7 Waterfalls close to Brisbane that guarantee lush sub-tropical rainforest, local wildlife viewing and the soothing sounds of running water.
There’s no need to drive to the Daintree to visit a Waterfall. Some of the most incredible Waterfall and Bushwalking tracks are within 2 hours drive of the Brisbane City.
Waterfalls close to Brisbane are all seasonal, so here’s a hot tip:
Check out Instagrams most recent posts by searching the waterfall destination you are hoping to visit.
See if the falls are gushing over. During drier seasons, these areas are still beautiful for their wildlife and walking tracks.
The Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge is in the western part of Springbrook National Park. The trip to the Natural Bridge provides beautiful scenic views along Nerang Murwillumbah Rd.
The highlight of the natural bridge is the rock cave formation. Through the roof of the cave, natural light and water gush out into the pool below.
The Natural Bridge is home to Australia’s largest population of glow worms. They cover the cave ceilings and light up like the night sky. (How To Visit The Natural Bridge At Night)
Kondalilla Falls
Kondalilla Falls is located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The walking track is spoilt with lush rainforest, soothing sounds of trickling water and birdlife.
The entire Kondillila Falls circuit is 4.7km, there are over 300 stairs so keep your fitness levels in mind and wear appropriate footwear.
A short walk from the carpark is a large grassed picnic area with barbecues, picnic tables, and toilets.
Cougal Cascades
The Cougal Cascades are located in Queensland’s Springbrook National Park. [Map Directions]
Lush rainforest with an abundance of swimming holes between beautiful the cascades and waterfalls
The area is also home to the Heritage Sawmill. Once past the rock pools, you can view the restored remains of a bush sawmill dating from the 1940s.
Curtis Falls
The walking track at Curtis Falls is around 1.5km. Similar to the Natural Bridge, Curtis Falls is home to Glow Worms at night. (Walking Track Map)
The 1.5km walk to the falls is relatively easy, the entire 3km creek circuit is a little harder. Curtis Falls is known for its wildlife which includes birds, lizards, turtles and occasionally you may be lucky enough to spot a platypus.
Simpson Falls
Located 15 minutes from Brisbane CBD, within the Mount Coot-tha Forest, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
The Simpson Falls circuit entrance is located on the corner of Sir Samuel Griffith Drive and Simpsons Rd.
The views of Simpsons Falls are not as incredible as some of the other Waterfall Tracks in the Brisbane area, a lot of the infrastructure still doesn’t get visitors close to the best vantage points.
It is still a very beautiful spot to visit, the lookout bridge provides a spacious area to stop and appreciate the falls, wildlife, and lush surroundings.
Buderim Falls
Buderim Waterfall is located in 45 hectares of lush secluded rainforest. The walking track is predominantly made of timber boardwalk. Once off the boardwalk, it gets a little rocky – but still relatively easy to navigate.
The area has two entries, both have different advantages, however for those with disabilities or low fitness levels, Lindsay Road is the best way to get access to Buderim Forest.
Gardeners Falls
Gardeners Falls is along the Obi Obi Creek, Maleny.
The short 300m trail to the waterfall and swimming hole is a 10-15 minute walk. This spot gets very busy during the summer weekends, so arriving early if you want a decent car park.
This is one of the smaller waterfalls close to Brisbane. Beautiful spot to swim, watch birds or just enjoy nature!
The carpark is at the end of Obi Lane. [Map Directions]