Paradise Found: 8 Incredible Ways to Experience Queensland’s Scenic Rim

Paradise Found: 8 Incredible Ways to Experience Queensland's Scenic Rim - Take a Dip in Natural Springs and Waterfalls

With over 100 cascading waterfalls, the Scenic Rim is a paradise for waterfall chasers and swimming hole fanatics. Take a refreshing dip in the pristine plunge pools and natural springs tucked away in the rainforests and National Parks of this picturesque region.

One of the most popular and accessible swimming spots is Natural Bridge at Springbrook National Park. This unique rock formation creates a natural 'bridge' across a section of Cave Creek, resulting in idyllic swimming holes and small waterfalls. There are a few excellent spots to take a dip, like the 15-metre waterfall and 'Washing Machine' whirlpool. The fresh mountain spring water is beautifully cool and invigorating.
For a remote wilderness experience, head to Denham Falls in Main Range National Park, where you can swim below a breathtaking 120-metre single drop waterfall. This secluded oasis feels a world away thanks to the challenging hike through dense rainforest and rocky terrain. The cool pools around the base of the falls are the perfect refuge after conquering the adventurous 3-hour return walk.
At Cedar Creek, Tamborine Mountain, you can swim in the rock pools and small cascades that stretch across the creek. This spot is popular with families as the water is relatively shallow and gentle. Let the kids play in the rapids and soak up the laidback atmosphere. Entry is free and there are grassy picnic areas dotted along the creek.
Go chasing waterfalls at Lower Portals Day Use Area, where you can take a refreshing dip below the tumbling Upper and Lower Portals falls. Water cascades into large pools fringed by mossy boulders and ferns. There are several excellent lookout points to photograph the falls before taking the plunge yourself.
One of the most spectacular waterfall swims is at Queen Mary Falls, located within Kondalilla National Park. From the viewing platform, you can gaze out at the rock amphitheater and the 90-metre waterfall as it plunges over the cliffs. Take the paved path down to the base of the falls where crystal-clear pools are perfect for swimming on a hot day.
At the sensational Josephine Falls, water tumbles 25 metres into a punchbowl swimming hole surrounded by granite boulders. This secluded natural wonder can be found in Wooroonooran National Park. Be prepared for a 600-step descent to reach the base of the falls and a refreshing swim.

What else is in this post?

1. Paradise Found: 8 Incredible Ways to Experience Queensland's Scenic Rim - Take a Dip in Natural Springs and Waterfalls
2. Paradise Found: 8 Incredible Ways to Experience Queensland's Scenic Rim - Hike Through Lush Rainforests and Wildlife Sanctuaries
3. Paradise Found: 8 Incredible Ways to Experience Queensland's Scenic Rim - Go Whitewater Rafting Down the Albert River

Paradise Found: 8 Incredible Ways to Experience Queensland's Scenic Rim - Hike Through Lush Rainforests and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the ancient rainforests and wildlife sanctuaries of the Scenic Rim on foot. This region is home to some of the most diverse vegetation and ecosystems in all of Australia, with World Heritage-listed national parks protecting lush subtropical rainforest, towering eucalypt forests, and rolling open woodlands.

One of the iconic Scenic Rim hikes is the Garden Track in Lamington National Park. This 6.5km circuit trail winds through palm groves, beside tumbling creeks, and under a shaded canopy of Antarctic beech trees draped in vines and moss. Keep an eye out for rare Albert's lyrebirds scratching through the leaf litter as you traverse sections of cool rainforest and patches of drier eucalypt forest.

For superb wildlife spotting, tackle the Border Track in the UNESCO-protected Gondwana Rainforests. Wander 8km through lush rainforest and you may be rewarded with sightings of yellow-bellied gliders, swamp wallabies, or even the rare Albert's lyrebird. interpretive signs detail the unique plants and animals that have existed here unchanged for millennia.

Main Range National Park is also a hiker's paradise, with excellent day hikes to waterfalls, lookouts, and through ancient Antarctic beech forests. One of the most scenic is the Top of the Gap Trail, a 5km round trip traverse across the top of Queen Mary Falls. Peer over the edge at the 90-metre single drop waterfall then continue through wet eucalypt forest.

In Tamborine National Park, the Curtis Falls Track offers a short 1km walk through palms and vines to a pretty little cascade. Continue on to the Witches Falls circuit (3.5km) to stand atop the basalt rock amphitheater overlooking this spellbinding waterfall.

For sweeping views, make the steep 1.5km ascent up Coulson's Lookout in Wooroonooran National Park. Your efforts will be rewarded with panoramic vistas over the fertile Atherton Tablelands. Then cool off afterwards with a refreshing swim at the waterslide and pools at Millaa Millaa Falls.

Paradise Found: 8 Incredible Ways to Experience Queensland's Scenic Rim - Go Whitewater Rafting Down the Albert River

For thrillseekers, one of the top adventures in the Scenic Rim is conquering the rapids on a whitewater rafting trip down the picturesque Albert River. This action-packed experience offers adrenaline junkies the chance to ride through churning rapids surrounded by stunning scenery.

Trips are suitable for all skill levels, with options ranging from relaxed floats to heart-pumping grade 3-4 rapids. No experience is necessary and you'll be expertly guided downriver by qualified rafting instructors. All equipment and wetsuits are provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure!

The most popular full-day rafting trip departs from the base in Kerry and winds 25km downstream, passing between soaring cliffs in the Mt Barney section of World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park. After a safety briefing, you'll don your wetsuit, lifejacket, helmet and paddle, then launch your raft to ride the sparkling blue waters.
Your guide will expertly navigate through fun little riffles, before tackling more challenging rapids like Goodbye, Surprise, Mystery and Rodeo. You'll whoop with excitement as your raft bucks through churning hydraulics and get drenched by the spray. There's time to rest, swim and marvel at the scenery between rapids.

Lunch and snacks are provided on the banks of the river, where you can soak up views of the surrounding rainforest-cloaked mountains. Friendly guides make the day fun for all ages and fitness levels, sharing their knowledge of local flora, fauna, and Indigenous culture.
Those craving even more of an adrenaline hit can take on the aptly named 'Challenge Raft'. With just four rafters and a guide, this more nimble craft can ride an aggressive line down the biggest drops and most technical rapids. It's a thrilling way to push your limits in a stunning natural setting.
After the on-water action, there's time to relax back at the rafting base with a cold drink while reminiscing over your photos and videos from the day's adventures. Nothing bonds a group quite like tackling a river together!