Don’t get us wrong, we love our beaches as much as the next person, but there’s more than one way to cool off when the summer heat hits.

South-East Queensland has a bountiful supply of waterfalls and swimming holes, tucked away within breathtaking mountains and valleys waiting to be explored.

We’ve rounded up the best freshwater dips all within driving distance of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Cougal Cascades

Mount Cougal forms part of Springbrook National Park and is closer than most people think. Just drive straight to the end of Currumbin Valley and keep going past Camp Eden through to the car park. From here, take a leisurely stroll through the rainforest and you’ll soon come across the popular Cougal Cascades and rock pools. Keep following the track along the creek, you will also come across the remains of a 1940s sawmill – neat!

Distance from Brisbane – 90 minutes | Gold Coast – 46 minutes

The Natural Bridge is the spectacular end to a charming one-kilometre walk. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Natural Bridge

No list of waterfalls on the Gold Coast is complete without mentioning Natural Bridge in the Springbrook National Park.

A low-impact one-kilometre circuit past lush greenery will eventually lead you to the famous Natural Bridge falls. We recommend heading out later in the afternoon, as you may be lucky enough to see glow worms and fireflies once the sun goes down.

Distance from Brisbane – 1 hour 25 minutes | Gold Coast – 40 minutes

Browns Falls

If you’re an experienced hiker looking for a view worth a challenge, Browns Falls in the Scenic Rim is regarded a natural wonder that must be earned to be seen.

On the way to Queen Mary Falls, you’ll find Brown Falls Park, where the walk begins through a tunnel underneath Spring Creek Road. The 600-metre metre walk to the falls, marked by vague reflective signs, is short but difficult, with rough rocks, slippery mud and fallen trees. When in doubt, follow the creek, but don’t expect to keep your shoes dry – the creek may even be unpassable if there’s been heavy rain.

If this sounds like too much work for a waterfall view, think again. There’s a reason why this challenging track sees a lot of foot traffic – at the end of the trail is a stunning view you’ll just have to see for yourself.

Distance from Brisbane – 2 hours 40 minutes | Gold Coast – 2 hours 40 minutes

Kondalilla Falls

Not far from Montville on the the Sunshine Coast, Kondalilla Falls is a popular retreat where Skene Creek plummets into the rainforest valley. This spot is popular with families and groups, with plenty of parking and room for all.

In addition to the falls, the Kondalilla National Park has overnight campsites, picnic areas, short walking tracks as well as a 58-kilometre hiking track for the truly adventurous.

Distance from Brisbane – 1 hour 35 minutes | Gold Coast – 2 hours 10 minutes

Curtis Falls

An enchanting walk through the lush eucalyptus forest beneath towering gum trees will lead you to one of Mount Tamborine’s most magical spots – Curtis Falls. The area is a haven for turtles, fish and eels and if you keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot a platypus!

At night, make sure you keep a lookout for glow-worms in the surrounding cliffs. Get your phone ready – there will be plenty of shots worthy of your ‘gram.

Distance from Brisbane – 1 hour | Gold Coast – 37 minutes

Gorge Falls

This not-so-secret spot is nestled at the very end of Tallebudgera Valley. Google maps will take your car to a dead end, where you’ll need to jump out and start strolling along the track and over a few creek crossings.

The 20-minute walk takes you through breathtaking surroundings before you finish walking upstream to stare at the gorgeous Gorge Falls.

Distance from Brisbane – 90 minutes | Gold Coast – 1 hour 50 minutes

Morans Falls

Morans Falls is near the Green Mountains in Lamington National Park. After following the walking track (about a 4.4-kilometre return walk), wanderers will descend roughly 150 metres through sub-tropical rainforests to find the base of the plunge waterfall.

We recommend trekking a bit further to reach the top of the falls, where you can enjoy a majestic view of the sprawling landscape.

While in the area, tick off another Gold Coast waterfall and check out Elabana Falls.

Distance from Brisbane – 2 hours | Gold Coast – 1 hour 25 minutes

Ah the serenity … the beautiful Buderim Falls. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Serenity Falls (aka Buderim Falls)

Serenity is hidden in Buderim Forest Park and only minutes from Buderim Village. The babbling falls have been unofficially dubbed Serenity Falls by locals and there’s no wonder about why.

Martins Creek flows into the falls year-round, cascading into the water hole below where many enjoy a dip in the warmer months. The singing and calls of local birds add to the area’s natural soundscape and its relaxing reputation.

Distance from Brisbane – 90 minutes | Gold Coast – 2 hours

Elabana Falls is the prize at the end of a Lamington National Park hike. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Elabana Falls

Nestled inside Lamington National Park, the Elabana Falls Track is a hike that descends through the national park and offers strollers the ultimate prize – the cool waters of Elabana Falls.

Top tip – bring some snacks and enjoy lunch at Picnic Rock, a shady spot just 400 metres from the falls.

Distance from Brisbane – 90 minutes | Gold Coast – 1 hour 40 minutes

Minyon Falls

Just over the border in northern NSW, Minyon Falls is a gem offering breathtaking coastal views, lush rainforests and a constant cascade of refreshing water. The area has shady picnic spots, bush walks and wheelchair-accessible lookout areas, making it well worth the drive.

We also highly recommend the trek down to the bottom of the falls, where a crystal clear swimming hole offers the perfect way to cool off.

Distance from Brisbane – 2 hours 20 minutes | Gold Coast – 1 hour 45 minutes

Enoggera Reservoir

If you follow Waterworks Road all the way to The Gap, you’ll find one of Brisbane’s most popular spots to cool off.

Families load up the car with picnic supplies, pool noodles and kayaks and make tracks for Brisbane Forest Park’s visitor centre, which is a couple of minutes walk from the gently lapping shores of the Enoggera Dam. A space has been conveniently cordoned off for swimming, while scenic walking tracks wind around the dam’s exterior.

Distance from Brisbane – Half an hour | Gold Coast – 1 hour 10 minutes

The spectacular Purling Falls drop 90 metres into a gorge. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Purling Brook Falls

Also in Springbrook National Park is one of the Gold Coast’s more dramatic waterfalls – Purling Brook Falls. The four-kilometre walking circuit will take most hikers around two hours, with a few steep ascents and a casual 256 steps thrown in along the way.

Trust us when we say it is worth it, and your hard work will pay off when you come face-to-face with Purling Brook’s 90-metre plunge of cascading water into the gorge. Expect eucalypt forests, plenty of wildlife and a refreshing spray from the falls.

Distance from Brisbane – 90 minutes | Gold Coast – 46 minutes

Mirror Falls

The Albert River Circuit in Lamington National Park is home to some of the Gold Coast’s most magnificent waterfalls, including the spectacular Mirror Falls.

Prepare for a full-day hike, with the lush-but-lengthy trek of 21.8 kilometres. Those ready to go hard on a day hike will be rewarded with Mirror Fall’s cooling embrace about halfway along.

Alternatively, you can pull up camp overnight and make it a two-day affair by staying at the Echo Point campsite.

Distance from Brisbane – 2 hours | Gold Coast – 1 hour 10 minutes

Honourable mentions: Queen Mary Falls, Coomera and Yarrabilgong Falls, Twin Falls and Cedar Creek Falls.

Check Queensland and NSW national parks websites for updates before heading out. Also, make sure you let a friend know where you’re headed and pack snacks and water.

Republished from InDaily Queensland with permission