The Moreton Region is the perfect place to engage in a little nature play with the kids this weekend! Come find the perfect swimming hole – be it rock pools, crossings or creek swimming near Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast. While the crowds are at Cedar Creek near Samford, here are a few of the top creek and river swimming spots you may not realise are right there, on Brisbane’s doorstep.
Located at the junction of Bergin Creek and South Pine River, Bunya Swimming Hole is just 25 minutes from Brisbane CBD. Backing onto the beautiful Bunyaville State Forest Park, the swimming hole caters for all ages. With ankle deep water area perfect for toddler play and deeper water for water sports such as kayaking and paddle boards, for the older children.
When it’s too crisp to swim, Bunya Swimming Hole is a popular location with local children to throw in a line and do a spot of fishing or just feed the ducks (duck food only please – bread is bad for ducks!) Bring a packed lunch and enjoy the natural surrounds from the picnic area. A great spot of nature play birthday parties and family get-togethers.
Kayaking is a popular sport in the Moreton Region and there’s no better location then Young’s Crossing. Tucked behind Old Petrie Town, Young’s Crossing offers a large swimming hole perfect for inflatables, kayaks, and paddle boards. Those looking for a little adventure can paddle the short trip up the Pine River to Grant Street, approximately 15 minutes and easily completed by primary school aged children. Or for the more adventurous and for a little muscle burn, head south and paddle the hour trip to Gympie road and back. Young’s Crossing is one of the top spots for kayaking and swimming near Brisbane – so expect crowds on weekends!
Backing onto the North Pine River, Wyllie a fun located to take a dip, splash around and catch ‘fishy’ specimens from ponds in the parklands. To access this little, hidden water treasure, via off the bike path after the public gym equipment onto a well-worn footpath, this leads down to the river.
Off the beaten track, located south of Dayboro is Lees Crossing Road and one of the best river swimming spots along the North Pine River. Whilst parking is limited, the popular spot has a wonderful tree canopy to pull up a chair and watch the water fun. Bring a kayak, canoe or paddle board and adventure north up to Laceys Creek Road or a fishing rod and catch yourself a bass.
Hidden from view, Rocky Hole at Mt Mee is a true bush swimming hole experience. Accessed via an unsealed road that also leads to Bulls Falls and Falls Lookout. Mostly shallow, it offers cool relief after a day of 4WDing, bushwalking or those just taking a Sunday Drive. A short descent from a car park area, the swimming hole is surrounded by rock walls, boulders and natural bush. A beautiful spot to take a dip or just soak those weary feet.
Tucked away on the very fringes of Moreton in the Bellthorpe National Park is Stony Creek. For the most part a shallow stream of cool running water, Stony Creek is a great spot to get your feet wet, rock hop and splash around. Explore the creek beds for small fish and wildlife, search for native flowers or just pick the perfect rock. With full picnic facilities, including toilets, it’s a wonderful day trip for families to enjoy.
Situation off the main drag to Samford Valley, Edward Allison Park is located on the banks of the South Pine River in a quiet, secluded gully. With large grassed areas and a backdrop of trees, it is a popular destination for picnickers, photographers and pet owners. Just a short walk south from the car park and grassed area, is a delightful rock pool area. Wide enough at points to skim a few rocks, the rock pool offers an opportunity to explore nature. Try your footing at rock hopping, pebble collecting or just soak in the atmosphere as the sun sets. Being so close to Brisbane, this one is also a popular destination on weekends.
1. Many of the region’s rivers are tidal, particularly closer to the bay. It is important to be mindful of tidal times and marine wildlife that may travel into fresher waters.
2. Never allow small children to be unsupervised by the waterway.
3. Respect other swimmers if you have kayaks or large flotation devices.
4. Never use a rope swing until you have check water depth and area for submerged logs and rocks. It’s good practice to do this every visit. Flash flooding can wash obstacles into previously safe spots.
5. Never dive into a river or rock pool.
6. Aquatic shoes, whilst not necessary, are a good idea, particularly if wondering around rock pools.
7. Wildlife can be active around waterways, so be mindful and respect their habitat
8. Always wear sunscreen.
9. Bring food and water. These locations are often remote.
10. Toilets. Most of these locations don’t have toileting facilities. So triple check everyone is AOK before leaving the house.
Other water inspired days out in the Moreton Bay Region:
Top North Brisbane Swimming Pools, Waterholes & Beaches
Aqua Warrior Redcliffe
Settlement Cove Lagoon | Redcliffe
Looking for more things to do and see? Pop into one of the region's Accredited Visitor Information Centres, the volunteers have a wealth of local knowledge.
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