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Coomba Falls

Home > Brisbane > Day Trips | Lakes | Picnic Spots | Places of Interest | Swimming Pools
by Tracie Louise (subscribe)
Self Taught Photographer living in Victoria. Visit my website tracielouise.com ...... All images used are Tracie Louise Photography, unless otherwise stated
Published July 10th 2013
Land Before Time
Coomba Falls, Maidenwell, swimming hole, South Burnett,
The Gorgeous Coomba Falls


A pleasant 40 minute drive from Kingaroy headed towards Toowoomba and located just outside the lovely little town of Maidenwell, you will find picturesque Coomba Falls. A must see spot if you are ever in the area, tucked away in it's own mountain oasis. Not an an easy place to find, if you didn't know it was there. A very hilly, but fully sealed two kilometre road turnoff located right next to the Maidenwell General Store, ends in a gravel carpark area atop the Coomba Falls park.

coomba Falls, Maidenwell, swimming hole, South Burnett,
Newly erected stairs


Be warned though, it's a steep climb down to the falls. Fortunately a lovely new partially railed, non-slip stairway has been erected alongside what was the old carved stoned steps, making the trip down to grassed area a much more user friendly proposition. It is still a steep climb back up to the carpark though and a certain basic level of fitness is recommended. The area is not disabled friendly at all unfortunately.

Coomba Falls, Maidenwell, swimming hole, South Burnett,
Swing Rope


But once you have made the trek, the view is well worth it. Cascading over ancient volcanic boulders, the falls make a wonderful backdrop for an afternoon of relaxing, or picnicking. The deep natural water hole surrounded by impressive granite rock makes for the perfect place to cool down in the summer months. The depth of the water and the mountain location, however makes the water icy cold most year round, which doesn't seem to deter the local youth from making the most of this unspoilt natural lake. There's even a swing rope attached to a tree which conjures up images of a simpler time. And whilst I wouldn't recommend it myself, people do climb the rock wall and hurl themselves into the icy depths. To each their own, I guess.

Coomba Falls, Maidenwell, swimming hole, South Burnett,
Gorgeous granite boulders line the lake


The falls are part of the Tanduringie Creek which meanders on past the swimming hole over more impressive granite boulders and down the mountain side. Some choose to fish these waters, although I am not sure what varieties are caught. If you one of the more adventurous types, you can climb down the rocks and hike beside the Creek for a ways, although it's pretty challenging terrain in parts.

Coomba Falls, Maidenwell, swimming hole, South Burnett,
Stunning Black Boy Trees


Entering the area is like stepping into a Land Before Time, with a positively prehistoric feel. Apart from the obvious Aussie bushland, the area is dotted with amazing Black Boy Trees (Xanthorrhoea) which add to the feeling of being in another land. Wildlife abounds with many different bird species, lizards and butterflies. I was thrilled on a recent trip to Coomba Falls to discover a new bird species which I was unaware previously existed, and fortunate enough that he was willing to pose for a picture. Coomba Falls offers photographers of all skill levels, many a wonderful and sometimes challenging photo opportunity, and surrounded by such natural beauty you can't fail to capture an image to impress.

Coomba Falls, Maidenwell, swimming hole, South Burnett,
The very first Spotted Pardolote I have ever seen


It is off the beaten track a little. There are rest rooms and a wonderful general store and cafe 2 kilometres down the road at Maidenwell, but no direct facilities in the park area. But with just a little planning and forethought, you can have a most wonderful time in this stunning part of the South Burnett. And if the weather is warm enough, don't forget your bathers.

Coomba Falls, Maidenwell, swimming hole, South Burnett,
Keep an eye out for the various wild flowers

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Why? Fun and Leisure
When: All Year Round
Where: Coomba Falls, Coomba Waterfall Road, Maidenwell Queensland
Cost: Free Admittance
Your Comment
It is funny that you should say that it is like entering a world before time. I was just thinking how much those pictures remind me of the 'Land Before Time' animated children's programme.
by Bastion Harrison (score: 4|12640) 3622 days ago
I'm really surprised your photos got overtaken on photofig. I had never seen any from Jo, I thought you were going to be the first to beat Jon's score. I don't get it ???
Great article by the way:)
by Lorraine A (score: 3|1646) 3621 days ago
A beautiful spot - thanks for sharing, and just love your photography. Please keep it coming.
by Lucy (score: 3|1157) 3619 days ago
haven't been there, but some years ago we drove to the nearby Bunya Mountains - and were delighted to see many young kangaroos play-fighting in the grassy areas near a kiosk - it was a rare sight I don't think I've seen anywhere else
by ultim (score: 2|284) 68 days ago
Tracie I believe those trees are now known as Grass trees.
by laura (score: 0|5) 3619 days ago
loved this....we have been to Kingaroy, many years ago when caravanning around Oz...and my husband was excellent at finding these out of the way places...however he missed this one...won't get there now either as husband has long died and I am an old woman...but wonderful memories..Betty M
by betty (score: 0|3) 3611 days ago
Enjoyable Areticle Tracie. We came across this Gem when we freecamped at the little BBQ area across the road from the Maidenwell Pub many years ago.The Walk both up and down was horrendous but got some great videio footage of local heroes jumpng from the rocks into the pool.We are returning to Nanango with a caravan rally tommorrow for the weekend and seeing the picture of the new Stairs will be hotfooting it again.....George lacey
by georg (score: 0|2) 2131 days ago
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