True to her name, Scout has been out searching for waterfalls in the Queensland countryside. Hidden in the gentle folds of the Gympie Region, Kinbombi Falls is not your typical waterfall.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Gubbi Gubbi Nation, the traditional Country of the Gubbi Gubbi people who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Kinbombi Falls is a 1-3 km long waterfall, located in Queensland in the Gympie Region. From Brisbane it should take around 3 hours to reach.

Highlights

Finding Kinbombi Falls

Hidden in the midst of cattle country and the rolling hills of Gympie, you’ll find a little slice of country paradise; Kinbombi Falls. The rivers, creeks and waterfalls run beautifully through the Gympie Region so we thought there was no better place to do some exploring inland.

 

Off the Beaten Track // Kinbombi Falls (QLD), Queensland, Scout Hinchliffe, waterfall, swimming

 

Kinbombi Falls is not plastered all over Instagram and we’d never heard of the place before so we had absolutely no expectations. This was thrilling yet nerve-racking as we didn’t want the four-hour return drive from the Sunshine Coast to be a letdown and a ‘waste of time’.

Arriving at the Kinbombi Falls Rest Area, which would be the perfect free overnight camping escape, we couldn’t see any signs of a watering hole. Keeping our spirits high, we wandered down a dirt trail and were suddenly surprised at what was before us – natural rock pools with trickling cascades flanked by steep rocky cliffs.

 

Off the Beaten Track // Kinbombi Falls (QLD), Queensland, Scout Hinchliffe, waterfall, swimming

 

We spent hours rock hopping through the gorge, spotting turtles, swimming in the refreshing water and enjoying having this hidden gem to ourselves.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track microadventure or a pit stop during your Queensland travels then make note of this natural beauty! Just be sure to plan your adventure to Kinbombi Falls around recent rainfall otherwise you may be let down.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

Essential Gear

  • Swimmers
  • Towel
  • Picnic lunch
  • Camping equipment if you’re staying overnight
  • Camera
  • Rubbish bag

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

How To Get There

Coming from the south, follow the Bruce Highway (A1) through Gympie and keep an eye out for a left hand turn on to the Wide Bay Highway. Continue along the Wide Bay Highway for approx. 56km before turning left on to Kinbombi Road. The rest area is 5km down Kinbombi Road on the left hand side. The area is well signposted so getting lost shouldn’t be a concern.

Skill Level

Beginner

Distance Covered

1-3km (depending on how far up or downstream you want to explore)