Great swimming spots around Brisbane
South East Queensland's swimming season is long and runs easily from even before the official start of spring and on through the summer and into late autumn. I have already listed a number of
swimming spots in hiking spots.Here are 5 more swimming spots. Some are associated with hikes and others are just great swimming spots.
Lake Enoggera
One of the closest natural swimming spots for people in Brisbane in Lake Enoggera. As part of their plan to open up many of the dams in the area to more public activities, Enoggera Dam now has a designated swimming spot.
Designated swimming and paddle craft launching site
This lake has been a popular swimming spot for local kids (who obviously never cared about the rules and regulation) and given that it is no longer used as part of Brisbane's water permanent water supply, it is a great place for a swim.
Hiking trail at Lake Enoggera
You can combine the swim with either a short walk on the Enoggera Circuit or do the 12 kms around the lake and then cool off afterwards with a dip in the water.
The Green Tree Frog Cafe and zoo are also popular attractions, so it makes a great family day out.
Redcliffe
Local kids don't mind jumping off the Redcliffe Jetty for a swim in the ocean among the jelly fish, but most people prefer the safer waters of the Settlement Cove Lagoon.
Settlement Cove Lagoon (Attribution: Flickr - Bert Knottenbeld)
With a combination of reasonably decent beaches which attract sea kayakers and kite surfers as well as the family friendly artificial lagoon, Redcliffe is the swimming spot with a little bit of something for everyone.
Suttons Beach at Redcliffe is popular for swimmers, sunbathers and kite surfers
For food outlets there are everything from very cheap places such as fish and chips shops and the RSL, to higher quality fine dining restaurants, including Mon Komo.
Be aware, Sundays especially attract a huge crowd for the markets. The lagoon can get pretty busy over the school holiday as well.
Lake Moogerah
Despite being South East Queensland's aquatic playground whee people went to picnic, camp, boat, fish, kayak and water ski, no specific swimming location was opened until 2014. Of course that never stopped anyone.
Attribution: Wikimedia - Shiftchange
Lake Moogerah is a great location for a day or weekend escape from the city. Maybe do a hike up Mount Edwards followed by a dip in the lake afterwards to cool off.
Attribution: Flickr - Geoffrey Rhodes
Of course you can also rent a kayak or a boat and enjoy other lake activities. You can even have a go at water skiing.
Box Forest Circuit at O'Reilly's
If you don't mind hiking to your swimming spot, then there are plenty of places to go around South East Queensland. One that stands out is the very lovely
Box Forest Circuit hiking trail at the Green Mountains section of Lamington National park.
Cascades on the Box Forest Circuit
The Box Forest Circuit is a lovely 8 km hike suitable for people of even moderate levels of fitness. The hike takes you past many waterfalls with the best place to swim being the cascades, but you can try other spots as well.
Falls on the Box Forest Circuit
If you are looking for a more relaxed place to swim or paddle then Ewen Maddock Dam north of Brisbane near Mooloolah is a great destination.
Photo courtesy of SEQWater
You can actually take a train out to Mooloolah which is a pleasant place for a stopover, but the lake itself is 3 kms from the train station. There are multi-use trails if you are like me and enjoy building up a sweat before going for a swim. You can also hire kayaks to enjoy a paddle on the lake.
