Your Guide to Magical Waterfalls Near Brisbane

Is your soul 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.

Let our guide to the most beautiful waterfalls near Brisbane be your weekend itinerary.

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.

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 linger a little longer.

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.

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 Falls 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-see 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.

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

Twin Falls, Springbrook National Park

The 40-metre height of Twin Falls is awesome to behold, and is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the Gold Coast hinterland. Found amongst the Gondwana Rainforests of Springbrook National Park, you’ll feel as though you’re stepping into a different time as you wander past ancient trees, and prehistoric ferns. The trail will also take you behind the falls, allowing you to observe this natural wonder from a completely new perspective.

Elabana Falls, Lamington National Park

What’s better than one waterfall? Four waterfalls! The 10.9km Box Forest Circuit Walk will take you through the ancient rainforests of Lamington National Park and past four glorious falls — Tullerigumai Falls, Darragumai Falls, Yanbacoochie Falls and Elabana Falls — the highlight of which is undoubtedly the last. This tiered, cascading waterfall is a photographer’s dream. When it comes time for a swim, save yourself for Picnic Rock Waterhole. There is a small amount of rock hopping required, so be sure to arrive prepared with sturdy footwear.

JC Slaughter Falls

Whilst not quite as dramatic as the falls above, JC Slaughter Falls are the closest of the bunch to Brisbane and offer a chance for you to get your waterfall fix without a long drive. As it’s a shorter walk — around 600m one way — it’s a great one for kids and dogs. Just be sure to head out after decent rain if you want to see the falls in action.

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.

Writer

Lexie Mamo

10 November 2025

Lexie is the Brisbane Editor at Sitchu and has been part of the team since October 2020. Her background lies in fashion eCommerce and content marketing, having worked in digital roles across brands like Lorna Jane, Black Milk Clothing and dk active. A Brisbane native, Lexie covers food, lifestyle, events, and travel guides for the Sunshine State. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, visiting coffee spots or snapping shots of her rescue cat for his Instagram account.