7 Best Hikes Near Brisbane with Waterfalls 2023

Lisa’s been scouring the Queensland countryside in search of waterfalls and boy did she find some beauties. Here’s her top pick of waterfall hikes near Brisbane!

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Looking for a hike near Brisbane with a waterfall (or three) thrown in for good measure? These hikes are stunning in their own right, but with the added promise of some stunning falling water, and maybe even a pool at the bottom for swimming, who could resist?

Let’s go chasing waterfalls Brisbane!

Also Read:

• Best Swimming Holes in Brisbane [Dog-Friendly included]
• Best Beaches to Drive on Near Brisbane
• Best Fishing Spots Near Brisbane

7 Best Waterfall Hikes Near Brisbane

1. Cronan Creek Falls

Location: Mt Barney National Park
Distance: 13km round trip
Duration: 4-5 hours

Cronan Creek Falls is a hidden gem of South East Queensland – and it’s accessible for beginner hikers. The falls are located in the foothills of the magnificent Mt Barney.

To get there, you’ll pass Mt Barney to your right and Mt Ernest on your left as you traverse the fire trail up to the falls. The trail follows Cronan Creek, which also makes for some scenic photo ops. The falls sit off the fire trail and you’ll need to do a short bush bash to get to the base. Plan for around 4-5 hours for the 13km round trip, starting from the Yellow Pinch Reserve car park.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

2. Warrie Circuit

Location: Springbrook National Park
Distance: 14km return
Duration: 6+ hours

Along the Warrie Circuit you’ll come across not just one waterfall, but up to ten if there’s been recent rain. My favourites along the track are Rainbow Falls and Goomoolahra Falls. It’s best to do the circuit anti-clockwise. The return hike from Tallanbanna Picnic Area – bypassing Twin Falls on the way back – is nearly 20km in total. You should allow up to eight hours to complete this circuit.

Because the hike is so beautiful, you’re sure to be stopping to take in the views all the time! Another great waterfall hike in Springbrook National Park is to the base of Purling Brook Falls. Warrie Circuit is 14km return.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

3. Coomera Circuit

Location: Lamington National Park
Distance: 17.4km return
Duration: 6 hours

The Coomera Circuit was the first waterfall hike I did and left me craving more! It’s a great one for hikers wanting to get some more distance on the legs – as well as take in the beautiful scenery in Lamington National Park.

The hike is 17.4km return and starts from the Border Track in the Binna Burra section of the national park. You’ll pass the beautiful Coomera Gorge and Coomera Falls along the track, as well as the Bahnamboola and Neerigomindalala waterfalls. Allow about six hours for the return hike.

4. Green Mountains Section

Location: Lamington National Park
Distance: 10.9km-21.8km
Duration: Varies

Coomera Circuit isn’t the only fabulous waterfall hiking trail in Lamington National Park. On the Green Mountains side, you’re spoilt for choice and I can’t pick just one trail. Choose your own adventure from the Box Forest, Albert River or Tooloona Creek circuits. These hikes vary in distance from 10.9km to 21.8km return, and all start on the Border Track near O’Reilly’s Guesthouse.

Be warned – watch out for leeches in these parts. You’ll need to bring insect repellent with you and it’s a good idea to wear long pants and sleeves.

Read more: Leeches: How To Remove, Avoid, and Appreciate Them

5. Larapinta Falls

Location: Lamington National Park
Distance: 10km
Duration: 4+ hours

Larapinta Falls rates high on my list of the best waterfall hikes near Brisbane – but this hike is harder than the rest. The trail’s not maintained and is hidden in a remote section of Lamington National Park on the Christmas Creek side. It’ll take you about three hours one way to get to the falls, which includes a 1km rock hop.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

The trail follows Christmas Creek most of the way, however you may have to divert occasionally due to tree falls and erosion. The waterfall is worth the effort, and the walk in is equally as scenic as the destination. As you make your way up Christmas Creek, you’ll pass glistening cascades among the lush rainforest.

To get to the base of Larapinta Falls, drive to the end of Christmas Creek Road, follow Christmas Creek for about 90 minutes, then start the rock hop upstream. The rocks can be really slippery (which makes the hike hard work) so extra care needs to be taken. Allow at least 5-6 hours for the return trip.

Photo by Michael Gosman

6. Minyon Falls

Location: Nightcap National Park
Distance: 7.5km
Duration: 3 hours

Across the Queensland border, but still only a two-hour drive from Brisbane, is Minyon Falls.

The 7.5km circuit route to the base of the 100-metre Minyon Falls starts from the falls lookout. The trail then heads down the ridge through beautiful rainforest. There’s a short rock hop to reach the base. The return route takes you up the other side of the ridge, passing the Minyon Grass Lookout and its distant view back to the falls. Allow about three hours for the return trip.

@wanderlustofdill

7. Queen Mary Falls

Location: Nightcap National Park
Distance: 2km
Duration: 1 hour

Standing at the base of Queen Mary Falls is a must-do for any outdoor lover. You’ll be in awe of the striking falls as they cascade 40 metres down the cliff face. The circuit to the base of the falls is only short at 2km, but you can also get some more waterfall action at nearby Daggs Falls and Brown Falls. Queen Mary Falls can be accessed off Spring Creek Road at Killarney, about a two hour drive south-west of Brisbane.

Waterfall Hikes Near Brisbane FAQs

Can you swim at Queen Mary Falls?

Unfortunately, no there is no swimming at Queen Mary Falls, although it’s a beautiful waterfall hike nonetheless!

How long is the walk at Queen Mary Falls?

The walk to Queen Mary Falls is approximately 40 minutes, depending on your pace.

How long is the Minyon Falls Walk?

The Minyon Falls walk is a 7.5km circuit that should take around 3 hours to complete

How far is Minyon Falls from Byron Bay?

Minyon Falls is around a 45 minute drive from Byron Bay

Waterfall Hikes Near Brisbane

So there you have it! Some of the most scenic hikes near Brisbane with waterfalls along the way! From some of the highest waterfalls in the state and even across the border in NSW, these hikes with waterfalls are a delight to trek, even in the rain.

Read more: 7 Tips for Rainy Day Hiking

Get out there!