If you’re searching for Brisbane waterfalls and rock pools surrounded by subtropical rainforest, all in proximity to the city, then head to Cedar Creek Swimming Holes. Roughly 40 minutes’ drive from the CBD, Cedar Creek is also a great spot to bring the family, even the dog, while providing the perfect tonic from the daily grind.
How To Get To Cedar Creek Swimming Holes
Cedar Creek Swimming Holes is located near Samford, a little over 30 minutes from the CBD. The drive there is pretty magic too, as you pass through Samford and continue on to Cedar Creek Road, beneath tunnels of trees and past apple-green fields. Keep going about 20 minutes past Samford until you get to the end of Cedar Creek Road, where you’ll find a private property sign and car parking spots just before this.
Not Cedar Creek Falls In Tamborine Mountain!
It’s not uncommon for people to mix up Cedar Creek Falls in nearby Tamborine Mountain (in the Gold Coast Hinterland) with these Cedar Creek Swimming Holes, near Samford, which also have a waterfall known as Cedar Creek Cascades! So if you’ve been confused by the two places, this is probably why. I’ve been to Cedar Creek Falls in Tamborine Mountain a few times and it’s a lovely spot. I think this place – Cedar Creek Swimming Holes and its cascades – is better though!
Andy Williams Park
The two times we’ve been to Cedar Creek Swimming Holes we’ve managed to get a spot. However, it can get pretty busy, so another option if you luck out is to park a little further away from the falls at Andy Williams Park. From here you can still walk to the falls (it’s not much farther) and there are amenities such as toilets, BBQs, shelters, rubbish bins and easy access to the creek. It’s also a gentler spot for the little ones to explore if that suits you.
The Walk
It’s roughly a 30-minute walk to the falls from the end of Cedar Creek Road, and while websites might say it’s easy, I’ll say straight up that it’s not. It certainly isn’t too difficult either, but be prepared to rock hop and climb your way past boulders. Just bring some decent shoes, preferably something that can get a bit wet.
Saying that, it’s a fun and very pretty walk, and you’ll be following Cedar Creek the whole way (as there’s no real track) to the falls, passing numerous little cascades and rock pools that entice you into a mid-journey soak or splash. Keep going until you see larger falls with a decent-sized pool. You’ll know when you get there (check out the pics here for certainty).
Is It Worth Walking to Cedar Creek Cascades?
Certainly! The cascades are gorgeous to look at. Saying that, if you have tiny kids with you and want to avoid the crowds, you can easily not go to the falls and have a great time. There are so many rock pools along Cedar Creek – from Andy Williams Park to the falls – that you can have your own private slice of paradise. I’d say just go and if you need to stop due to ability/fitness, etc, then there are plenty of nice places to do just that.
Dog Friendly
Luckily for us, Cedar Creek Swimming Holes is also dog friendly, so we brought our furry son along, Cookie. You do need to keep your dog on a leash during the entire walk though, which certainly made things a challenge for me taking photos and shooting short-form video. As I’m the stronger walker in the family, I was carrying all the bags as well, which gave me some good exercise. Cookie is also nothing short of a nutter!
Just be mindful when walking your dog that not everyone loves dogs walking and splashing about Cedar Creek Swimming Holes, so keep them on a leash at all times and keep your distance from other people. As I’ve mentioned earlier, this isn’t a problem as there’s so much space and so many swimming holes!
Brisbane Waterfalls – Cedar Creek Heaven
On your journey towards Cedar Creek Cascades, the swimming holes get more magical. Just before you get to the cascades there’s a narrow swimming hole that resembles a canyon which has a four-leafed clover spray painted on the wall. This was our favourite spot to swim at and we swam here on the return journey, just before dark when no one was here (see the very start of my video at the bottom).
However, the falls themselves are certainly a fun place to hang out and splash around in, and there’s even a bit of exploring to do. Being an Aussie, we are certainly spoilt for nature and waterfalls, so I wouldn’t say this is the most incredible waterfall spot, but as far as swimming holes go, this one’s a cracker! You can wander up to the top of the falls and find other rock pools further along the creek.
Love Creek Falls – More Brisbane Waterfalls
I had a little look beyond the top of the cascades and Cedar Creek just keeps going. If you’ve explored beyond to Love Creek Falls, let us know about your experience. I haven’t done this, but if you continue past Cedar Creek Cascades and turn right, you’ll end up at Love Creek Falls. Here you’ll find more swimming holes and its namesake falls. This is allegedly a little more challenging, due to rock hopping, so you’ll require a good day to enjoy this one properly!
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
You’ll want to give yourself enough time to laze and explore Cedar Creek Swimming Holes. I would say half a day! We underestimated this, as we thought it would be nice for a few hours in the afternoon. You certainly could do that, but given there are so many rock pools, side nooks and crannies and you want to relax too, I would give it half a day of your time. Explorers be prepared – this place is pretty ace!
Also, as I mentioned earlier – we ended up swimming at our ideal spot close to dark. The bonus was that everyone had left (this place is quite popular), although we were rock hopping the last 20 minutes back to our car in the dark. Not something you want to do if you’re not sure-footed! Just give yourself a good few hours to explore this place, as I’ve said.
Don’t worry about its popularity (IT IS popular), as there are so many rock pools to explore you’ll likely have one to yourself if you search that little bit further. Additionally, as far as Brisbane waterfalls go, this one is arguably the best given its proximity to the city and enjoyment factor.
Can you Camp at Cedar Creek Swimming Holes & Cascades?
No, there’s no camping allowed either along Cedar Creek Swimming Holes or at Cedar Creek Cascades. The nearest camp spot is England Creek Remote Bush Camp, in D’Aguilar National Park. While this campground is only about 40 kilometres from Cedar Creek Swimming Holes, it’s about an hour’s drive, as you need to travel in a loop as there’s no direct route through the forest.
A Bit About D’Aguilar National Park
Cedar Creek Swimming Holes and its cascades are located in Brisbane’s D’Aguilar National Park, which is roughly 40,000 hectares in size. It’s home to more than 800 plant species, some of which are rare. In mountain streams, you might find giant barred frogs and spiny crayfish and bird lovers can catch a glimpse of bowerbirds, wompoo fruit doves, yellow-tailed cockatoos and bell miners. Tree variety includes open eucalypt, gum forests and subtropical rainforests.
My Thoughts Overall
You can probably gather by now I love Cedar Creek Swimming Holes! I’ll say it’s probably the best swimming hole in all of Brisbane and it has gorgeous Brisbane waterfalls. It’s also a great place to get the family active and explore nature. Additionally, if you’re looking to cool off in the sweltering Brissie summer, this is the spot! Just remember to make at least a half-day of it, as it’s worth it.
Enjoy!
Facts & Summary
- If you don’t want to walk to the falls, you should still go, as there are just so many rock pools to explore along the way!
- The walk is roughly two kilometres return and not too tough. Just don’t underestimate it as you’ll need decent shoes and it can get slippery.
- I want to reiterate, give yourself at least half a day here. It’s totally worth it!
- Very family-friendly place and you can even bring the dog, although keep him/her on a leash.
- There’s another Cedar Creek Falls at Mount Tamborine in the Gold Coast Hinterland. This one’s located near Samford.
- Check local information if you’re setting out after heavy rain, as exploring/swimming in the area could be dangerous.
- There’s no camping at Cedar Creek Swimming Holes or its cascades.
- If you’ve got little ones or you require amenities for lunch, stop at Andy Williams Park nearby.
