21 Best Places to Swim in Brisbane & Map

When people search for the best places to swim in Brisbane and South East Queensland, they’re often trying to find more than just a local pool. They want those refreshing spots where they can cool off in nature, and maybe even discover hidden gems that locals love.

The tricky part is that this region is spoiled for choice. From city lagoons and riverfront spots to the stunning beaches of the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and nearby islands, it’s hard to know where to start.

Having lived in Brisbane for over 20 years and spent countless weekends exploring the coasts and hinterlands. This guide is perfect for locals looking to mix up their weekend routine, or first-time visitors chasing that Queensland sunshine experience. Plus, I’ve also included a handy map so you can easily find each swimming spot and plan your adventure.

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Best Places to Swim in Brisbane & Map

Please check out my specially curated map with finding all the swimming holes and waterfalls for swimming around Brisbane? This allows you to open and apply directions from your location.

But, If you want to find out the details for all these options, keep reading below!

➡ Brisbane & Outer Area’s

1. Streets Beach

Streets Beach is a free, white sandy beach lagoon available in the heart of Brisbane. I’ve seen a number of these lagoons all around Australia and think they are a great idea.

Essentially, it’s just a big man-made pool with the added palm trees and beach sand. It’s that beachside fun away from the actual beach and perfect when looking at what to do in South bank, with views across the river to the CBD. 

There are pools to choose from varying from shallow kids sections to deeper swimming for the adults.

• Lifeguards: Yes ( times vary through the year but roughly 9am to 5pm)
• Facilities: Public Toilets, Cafe’s, car parking. 

2. Enoggera Reservoir

Everyone can enjoy Enoggera Reservoir from swimmers to kayakers, paddleboarders, or just floating in a donut. The space for swimming is sectioned off and everyone with a device is outside of that. The cool thing is I even saw a hire van down there to rent Kayaks and paddleboards by the hour if you don’t want to take your own.

The beach section is a little small and as you can see from the photo below, and it’s hard to get a spot if it’s busy. Although, if you want added entertainment, there seems to be a number of hikes and bike trails around, as well as toilets and a café located near the car park.

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: Public Toilets, Café, car parking. 

3. Cedar Creek Falls (Samford)

Next up is Cedar Creek with wild swimming and less people to worry about. This first Cedar Creek falls (Another one mentioned below) is located north west of Brisbane and in the Samford area. There is a bit of a hike to get to the actual falls, but you can choose to swim in the rock pools along the way. 

The way to get there is just following the stream down to the end where you can’t go any further. The photo below wasn’t even taken at the end, so there are a number of swimming rock pools along the way.

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: Small Car Park and no Toilets. Andy Williams Park 5 mins away will have them.

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4. Suttons Beach

Finding what to do in Redcliffe isn’t hard and the area has various places for swimming like Sutton’s Beach. Although, you can pretty much swim anywhere along the beach and the waves don’t get that bad, being block by Moreton Island. I have also seen kayakers and paddleboarders in the area, but you will have to bring these with you. 

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: There are public toilets and Shaded picnic areas, but also depends where you stop. A large car park, but can get full in busy times.

5. Northbrook Gorge

This is one of the lesser-known places and could also be the most challenging. It’s wild swimming again as it requires a hike and swim to access it. You can park at Wivenhoe Outlook or opt for a shorter trail starting about 2klm past that. There will be a dirt car park(only a couple of cars) just after the bridge crossing.

You will be walking through water to get to the actual gorge, so you could always use this as the place to swim or keep on going to the gorge. Reef shoes could be handy, but better with walking shoe’s you don’t care about getting wet. Also dry packs are also recommended for carrying your gear.

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: Limited car parks, no toilets

6. Aquasplash

I’ve seen the Apuasplash centre go up during the summer school holidays, or maybe it runs longer over the warmer periods. You can guess what happens, it’s like an obstacle course where you can go where ever you want. Jump off all the floatation devices and slide down others.

For me so far, it’s been admiring from the sidelines. But maybe one day I will have to give it a go.

• Lifeguards: No, but there will be people that work there.
• Facilities: Park nearby with Toilets and car park

7. Settlement Cove Lagoon

The Settlement Cove lagoon is a very popular spot, especially if you’re living on the North Side of greater Brisbane. It’s right beside the beach (which you can also swim in) but protects you from the ocean elements. The pools have sections suitable for kids to splash around the rocks, as well as deeper areas for the Adults.

The whole area has been built as a man-made oasis with trees, shade, and even a small little island in the middle. There are shaded picnic tables, BBQ’s and a lush turf where there is no grass.

• Lifeguards: Yes.
• Facilities: Shade, picnic tables, Public Toilets and Showers.

8. Mount Mee Rocky Hole

The option for swimming at Mount Mee is definitely seasonal and only good after rain. This tends to be during the summer month between December and March. DON’T use your GPS to locate the Rocky Hole. Instead, direct yourself to “The Gantry” car park on Sellin Road, then follow the four-wheel-drive track to Rocky Hole.

Yes, you will need a Four-wheel drive, and it will take about 20 mins to drive from the Gantry to the Rocky hole. There is a small car park, and it will take mere minutes to walk down into the Rocky Water hole. A floatation device could be handy, due to the nice, deep swimming hole – or you will be treading water a lot

• Lifeguards: No , it’s wild swimming and dangerous around the rocks
• Facilities: Small Car Park

9. Bunya Crossing Reserve 

Experience the tranquil serenity of Bunya Crossing Reserve, located in the Albany Creek District. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful escape without traveling far and only 30 minutes from the City. 

You’ll find shallow waters great for wading and deeper areas suitable for paddle boarding or kayaking. Plus, four-legged friends are welcome too! 

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: Gas BBQ, Picnic Tables & toilets

10. Wynnum Wading Pool

The Wynnum wading pool has been enjoyed by locals since 1932. It’s a huge 128 metres long, 54 metres wide area and fairly shallow with less than 1 metre in depth in the centre.

At high tide, three pipes allow water to come through from the beach and the floodgates stop from the water receding. There is also mesh covering the pipes to stop from Marine life entering and the bottom is covered in clay and sand.

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: Public Toilets, Shaded Picnic Area, Playground, Foreshore walkway, Barbecue’s

11. Sandstone Point Caravan Park

When collating this guide together, I only wanted to include the free spots. Although the cost of swimming places in Brisbane can out way the length of time people are entertained. You can read my review of the Sandstone Point Holiday Resort & Caravan Park, as it’s one spot I have always enjoyed swimming.

There is a massive heated pool, plus a water park for the kids (although the big kids can like it too). This means all year round you can enjoy it, but you do need to book a camping site or fixed accommodation to use it!

• Lifeguards: No and the Water Park / Swimming pool are only operating during certain times
• Facilities: Accommodation, Shade, picnic tables, Public Toilets and Showers, Lockers, Barbecue’s

➡ Islands Off the Coast

12. Moreton Island/Tangalooma

I think It’s worth seeing Moreton Island and I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of times. Although it’s located off the coast of Brisbane, I needed to include it in this list today.

The Micat and Flyer leaves several times each day and takes about 1.5 hours (one way) to get to the Island. Once you there, there is activities galore at the Island Resort and a lot of them involve the water.

➡  Book Moreton Island Tours HERE with GYG.

There are a number of shipwrecks which is a popular spot in Queensland for snorkelling and exploring. Apart from the that, the endless supply of beautiful white sandy beaches will not disappoint your swimming options.

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: Public Toilets available at the resort, along with food options for a day trip. Barbecues available for resort patrons. 

13. Stradbroke Island

An endless supply of beach locations make North Stradbroke Island a valuable destination to visit. Not only that, but you have crisp, fresh water swimming available at Brown Lake, just inland from Dunwich. 

➡  Find Stradbroke Island Tours Here with GYG.

Ferries leave every day from Cleveland, taking one hour to journey onto the Island. This is brilliant for organising a day trip from the city.

• Lifeguards: Yes in specific patrolled locations, but not all over the island.
• Facilities: Beach Camping on Flinders Beach, Accommodation, Public Toilets, Cafe’s, car parking.

14. Bribie Island

Bribie Island’s main attractions would have to be the many spots to swim, while also being the forth largest sand island in the world. The island itself if just off the coast of the mainland, but joined by the Bribie Bridge. This makes it really easy to get there and get around.

The pumicestone passage has the calm side which is great for kids and where you will find the boats parked. The eastern side of the Island (Woorim Beach) is open to the elements and has the waves. Otherwise, the 4 wheel drive owners have the option to head to the northern side of the Island, with the creeks & the Ocean beach camping sites.

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: There are public toilets and Shaded picnic areas, but also depends where you stop.

➡ Sunshine Coast

15. Kondalilla Falls

Swimming at Kondalilla Falls is an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s located only 1 hour and 40 minutes away from the city, and there’s a hike to reach the magnificent waterfall and its swimming hole. 

You’ll be amazed by the breathtaking sight of the rock pool surrounded by lush rainforest and rocky cliffs. It truly is one of the best day trips from Brisbane when nature reveals its stunning beauty at its best.

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: Picnic Tables & toilets near the Car Park

16. Booloumba Falls

Swimming at Booloumba Falls is one of the most amazing experiences in South East Queensland! I’ve been there dozens of times, and although it’s located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, it’s my favourite waterfall for swimming.

Getting there requires a 2-hour and 30-minute drive into the Conondale National Park. Due to the accessibility in the region, it is recommended for a four-wheel drive and requires a 30-minute hike from the Car Park. Make it more worthwhile, and you can even camp in the National Park right beside a freshwater creek.

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: Table in Car Park, Toilets in the Day use area 10km away.

17. Gardners Falls

Gardners Falls is located 1 hour and 30 mins away from Brisbane, and it’s certainly worth the drive!

It’s just one of the many attractions near Maleny, and while it gets busy in the summer months in December and January, the peaceful waterhole is perfect for a calm swim, surrounded by natural beauty. 

People will position themselves all along the creek to sit in the water or catch the smaller waterfalls. Otherwise, you can enjoy spectacular views of the prominent waterfall cascading into the swimming waterhole, where you can relax on a donut floaty or pool noodle.

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: Picnic Tables & Toilets near the very tiny Car Park.

➡ Gold Coast

18. Currumbin Rock Pools

Swimming at Currumbin Rock Pools is extremely popular with outdoor adventurers and it’s located just 1 hour and 20 minutes outside of Brisbane City. The spectacular setting of rock pools, waterfall cascades, and lush rainforest makes it an ideal spot to cool off and have fun!

Not surprising that after a big downpour of rain (which can frequently happen in South East Queensland), the area gets busy with locals day-tripping from the Gold Coast.

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: Toilets

19. Cedar Creek Falls (Mt Tamborine)

This Cedar Creek Falls is a refreshing and popular swimming hole located just an hour’s drive away from the City (in Mount Tamborine). During the summer months, the falls can get quite busy with visitors looking to cool off in its waters. 

Accessing the falls requires a small hike down into a valley with various waterholes and falls to position yourself at. The walk isn’t that intense, and we completed it in slip-on shoes, but there are rocky stairs, and you’ll need to take extra care with small children. 

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: Toilets near the Car Park

➡ Ipswich & Scenic Rim

20. Orion Lagoon

Similar to the other two man-made lagoons mentioned above. Although, this one is located on the west side at Springfield, near Ipswich. Depth varies for toddler-friendly pools at 0.3 metres or 1.5 metres for the older kids. It’s also gently graded from the edge to simply walk in, deepest part in the middle.

There are colourful shades and grassed areas to put your bags and towels. Even a Café for snacks, if you don’t bring your own. Conveniently, you have the shopping centre right next door for when the car park fills up – this is where I ended up parking.

• Lifeguards: Yes between 8am and 4pm, but longer hours between September to March in the Summer.
• Facilities: Shade, picnic tables, Public Toilets and Showers, Lockers, Barbecue’s

21. Lake Moogerah

If you’re craving an escape to nature, far beyond the hustle and bustle of civilization, Lake Moogerah might be a good choice for you. I’ve found the starry night skies are brilliant for astrophotography, but tourists will camp here or visit for the day for swimming and boating. 

The lake sits on the banks of Moogerah Dam, surrounded by grassy hills, with tree-lined areas to explore. With hardly any waves to worry about, it’s the ideal spot for a peaceful dip – free from distractions and worries. 

• Lifeguards: NO
• Facilities: Picnic Tables & toilets

How to Get around?

If you’re looking for the freedom to explore independently around Brisbane, hire a car, and with the clear signage and minimal traffic surrounding the city, it can be a pleasant journey! 

➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE

Otherwise, you can take advantage of the Public Transport System for a more leisurely approach. Hop on and off busses and trains and even catch one of the iconic CityCats on their picturesque ferry routes along the waterfront!

My Best tips for safety!

While most of the options today are free and swimming holes that aren’t manned. There is an unspoken requirement for care, safety, and attention needed at any of them. Therefore, I have noted points below to help steer you in the right direction. 

• Check for posted signs and heed any warnings of condition changes.
• Use caution when entering any water body. Even if it looks calm, there may be undercurrents.
• Swim with a buddy whenever possible.
• Never dive into natural waterholes, even if you see others doing it. There is uncertainty about the depth, and there could be submerged objects.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Look out for rocks, branches, or other obstacles that could trip you up.
• If you get caught in a current, swim parallel to the shore until you can break free.
• Avoid swimming at night or in stormy weather. The conditions can be more treacherous than you realize.
• Wear appropriate clothing and avoid loose-fitting clothes that could weigh you down if wet or caught on things.
• Bring along a life jacket or other flotation device if you are not a strong swimmer.
• Keep an eye on children at all times, and more importantly, never be left unattended near water.

Wrap up!

Thanks for reading this blog post today on finding the best places to swim in Brisbane & South East Queensland. I hope you found the information you were looking for, but if you’re still researching then please check out my other Brisbane Blogs for inspiration.

• Brisbane at night, Fun things to see and do
• Skip the Brisbane Airtrain: Save Using my Airport Hack
• Best Areas to Stay in Brisbane: Neighbourhood Breakdown
• Best Free Things to do in Brisbane
• Closest Motels/Hotels to Brisbane Airport
• 5 Day Brisbane Itinerary in South East Queensland
• Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Stops & Itinerary