Currumbin Rock Pool

Overview

Think the Gold Coast is just beaches? Think again. Just over 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