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After not being able to travel for 3 years due to covid 19 that stopped the whole world from travelling, we finally got to travel interstate to Queensland to visit my sister as we had flight vouchers that were going to expire soon. I waited as long as possible to travel because I didn’t want to do any covid 19 tests.

My partner and I love visiting waterfalls and taking lots of pictures and videos. The ones in this post are the best waterfalls worth visiting while in Queensland, and are short walks to get to each one. The best water falls worth seeing are Queen Mary Falls, Daggs Falls, Brown’s Falls, Curtis Falls and Cedar Creek Falls.

I was staying around Brisbane so the drive to get to Queen Mary Falls, Daggs Falls and Browns Falls, was 2 hours and 30 minutes usually but ended up being 3 hours due to a detour we had to take to get up the mountain because the road was closed.

Curtis Falls and Cedar Creek Falls I did on another day at Mt Tamborine which was 1 hour drive from Brisbane and Gold Coast.

The regions surrounding the Gold Coast and Brisbane are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, offering a plethora of outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts. Among the many attractions, the waterfalls stand out as some of the most captivating. From hidden gems tucked away in lush rainforests to majestic cascades accessible via scenic trails, these waterfalls provide a refreshing escape and a chance to connect with the serene landscapes of Southeast Queensland. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a picturesque spot to unwind, exploring the top waterfalls near the Gold Coast and Brisbane promises an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking views and tranquil moments.

Table of Contents

Queen Mary Falls

I did the 2km circuit track that took 1 hour to walk the whole track, including some stops to view the falls at the bottom. If you go to the right of the track it is an easy walk with no steps and there is a lookout, if you go to the left of the track there are steep steps going down.

It’s an easy to moderate walk down to the falls and back up to the picnic area. The whole walk is really shaded from the tall trees and at the bottom, the bridge near the waterfall gives you the best view looking up at the waterfall with no trees in your way. There is a lookout at the top with an amazing view looking straight down. The day I visited there was a steady flow of water because it had just rained. The best time to visit any waterfall is when it was just rained because there will be more flow of water but just be careful walking on the tracks due to mud and its more slippery.

Queen Mary Falls is suitable for kids as it is an easy and short walk and is free. If you start at the right side of the track it is suitable for prams and wheelchairs but you will have to walk back the same way because there are steps on the left side of the circuit.

There is the Queen Mary Caravan Park right opposite the carpark/picnic area that does takeaway food/drink and has a gift store. There are King Parrots that are super friendly and land on your arm and head. The picnic area has toilets, BBQ’s that are Electric/fuel barbecue (free of charge), picnic tables with seats. There are lots of shade under the eucalyptus forest which is perfect to get out of the extreme heat and catch up with family and friends.

This is the bridge that crosses over the river and joins the circuit track together. It is amazing seeing the waterfall up close and how big it is, with misty rain coming off the waterfall.

Queen Mary Falls 31st July 2022 — Queen Mary Falls July 2022

If you walk from the picnic area to the right track you will end up with this view from the lookout, or come up to this lookout from the bottom walking track like I did.

I took these photos on an iPhone, if you want to get a similar look when you take your pictures then just switch Live mode on and hold still while you take the picture. Find the picture in photos and up the top left there is a drop down to change the mode to long exposure. Then you will get the same motion blur photo of the waterfall. Just make sure you hold still or it will be a blurring mess! Just remember to turn off Live mode so your next photos don’t end up being weird.

This is the view from the top lookout looking down at Queen Mary Falls. The best time to visit waterfalls in Queensland is over winter when it has rained but isn’t stinking hot and humid. I went up the at the end of July and first week of August.

I did the circuit walk so you get to walk along next to the river which is quite relaxing and enjoyable. I definitely recommend the circuit if you can manage the steps and some up-hill walking going back. These are just some more pictures I took along the path.

River on Queen Mary waterfall walk July 2022

Daggs Falls

Daggs falls is a 10 metre walk from the carpark to the viewing platform, it is perfect for anyone. There is no walk down to get closer to the waterfall.

The view of Daggs Falls from the viewing platform.

To get this streak look, I have a IPhone 12 in the camera area there is a Live button that when you select it, it takes a long exposure, when you go to view it in the photo gallery it will have this affect. Just remember to turn off the setting.

Dagg Falls 31 July 2022 — Daggs Falls 31 July 2022

Browns Falls

Browns falls is a harder for access because when it has rained its hard to cross over the river because the path ends and access is on the other side of the river, the rocks and log are slippery so I didn’t attempt to cross over, but my family members were able to cross over safely. When there is less rain it would be easy to cross the river but there wouldn’t be much water at the waterfall.

This waterfall is not suitable for kids, prams or wheelchairs to walk to, but its the perfect place to stop for kids as there is a playground and toilet in the picnic area with tables and chairs.

The bridge at the start of Browns Falls walk that cross’s under the road.

Browns Falls 31 July 2022. The entrance to the falls.

This is the part where you have to cross the river to get to the other side because the track ends, it’s not easy to get to the other side because the rocks and log are slippery so be careful when crossing.

River crossing that is hard to cross. Browns Falls 31 July 2022 — River crossing that is hard to cross. Browns Falls July 2022

I didn’t cross the river, so a family member took these photos. This is Browns Falls below

Browns Falls 31 July 2022 — River cascades at Browns Falls July 2022

Be careful when taking photos at Brown’s Falls because the rocks are slippery. The best time to see waterfalls are in Queensland winter, and when it has just rained because there will be more water flowing over the waterfall.

Curtis Falls

Curtis Falls is at Mt Tamborine, the walk to the waterfall is only 1.5km moderate walk. The carpark can fit a couple of buses as well as cars. It is the perfect short walk for anyone and is very popular. Most people stop in at The Pavilion that has a lovely garden setting before or after seeing the waterfall. Curtis Falls sits right next to the main road so see if you can spot it before entering. I was amazed with the waterfall at how much water was flowing over. There is no picnic area but there are toilets and rubbish bin outside the entrance. The toilets at Curtis Falls, they are small and only one toilet each for male and female.

This is a really good walk for kids because its short, easy and free but it can get really busy. No swimming at this one. Not suitable for prams and wheelchairs because there are lots of steps.

The carpark at Curtis Falls 5th August 2022. — The carpark at Curtis Falls August 2022.

At the start of the walk there is food and drink available at the Pavilion cafe.

The Pavilion at Curtis Falls for food and drink after seeing the waterfall 5th August 2022. — The Pavilion at Curtis Falls for food and drink after seeing the waterfall August 2022.

The toilets are Curtis Falls 5th August 2022. — The toilets at Curtis Falls August 2022.

The track to the waterfall begins here. Midway through, you’ll encounter numerous steps. Be sure to notice a few impressive large trees along the way. The steps are not very steep and are easy to descend.

Pictures of the walking track to Curtis Falls in August 2022

Finally at the waterfall there is a nice viewing platform with a great view of the falls.

Curtis Waterfall 5th August 2022. — Curtis Waterfall August 2022.

Curtis Falls 5th August 2022. — Curtis Falls August 2022.

Using the iPhone you can zoom as well and get a closer picture without sacrificing picture quality.

Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls is at the bottom of Mt Tamborine, close to Thunderbird Park. It is well signed you can’t miss the turn off from either way. There is a picnic area with BBQ’s and table and chairs. There is a lookout about 500 metres from the car park that is paved for easy access for wheelchairs and prams. Once you arrive at the lookout you can follow the track down weaving through rainforest to 3 rock pools.

This is a kid friendly walk that is easy and free, on a hot day its the perfect place to cool off in the rock pool.

This is suitable for prams and wheelchairs when you just go to the first lookout, after that there are lots of steps going down to the waterfall.

A toilet block is located at the start of the walk. The walk is quite easy to the first viewing platforms and then goes into steps down to the rock pools, these are shown below.

Photos from the top lookout, there are a few spots on the walk to take photos.

Cedar Creek Falls 5th August 2022 — Cedar Creek Falls August 2022.

Once you go down another lot of stairs and the track takes you to the rock pools where you can see another couple of falls.

Cedar Creek Falls from the bottom rock pool area, you can swim at this waterfall.

If you go down some more rocks to the right you will get another waterfall just past the rock pools. Just be careful as it can be slippery.

Another view of the creek and some more falls from the track.

Cedar Creek Falls at the bottom, I am standing on a big flat rock, its easy to walk around at the bottom, just be careful if the rocks are wet because they will be slippery.

Must-Have Packing List

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Tours and Activities

Accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest waterfall near Brisbane?

Wallaman Falls – Australia’s Tallest Waterfall

Cascading off the gorge’s cliff face, the water plunges dramatically, offering a stunning view over the lush green rainforest below. Situated north of Townsville, Wallaman Falls is an essential stop on the drive between Brisbane and Cairns.

Can you swim at Queen Mary Falls?

While swimming isn’t allowed at Queen Mary Falls, you can take a quick 600-meter trek through the bush to nearby Browns Falls, which offers a beautiful swimming area. Be aware that there is no clearly defined trail and some rock scrambling is required, but the refreshing swim at the end is well worth the effort.

Can you swim at Curtis Falls Mount Tamborine?

Curtis Falls, Tamborine Mountain

Swimming is not permitted at this waterfall to protect the resident platypus and glow worms in the national park. However, the stunning scenery is more than enough to captivate you. You might find yourself wanting to extend your visit—and if you do, we’ve got plenty of other activities lined up for you.

How long is the walk at Queen Mary Falls?

Embark on the easy Queen Mary Falls circuit, a 40-minute walk that leads you from the lookouts at the top of the falls down to the creek below. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through diverse forests as you make your way to both the top and base of the spectacular Queen Mary Falls.

Can you drive to Queen Mary Falls?

A short drive down the road brings you to the main attraction: the falls. Before heading down the bushwalking track, take a moment to appreciate the views from above.

What is the closest town to Queen Mary Falls?

Queen Mary Falls is situated a short distance from Killarney along a scenic sealed road. A large parking and picnic area is located next to the road, with a cafe and caravan park just across the way. Keep an eye out for the vibrant flocks of colorful birds in the area.

That’s the end of the this list, but if you are interested in walking and waterfalls then check out my other posts.

Summit Adventure on the Granite Track

Exploring Venus Bay: Hiking to Point Smythe

Discovering the Charm of Warburton

10 Must-Do Activities in Brisbane & the Gold Coast, Australia

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Top Waterfalls to Visit Near Gold Coast & Brisbane

Queen Mary Falls

Daggs Falls

Browns Falls

Curtis Falls

Cedar Creek Falls

Must-Have Packing List

Tours and Activities

Accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest waterfall near Brisbane?

Can you swim at Queen Mary Falls?

Can you swim at Curtis Falls Mount Tamborine?

How long is the walk at Queen Mary Falls?

Can you drive to Queen Mary Falls?

What is the closest town to Queen Mary Falls?

About Kara Northwood

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Belmore Falls: A Stunning Cascade in the Heart of the Southern Highlands

Top Waterfalls to Visit Near Gold Coast & Brisbane

Queen Mary Falls

Daggs Falls

Browns Falls

Curtis Falls

Cedar Creek Falls

Must-Have Packing List

Tours and Activities

Accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest waterfall near Brisbane?

Can you swim at Queen Mary Falls?

Can you swim at Curtis Falls Mount Tamborine?

How long is the walk at Queen Mary Falls?

Can you drive to Queen Mary Falls?

What is the closest town to Queen Mary Falls?

About Kara Northwood

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