4 Best Secret Swimming Holes in South East Queensland

4 Best Secret Swimming Holes in South East Queensland

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Posted 2016-04-29 by Roy Chambersfollow
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Swimming holes in South East Queensland are not well advertised. There are lots of natural places around Brisbane and South East Queensland where you can head to swim. Finding the perfect swimming spot is a great way to relax and cool off with the whole family. Here are 4 great secret, little known, or infrequently visited swimming holes that are absolutely fantastic. Some are easy to reach and others require a hike.



For other natural swimming spots check out this list as well as this one .

Note: There are dangers in swimming in rivers, creeks and waterways. The main danger comes from the false sense of security that comes from the calm and flat water and the fact that they are not patrolled by lifeguards. When swimming in creeks and waterholes, keep an eye on the current before entering the water, be aware that there may be hidden rocks, logs and other submerged objects and avoid jumping or diving into any river or waterway.

[SECTION]The Meeting of the waters - Warrie Circuit, Springbrook National Park[/SECTION]

This swimming hole is less of a secret, but is less visited as it is around the middle of the 17 km Warrie Circuit Hike at Springbrook National Park. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in South East Queensland, which takes you from the cliffs edges down into the valley, under a few waterfalls and back up the cliffs again.



Given the location of the swimming hole, you are going to hike the Warrie Circuit to get here. There is little point in walking to the swimming hole and then coming back.



If the water level is a little low, a tired and hot hiker can just relax in one of the smaller rock pools. Some of these are much deeper than the main pool.



Whether you go for a swim or not, you might as well soak your feet for a while and enjoy the location. On the hike this is the main place to stop and have lunch.



[SECTION]Flat Rock on the Barron Pocket to Kondalilla Falls hike[/SECTION]

Flat Rock is a secret little swimming hole that people tend not to visit because it requires either a 12 or 14 km hike to get there, and there is a much easier to access to the popular Kondalilla Falls swimming hole nearby. Most people visit it while doing the Baroon Pocket to Kondalilla Falls hike , and because that is a 20 km return hike, they usually don't stop to swim.



I would recommend starting the walk at the Northern Recreation Area at the Baroon Pocket Dam. From here it is about 6 km to Flat Rock.



The first 2 kms is uphill but along a well maintained path to the Baroon Lookout . From there you head downhill on rougher paths to Flat Rock.



You can't miss Flat Rock as it is a great big flat rocky area next to a swimming hole. Even if you don't want to swim, it is a great place to stop for lunch. Of course you have to hike back up the ridge to the start of the walk.



You can also do the walk from Kondalilla Falls. This is a little bit longer, but also easier, except for the last section of the return which requires walking up to the top of Kondalilla Falls.

[SECTION]Cronan Creek's Secret Falls[/SECTION]

There are little waterfalls, rock pools and swimming holes everywhere. Many are not accessible by tracks, but you can guarantee that someone has rock hopped up and down every creek in the state and that someone knows about them. One of these is a waterfall on Cronan Creek at Mt Barney. I don't know the name of these falls as I can't find the name on any of the maps I have looked at. I just call it Cronan Creek's Secret Falls .



The Cronan Creek Track is a beautiful 13 km return hike that starts in open countryside and heads into rainforest. The hike starts at the Yellow Pinch Car Park in the Mt Barney National Park, which is also known as the start of the South Ridge Track to the summit of Mt Barney.



Even on a hot day the hike is not that exposed as you quickly go from open countryside into the rainforest, where there is plenty of shade. While the track makes its way uphill, there is no place where it is steep. This is one of the nicest walking tracks I have been on.



The main annoyance of this hike is the numerous creek crossings. Some are shallow enough that you can wade through them in boots without getting your feet wet, but some are deep enough that you need to take off your boots and wade through the water.



The track just ends without any particularly interesting destination. However near the end keep a look out for a little pile of stones. Some hikers have recently told me someone has removed these stones, however from experience, many walkers will just go past them without realising it. These indicated the best place to leave the track and do a short rock hop up the creek to the falls. If you go past them to the end of the track you will be above the falls. Some people climb down the cliff to the swimming hole, but it is better to skirt around the edge where it is easy to make your way to the creek.



Once down to the creek it should be a short walk to the falls where there is areas with shade, others with sun and of course the wonderful swimming hole.



[SECTION]Boonoo Boonoo National Park[/SECTION]

By and far the best swimming holes in the region even though it is just over the border in New South Wales. Boonoo Boonoo National Park and the neighbouring Bald Rock National Park are often ignored by Queenslanders, yet are not that far away.



Boonoo Boonoo National Park's main feature is the Boonoo Boonoo Falls. From the car park it is a short walk down a bitumen covered path to the falls lookout. While the view of the falls is not perfect, you do get a fantastic view down the canyon.



Even if you just want a swim, it is only a short diversion to the lookout. Definitely worth visiting.



Just above the falls are a series of rock pools that are popular with locals and visitors. There are two main large swimming holes, plus additional little holes above these.



Overall Boonoo Boonoo National Park is a pleasant place to visit. It includes a wonderful campground, a 14 km return walk along the river to the falls and back, and numerous little swimming holes along the river.



The region is also interesting and visiting Boonoo Boonoo can be part of a trip to Bald Rock , Tenterfield or other nearby locations.

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131527 - 2023-06-13 07:52:38

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