Eight Stunning Swimming Spots In and Around Brisbane to Cool Off In This Summer

For a staycation that will feel a world away from the everyday, The Calile Hotel offers a luxurious oasis in the middle of Fortitude Valley. This is not your average hotel pool. Surrounded by sun-soaked stone, pastel green retro lounges and waterside cocktail service, it evokes mid-century Mediterranean glamour. Take in an endless blue sky as you backstroke lazily under the swaying palms. Then, as evening draws in, retire to a cabana for a casual poolside dinner from the hotel’s Greek restaurant, Hellenika. Frankly, it’s the next best thing to the Euro trip you couldn’t have.

Image: Sean Fennessy

Get away from it all at South Gorge Beach. This secret slice of island paradise requires a full day trip (or overnight stay), but it’s worth it. Catch a ferry from Cleveland to North Stradbroke, then head to the little seaside town of Point Lookout. South Gorge Beach is tucked away like a precious jewel beside the bigger Main Beach. Your reward for the long journey? Pristine blue waters that are yours for the swimming. The astonishing, unspoiled views don’t hurt either. This is a prime example of the glorious white sand beaches Queensland is famous for. When you’ve had your fun, you can hit the walking tracks for some sweeping coastline vistas, take advantage of numerous beautiful picnic spots or just hit Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club for a drink.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

An enchanting swimming experience awaits a mere one-hour drive from Brisbane CBD. Park at the Cedar Creek Falls car park then follow a short track along the gorge lookout all the way to the pools. Greenery and scrub overhang on rocky outcrops and frame the waterfall as it tumbles into the natural swimming pools below. The water is remarkably cool even when the pool catches full sunlight. Lay on the warm rocks to soak up the summer heat, then splash into the water for a quick rejuvenation. Rinse and repeat until refreshed. There are picnic tables and barbecues, so bring the esky and some pals and share a magical day of waterfall bathing.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

How about an under-sea exploration on a tropical island right in your own backyard? Take the Micat ferry from Brisbane to Moreton Island, and discover Tangalooma Wrecks. This collection of 15 scuttled ships provides an ever-changing underwater landscape of live coral, fish and even the occasional dolphin or dugong. Don’t have snorkelling equipment? Just join a tour that will also drop you out near the wrecks. When you’ve finished exploring the sunken trove of sea life, return to shore and slowly wander back along the white sands to Tangalooma Resort — you’re on island time, now.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Think the Gold Coast is just beaches? Think again. After an hour’s drive from Brisbane, you’ll find a freshwater mountain creek in the Currumbin Valley. The pools are a network of connected waters, winding around bushland and rocks to form mini swimming holes that vary from wadeable to ‘my feet can’t touch the bottom’. You could spend all afternoon exploring the nooks and curves of this creek and scrambling around rocks and waterfalls. Or, just pick your ideal spot for floating around and stay there. There’s lots of space to share — which is a good thing because this is a popular spot. Refuel with a barbecue or picnic on the lawn under the lush, tropical slopes of the forest.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Following a short walk from the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, you’ll find the ever-popular, heritage-listed swimming area, Enoggera Reservoir. Here, swimmers and nature lovers converge where green, gently sloping banks meet the cool waters. If you fancy a bit of exploration beyond the barriers, hire a canoe or paddleboat from Walkabout Creek Adventures. There are no tables, barbecues or covered areas at this spot, but the lawn is just begging for your finest picnic spread. What the native canopies lack in shade, they more than make up for in wildlife, especially rare birds. The car park fills up fast on weekends, so arrive early.

Image: JulieMay54, Wikimedia Commons

This is one for the adventure seekers who really, really want to get away from it all and head into the bush. The track to the Lower Portals starts from the car park, about a two-hour drive from Brisbane CBD. A 3.7-kilometre hike will take you up and over hills, traversing creeks, eucalypt woodland and boulder-strewn scrub to reach your reward. Mount Barney Creek opens out and deepens into a rock pool surrounded by a natural stone gorge. With mountain-chilled water and patches of shade, it’s the perfect cool down after that trek. Plus, the hike means this beautiful spot is unlikely to be super busy, even on weekends. If you need a bit more time with the tranquility, you can camp downstream and make a mini break of it.

Image: Tatiana Gerus via Flickr

Some days you just want a quick, no-fuss dip close to home. Ithaca Pool in Paddington is the most convenient way to cool off, making it a perfect choice for last-minute plans. This 25-metre outdoor pool has lap lanes for serious swimmers, plus a recreational space for casual splashers. Relax post-swim in the grassy park and shaded areas beside the pool, kicking back with an ice cream or cold drink from the cafe. Or, since it’s so close to Caxton Street, you can just shower and head straight to the bars.