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I love chasing waterfalls. Sometimes I go a bit overboard and end up planning multiple weekends in a row around them. Over the years, I’ve visited quite a few waterfalls near Brisbane, and these are my favourites – the ones I think are absolutely worth the drive and walk.
You’ll find a map at the end of the article.
1. Natural Bridge (Springbrook National Park)
Natural Bridge is one of the most unique waterfalls near Brisbane. The waterfall actually flows into a cave, and at night you can see a colony of glow worms inside – which makes it feel almost surreal.
It does get busy on weekends, especially in good weather, so I recommend visiting early in the morning or outside peak holiday periods. When it’s quiet, there’s a real sense of magic in the cave and surrounding rainforest.
The walk is an easy 1 km circuit, and it’s about 1.5 hours from Brisbane by car.
2. Elabana Falls (Lamington National Park)
Elabana Falls is tucked away in Lamington National Park, about two hours from Brisbane. You need to hike a bit to reach it, but that’s part of what makes it so special. The feeling of being surrounded by dense rainforest and stepping into something more remote really adds to the experience.
If you’re keen on a longer walk, don’t stop at Elabana Falls. Continue along the Toolona Creek Circuit, which leads you to several other smaller, quieter waterfalls that feel even more intimate.
3. Serenity Falls (Buderim Forest)
Serenity Falls is located in Buderim Forest Park, just over an hour from Brisbane.
The name alone attracts a lot of visitors, and the short rainforest walk can get quite busy. The waterfall itself isn’t the most dramatic near Brisbane, but I like the different viewing angles along the track and the small cascades just before the main falls. It’s also a nice spot for photography.
Because it’s close to the coast, you can easily combine it with a beach stop afterwards.
4. Curtis Falls (Mount Tamborine)
Curtis Falls is one of the closest waterfalls to Brisbane, about 50 km from the city.
The short rainforest walk leads to a viewing platform overlooking the falls, rock pool, and lush surrounding forest. It’s my favourite waterfall in Mount Tamborine for a quick nature fix.
You can’t swim here, but the atmosphere is still beautiful, especially after rain. Nearby, Cedar Creek Falls is also popular in summer and better suited if you’re looking for swimming spots.
Mount Tamborine itself is a great day trip if you want to combine waterfalls, rainforest walks, and wineries.
5. Twin Falls (Springbrook National Park)
Twin Falls Circuit is probably my favourite waterfall circuit near Brisbane after heavy rain.
It’s a 4 km loop and takes around 1.5 hours to drive from Brisbane to the trailhead. What makes it so special is that you actually walk behind the waterfalls – something you don’t get to do often.
The track is well maintained and easy to follow, and the rainforest setting makes it feel like a proper escape without being too far or too difficult. It’s one of those walks that feels rewarding from start to finish rather than just at the viewpoint, which makes it one of the most popular walks in Springbrook National Park.
6. Purling Brook Falls (Springbrook National Park)
Purling Brook Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls near Brisbane, with a dramatic 100-metre drop into the gorge below.
There are a couple of ways to experience it. You can do the 4 km circuit walk, which takes you down into the rainforest and around the base of the falls, or you can simply stay at the top and stop at the lookouts near the car park for a quicker visit.
The viewpoint from the top is stunning, especially after heavy rain when the water is really flowing. The base walk is more immersive, with lush rainforest, a hanging bridge, and a proper sense of scale when you’re standing beneath the cliff line.
It can get busy, but it still feels worth it because of how dramatic the landscape is. If you only have time for one waterfall in Springbrook, this is usually the one I’d suggest.
7. Queen Mary Falls
Queen Mary Falls is an easy and rewarding stop in the Scenic Rim. The short walk takes you down to the base of the falls, to see them from different angles.
It’s just over two hours from Brisbane, but the drive through the Scenic Rim is part of the experience. I’d recommend taking your time and making a full day of it if you can.
8. Kondalilla Falls (Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
Kondalilla Falls is about 1.5 hours from Brisbane in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The rainforest circuit is around 5 km and includes a steep descent (and climb back up) via a lot of stairs, but it’s worth it for the 80 m drop into the gorge below.
If you’re staying nearby, Kondalilla Falls Eco Resort is a nice option for a quiet rainforest escape. You can also combine this with nearby Gheerulla Falls or Gardners Falls.
9. Cedar Creek Waterfall (Samford)
Cedar Creek Waterfall is not the most dramatic waterfall near Brisbane, but it’s one of the easiest to access.
It’s only about 50 minutes from the CBD, and the short 1 km walk follows the creek with a bit of rock hopping along the way. It’s a good option if you want something close to the city.
10. J C Slaughter Falls (Mount Coo-Tha)
J C Slaughter Falls is very close to Brisbane – only about 15 minutes from the CBD.
The truth is, it’s often dry. But after heavy rain, it can be worth the quick visit. The best views are from the Aboriginal Art Trail, which also makes for a nice short walk in Mount Coot-tha Forest.
