Your Guide to Magical Waterfalls Near Brisbane

If the words “Ferntree Gully” mean anything to you, there’s a good chance you might enjoy this article.

If your soul is yearning for some lush greenery, sparkling streams and the roaring majesty of a natural waterfall, we think it’s time you packed your hiking boots and your water bottle and headed out into one of the national parks or hinterland areas just a short drive from our bustling city.

We’ve curated a few hidden gems for your next weekend adventure here in our guide to the most beautiful waterfalls near Brisbane for a scenic escape.

Kondalilla Falls, Montville

This little spot just outside of Montville is one of the lesser-known parks but is well worth exploring. With picture-perfect picnic spots and a beautiful rock pool for refreshing dips, Kondalilla Falls is a gorgeous waterfall near Brisbane to visit on a weekend day trip. The 90-metre waterfall has long been a popular retreat for locals to cool off and reconnect with nature.

It’s an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, plus this national park is so near to Brisbane that you won’t even tire of the car ride to or from.

Kondalilla Falls Circuit, Montville

Serenity Falls, Buderim

In search of serenity? You’ll find it here. Serenity Falls is a short distance from Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, and the perfect place to escape to and quiet your mind. Also known as Buderim Falls, you’ve likely spotted this popular watering hole across social media.

Surrounded by 45 hectares of national park beauty, the waterfall flows year-round. But it’s even better after some rainfall when the water swells and flows with a little more energy than usual.

Quorn Close, Buderim

Cedar Creek Falls, Tamborine

A hidden gem in the hinterland, Cedar Creek Falls is a beautiful destination to find yourself arriving at, after a walk along a winding path. Wander through the gorgeous green bushland, dense with trees, bushes and native wildlife.

Cedar Creek Falls is a wonderful place to take a dip in the freshwater, after warming up on a bushwalk, or a morning spent exploring the mountain. Extend your stay by booking in some cosy accommodation at Mount Tamborine, so you can stay a little longer and explore some of the most beautiful waterfalls near Brisbane in Queensland.

76 Cedar Creek Falls Road, Tamborine Mountain

Curtis Falls, Tamborine

If you decide to spend some time lingering in the stunning surroundings of Mount Tamborine, here’s another beautiful waterfall near you to explore. Curtis Falls can be found after a short, one-kilometre walk (however it is considered a Grade 3 walk, which just means there are some steep parts and moderate difficulty).

Your reward after your bushwalk will be the sight and sound of the Falls, which may be a gentle curtain of water, or a powerful flow depending on the season and recent weather.  You might be lucky enough to spot a platypus or glow worm on your wander, as this area is no stranger to wildlife.

Sitchu Tip: Swimming isn’t permitted at the Curtis Fall rock pools, in order to protect the platypus and other native wildlife, so there’s no need to pack your togs on this walk.

16 Eagle Heights Road, Eagle Heights

Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook

Springbrook National Park is a popular and important part of Queensland’s native heritage, forming part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia area.

Wander through towering ancient trees and lush plants as you make your way to Purling Brook Falls, one of the must-do waterfalls near Brisbane. The hike to Purling Brook takes around 1.5 hours and is considered Grade 3 (moderate difficulty), so comfortable walking shoes are advised.

But once you arrive at this magnificent spot, you can reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the deep pool at the base of the waterfall.

25-33 Kuralboo Street, Springbrook

Queen Mary Falls, Main Range National Park

One of the most underrated, hidden gem waterfalls near Brisbane is the Queen Mary Falls in Main Range National Park. A popular spot for bushwalking and wildlife spotting, this rugged and mountainous landscape boasts soaring views of the waterfall cascading over the clifftop, or you can take the other trail to find yourself at the base of the falls.

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on your way out of the park, as you’ll have certainly worked up an appetite by the end of your exploration!

670 Spring Creek Road, The Falls

Now that you’ve discovered the best waterfalls in Brisbane, Queensland to explore, why not set your sights on a new horizon? We’ve discovered the top things to do in the Daintree rainforest for a dreamy holiday. Hungry for a hike? Explore our favourite walking tracks around Brisbane.