Phew, it’s getting hot out there! Thankfully, as well as stunning beaches, the Sunshine Coast is blessed with an abundance of natural swimming holes and waterfalls. With idyllic natural surrounds, crystal clear waters and often being a few degrees cooler than the beaches, a swimming hole on the Sunshine Coast is the perfect way to cool down and enjoy some water play with the kids.
Natural swimming holes on the Sunshine Coast for kids
Ewen Maddock Dam
Ewen Maddock Dam is a man-made dam located near Landsborough on the Sunshine Coast. It’s a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and swimming. The dam provides a large, calm, and clear body of water that is ideal for families with young children or non-swimmers. There is plenty of grass around the dam, making it a great place for a picnic and a run-around for the kids. There are also picnic tables, barbecues and toilets available, so you can stay for a day.
Gardners Falls
Serene and scenic, Gardners Falls in Maleny offers a safe and family-friendly swimming area. Park in the car park on the banks of the Obi Obi Creek and it’s only a short walk downstream to the falls with a shallow pool and small cascading falls. There aren’t any amenities here but Maleny is nearby, with plenty of places to eat and refuel.
Wappa Falls
Wappa Falls in Yandina is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by tropical rainforest. Offering a refreshing swimming hole with a clear pool, there’s a gentle waterfall that’s perfect for families to enjoy. The area also has picnic tables, barbecues and a playground, making it a great place to spend a morning.
Wappa Falls on the Sunshine Coast. Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Fairy Pools
Montville’s Fairy Pools are an idyllic series of natural swimming holes, offering crystal-clear water and small cascading waterfalls. There are also picnic tables where you can stay for a picnic, or head into Montville for a bite to eat at one of the many family friendly eateries. You can’t beat the waffles at Waffle-On Stroopwafels!
Imbil Swimming Hole
This natural swimming spot is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a clear and refreshing swimming hole with a lush backdrop. The water is fed by a nearby creek, creating a truly tranquil place to spend an afternoon. There are picnic tables and barbecue facilities here.
Kondalilla Falls
Kondalilla Falls in Montville is a stunning Sunshine Coast waterfall surrounded by tropical rainforest. There is a safe and shallow pool for families to swim and play in and banks to sit back and take in the gorgeous scenery.
Family enjoying a swim at a waterfall and natural swimming hole on the Sunshine Coast. Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
The Rock Pools
The Rock Pools in Mapleton are a series of natural swimming holes surrounded by lush vegetation and unique rock formations. The pools are filled with crystal-clear water and have small cascading waterfalls that are perfect for families to enjoy. There are picnic tables and barbecue facilities nearby, making it a convenient and family-friendly natural swimming hole.
Baroon Pocket Dam
Baroon Pocket Dam in Montville is a man-made dam surrounded by lush vegetation. The waters are clear and calm, perfect for swimming and fishing. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the banks.
Buderim Falls
These stunning falls with a natural swimming hole is in Buderim Forest Park. It can be accessed along the forest park trail. Watch for plenty of wildlife along the walk and the cool off in the crystal-clear waters and gentle waterfall.
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Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids events, attractions & things to do with kids, schools and education, school holiday guides, health & wellbeing for families, parenting and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.
