Best Rock Pools Around Brisbane
Updated: Nov 21, 2025
Some of the best places to cool off in summer are free, with South East Queensland's many scenic rock pools and swimming holes making a great alternative to the beach.
Here are 6 of the best, all within 2 hours drive of Brisbane.
A peaceful nature reserve just 40 mins north of the CBD is a great place for families, with BBQ and picnic facilities that overlook the main water hole, as well as shallow rock pools to explore...more
One of Tamborine Mountain's most popular tourist attractions, just an hour's drive from Brisbane CBD, Cedar Creek Falls' beautiful icy cold rock pools are the perfect antidote to scorching hot days...more
One of the best natural swimming holes north of Brisbane, Rocky Hole in beautiful D'Aguilar National park is reached via an unsealed road of several kms but is worth the effort...more
The Gold Coast's famous hinterland rock pools make a great destination on a blazing hot day but get in early on weekends as they are really popular with day trippers and tourists alike...more
In the lush Sunshine Coast hinterland some scenic walking circuits lead to gorgeous rock pools with waterfalls that are worth seeking out, with picnic facilities at the park's entrance...more
These shallow rock pools just half an hour drive from Brisbane are more a place for children to paddle and explore and are ideal to visit after rain when there are also mini waterfalls...more
Check out our full guide to all of the best free swimming pools, including lagoons, rock pools and tidal pools around Brisbane HERE
