Overview
There are swimming holes, and then there are swimming holes — and yes, there is a difference between the two. In the first camp, you'll find all the standard haunts that those seeking a splashing good time rush to, aka the usual beaches and pools. But in the second category lurks spots that are a little further off the beaten path, just waiting for the adventurous and the curious. They're the kind of places where you can soak up the benefits of tea trees, scramble over rocks to secret coastal pockets and look out from waterfall caves.
Here's our list for the most unusual swimming holes to try around Brisbane. Put these on your summer itinerary and check them off one by one.
Tourism and Events Queensland
FOR WAVES: CHAMPAGNE POOLS, FRASER ISLAND
As far as natural phenomena go, seaside pools are up there with the best of them. You get the benefits of a dip in the ocean and a place to wade about. Located between Waddy Point and Indian Head just up from 75 Mile beach, Fraser Island's Champagne Pools offer both, as well as the only place on the landmass that allows saltwater swimming. The real source of their attraction, though, is the sensation that gives them their name. Here, as the waves crash over the pools, the foam that remains fizzes, leaving bathers feeling like they're soaking in a splash of sparkling goodness.
Tatters via Flickr
FOR ADVENTURE: LOWER PORTALS, MOUNT BARNEY
As many a cliche reminds us, the destination isn't the only source of fun to be found when venturing away from the usual haunts — the journey is just as important. Heading for a swim at Mount Barney's Lower Portals ticks both boxes, particularly for those keen for a hike and then a dip to cool off afterwards. To get to the gorge that keeps people trekking to Queensland's most impressive peak — after you've driven from Brisbane and through Beaudesert and Rathdowney, that is — you can choose to wade along a creek or slither through a hole in a cave. Adventurous sorts will opt for the latter.
Duranbah Beach, Tourism and Events Queensland
FOR SNORKELLING: SPIRAL BEACH, COOLANGATTA
If you're thinking about snorkelling in Queensland, you're likely thinking about the Great Barrier Reef. But venturing up north isn't the kind of thing you can just do for the day, so thankfully the Tweed area boasts the southeast's best spot to don a mask and flippers. Even though Spiral Beach — located just past Duranbah Beach near Coolangatta — is actually in New South Wales, us Sunshine Staters will still claim it as our own. If you haven't heard of it before, that's because it's really considered a local secret. At high tide, you'll discover why: that's when the soft coral is visible, as is the brightly coloured marine life.
Richard Ryde via Flickr.
FOR HEALING: LAKE AINSWORTH, LENNOX HEAD
Don't shy away from the discoloured waters of Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head — or its healing powers, either. As well as being a great place to paddle, kayak and canoe, the secluded, amber-stained spot is infused with the properties of the neighbouring tea trees, and is said to have rejuvenating benefits as a result. That's the reason it was historically embraced by Indigenous communities and used as a women's swimming hole for post-childbirth soothing. To enjoy its restorative powers, you'll need to head over the border and towards Ballina — trust us, this therapeutic freshwater swim is worth driving interstate for.
lilianedeazevedo via Instagram.
FOR THRILLS: FAIRY POOLS, NOOSA NATIONAL PARK
As the name suggests, there's something magical about the Sunshine Coast's Fairy Pools, which can be found in Noosa National Park at Noosa Heads. These oceanside tidal basins are best visited when water levels are high, which is when you'll spy colourful fish, coral and sponges — plus enjoy a vigorous blast from the lively waves that come crashing towards the shoreline. At times, you might need to wade and splash through the energetic spray more than actually swim in it. But, if slipping into the secluded pools by the sea isn't enough of a thrill, the trek there — which involves climbing down the rocky face of the headland, sans path or official walking track — should definitely help get your adrenaline pumping.
Destination NSW
FOR VIEWS: MINYON FALLS, NIGHTCAP NATIONAL PARK
Imagine relaxing in a natural pool of water while looking up at 100 metres of glistening rainforest and an unbelievably steep cliff face. At Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park — located in the hinterland just outside of Byron Bay — there's no need to engage your brain's creative faculties, because that's exactly what you'll find. While gazing out from the lookout above is the more popular pastime, the view from below is just as majestic; but be sure to check what the weather before you make the trek, because this spot is at its best when the water is really flowing.
Note: Minyon Falls is currently closed for upgrades until December 23. Before you head out, check for the latest alerts on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
Visit Sunshine Coast
FOR SECLUSION: SERENITY FALLS, BUDERIM FOREST PARK
A place that's less than a 30-minute drive from both Buderim and the coastline might not seem like it should be secluded, but these falls offer a truly hidden paradise. The Serenity Falls in Buderim Forest Park are aptly named for the relaxed state of nature-induced bliss you'll find here. Indeed, this watery wonderland is set in the midst of 45 hectares of rainforest and feels like you're stepping into a world far removed from the beach and town nearby. Just make sure you time your trip to coincide with recent rainfall, otherwise you'll be paddling in ponds rather than swimming in a rockpool.
Destination NSW
FOR CAVE DWELLING: KILLEN FALLS, TINTENBAR
Everyone loves a waterfall you can walk behind, which already puts Killen Falls in northern New South Wales on many a must-visit list. Here, just a short two-hour drive from Brisbane, you can swim in the mist of the waterfall-fed basin — but that's not all. For those keen on holing away in a rocky retreat, you can crawl into the crevice that lurks behind the cascading water and watch the stream of spray tumble down. With the beach in such close proximity, it's not a tourist hot-spot, which means there's more chilled-out cave and lagoon dwelling for you to enjoy without the crowds.
Tourism and Events Queensland
FOR NUDITY: NORTH BELONGIL BEACH, NEAR BYRON
If you're a Queenslander fond of sunning yourself in your birthday suit, then you'd best hit the road. Nude bathing isn't actually legal in the Sunshine State, but North Belongil Beach near Byron Bay will let you indulge in this pastime. Just look for the end of Grays Lane, south of the picnic area — about four kilometres north of the main Byron turnoff. Be sure to check that you're in the clothing-optional section before you disrobe, though, as only a 600-metre stretch of the beach is nudist friendly. Signs at the Tyagarah Nature Reserve carpark will point you in the right direction.
Note: you'll also be in the thick of a national park, which means you'll have to pay a daily visit fee — but $8 is a small price to pay for some sun, sea and sans-clothes freedom.