awe-struck by the massiveness of the beauty here.
Despite it's incredible view, the best is yet to come. You'll want to make your way down to the base of the thundering 100m waterfall where you can swim in the cascades. There are various paths to reach the base of the waterfall. Either take the easier Minyon Grass picnic area walk over 2 hours, or the longer, more difficult Minyon Loop Walking Track which is a 7.5km loop. If you have the option, my tip's to start your walk from Repentance Creek and Minyon Falls Road locale (despite maps telling you to go Dunnon Road or Nightcap Range Road). This way's much more straight forward travel.
These waterfalls are a part of the Nightcap National Park, and is home to culturally significant ancient sites still used by local Bundjalung People today. It is truly humbling that we have access to this pristine area, and if you get the chance, it's a waterfall Gold Coast dwellers should definitely make the trek for. I recommend the Minyon Grass trail if waterfall oggling and swiming in natural pools is your priority.
What you need to know
- Where to go: Minyon Grass Picnic Area
- How long it'll take: 4.2km for the Minyon Grass trail return, or 8.6km for the lookout to base trail return
- Facilities: Picnic tables, BBQs
- What's nearby: It's 25 minutes from Crystal Castle
- Where to stay: Take your pick from one of the many places to stay in Mullumbimby which is just 30 minutes away
Looking for more? Check out:
- The Gold Coast's Best Swimming Holes
- The Gold Coast's Best Whale Watching Spots
- Coolangatta's Best Restaurants
Main image credit: Cougal Cascades | Brooke Darling
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