Cedar Creek Falls Tamborine
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Cedar Creek Falls Tamborine

4.6
·387 reviews·Tamborine Mountain, Australia

Discover the serene beauty of Cedar Creek Falls, a popular natural swimming spot with cascading waterfalls and lush forest trails on Tamborine Mountai...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Fewer people, better parking

CrowdLow
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Cedar Creek Falls Tamborine

Cedar Creek Falls Tamborine

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Fewer people, better parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the serene beauty of Cedar Creek Falls, a popular natural swimming spot with cascading waterfalls and lush forest trails on Tamborine Mountain.

4.6
(387 reviews)

"A gorgeous piece of forest, the falls are only a short walk from the carpark."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Secure a spot before 9 AM on weekends to avoid parking challenges and long walks. :car:

🥾 Easy Walk to Falls

The main waterfall and swimming holes are a short, flat walk from the carpark. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Waterfall & Swimming Holes

The Main Waterfall & Swimming Holes

Base of the falls

Cascading water into refreshing pools, perfect for a dip on a hot day. Easy access from the carpark.

Reddit
Scenic Forest Walk

Scenic Forest Walk

Beyond the falls

A beautiful, albeit sometimes poorly signed, forest path offering a peaceful nature escape.

Reddit
Upper Lookout Point

Upper Lookout Point

Near carpark

Easy access to view the top of the waterfall without a strenuous hike.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the Swim

Arrive before 9 AM, especially on weekends or holidays, to secure parking and enjoy the serene falls. Popularity surges quickly, turning peaceful swims into crowded affairs. Reddit

Navigating the Falls: Two Cedar Creeks

Be aware there are two Cedar Creek Falls near Brisbane. This guide focuses on the Mt. Tamborine location, known for its accessible swimming holes and forest walks. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Fewer people, better parking
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
After 11 AM on Saturdays
Why
Parking can be full
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you been to this spot? 😎Permit hike only! ☝🏽 ⚠️ Be careful if swimming, snakes have been seen many times in the water 🐍 💦 #cedarcreekfalls #julian #sandiego #california #hikingtok #Hiking #nature #waterfalls #springhikes #socalhikes #socal #Outdoors #fyp
@lolopufff
105.9K likes • 681.5K views

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Secure a spot before 9 AM on weekends to avoid parking challenges and long walks. Reddit :car:

🥾 Easy Walk to Falls

The main waterfall and swimming holes are a short, flat walk from the carpark. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Top 10 sunset spots #mounttamborine #seeaustralia #queensland #mounttamborinelookout #mounttamborineweekend #sunset
@alicedanby
35.7K likes • 764.7K views
It comes with a slide 💦🙈 . . . 📍 Cedar Creek Falls, Mt Tamborine . . . #goldcoast #vlog
noah.creative
285 likes • 20.2K views

🏊‍♀️ Refreshing Swimming

Enjoy the cool, fresh water in the numerous pools, especially on a hot day. Reddit :swimmer:

⚠️ Watch for Traffic

The road to the falls can be narrow and dangerous with limited space for oncoming cars. Drive with caution. Reddit :warning:

📍 Cedar Creek Falls, Mount Tamborine Just a 40 Minute drive from Gold Coast or 1 hour drive from Brisbane, this easy 30 minute hike through a rainforest leads to this stunning waterfall and rock pools. 💦 🌴 Save this for your next Gold Coast trip! #cedarcreekfalls #mounttamborine#aussiebucketlist #daytripideas #seequeensland #waterfall #brisbane #hikeaustralia #goldcoastadventures #travelaus #g...
danfletcherrrr
48 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Secure a spot before 9 AM on weekends to avoid parking challenges and long walks. Reddit :car:

🥾 Easy Walk to Falls

The main waterfall and swimming holes are a short, flat walk from the carpark. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🏊‍♀️ Refreshing Swimming

Enjoy the cool, fresh water in the numerous pools, especially on a hot day. Reddit :swimmer:

⚠️ Watch for Traffic

The road to the falls can be narrow and dangerous with limited space for oncoming cars. Drive with caution. Reddit :warning:

🗺️ Signage Can Be Tricky

Beyond the main falls, tracks have minimal signage, making navigation challenging for leisurely strolls. Reddit :compass:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(387 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the beautiful waterfalls and refreshing swimming holes at Cedar Creek Falls, praising the easy access from the carpark. However, the limited parking and potentially confusing trails beyond the main falls are common drawbacks, especially during busy periods.

"Got here at 840am on a Sunday school holiday and found a lot easily - there were only 2 other cars there before me. The last time I came after 11am on a Saturday and it was full all the way out to the main road, so we couldnt do this track! I’m glad I could this time.

Super flat and easy walk to the falls which also serve as swimming holes. It was very serene when only a couple people were there. I took 10 min to reach the falls (not the lookout point, the actual waterfall) from the parking lot.

When I got back out closer to 9am, the parking lot was already 80% full! Clearly very popular."

Clare Sim

"A gorgeous piece of forest, the falls are only a short walk from the carpark. Once past the falls, the tracks had little signage unfortunately mkaing it less appealing for a leisurely stroll. I will go back when I have the time to get lost!!"

Jacqueline O'Donnell

"Good carpark and easy access to view the top of the waterfall. If you'd like to see more, there are rock stairs. Path is easy to navigate and clear of debris."

Natalie Hanau

What People Like

Beautiful waterfalls
Refreshing swimming
Easy access

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Poor signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cedar Creek Falls is located on Tamborine Mountain, south of Brisbane. The most direct route involves driving. Be cautious on the narrow road leading to the falls, as it has limited space for oncoming traffic. Reddit

Public transport options are limited for reaching Cedar Creek Falls directly. It's generally recommended to drive. Consider ride-sharing services if you prefer not to drive. Reddit

The most straightforward access is via the main carpark, which leads to a short, flat walk to the waterfall and swimming holes. Reddit

Some older tips mention accessing via a gate and road, but this may not be officially sanctioned or safe. Sticking to the designated carpark is advised. Reddit

The road itself can be dangerous due to its narrowness and limited space for two-way traffic. Exercise extreme caution when driving to and from the falls. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Cedar Creek Falls is a natural attraction and generally does not require an entrance fee. Access is typically free. Reddit

As a natural park, Cedar Creek Falls is usually accessible during daylight hours. However, it's best to visit during the day for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

No, there is no entry fee to visit Cedar Creek Falls. It's a public access area for everyone to enjoy. Reddit

Visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns, lack of lighting, and potential for getting lost on the trails. Stick to daytime visits. Reddit

No booking is required for Cedar Creek Falls. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, especially for parking. Reddit

🎫 🏊‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Yes, Cedar Creek Falls is a popular swimming spot with several pools, including a good one right at the start. The water is refreshing on hot days. Reddit

The walk from the carpark to the main waterfall and swimming holes is very flat and easy, taking about 10 minutes. Reddit

Yes, toilets are available at Cedar Creek Falls, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

The short, easy walk to the falls makes it suitable for families. However, supervision is essential around the water. Reddit

Facilities include toilets, picnic tables, and a lookout point. The main attraction is the waterfall and swimming pools. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the cascading waterfall from the base, the surrounding lush forest, and the serene swimming pools. The lookout point offers a good overview. Reddit

Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the natural beauty without too many people in the frame. Reddit

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local park rules and regulations before flying a drone to ensure compliance. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and surrounding landscape. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water. Reddit

The lookout point near the carpark provides an elevated view. For ground-level shots, explore the area around the base of the falls. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cedar Creek Falls offers a fantastic family outing thanks to its easily accessible main waterfall and swimming holes. The short, flat walk from the carpark means little legs won't get too tired. Reddit Pack swimwear and towels for a refreshing dip in the pools. Remember to supervise children closely around the water at all times. Reddit

While the main area is straightforward, be mindful that trails beyond the falls have less signage. Stick to the main path for a relaxed family experience. The picnic tables provide a great spot for a family lunch amidst nature. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers

For those who love to explore, Cedar Creek Falls offers a beautiful forest environment. The initial walk to the falls is pleasant, but the real adventure begins when you venture further. Be prepared for less defined trails and potentially challenging navigation. Reddit

Bring sturdy footwear and consider a map or GPS device if you plan on longer hikes. The opportunity to discover more secluded parts of the creek and forest can be rewarding for the adventurous spirit. Reddit

🚗 Day-Trippers from Brisbane

Cedar Creek Falls is an excellent day-trip destination from Brisbane, offering a refreshing escape into nature. The relatively short drive makes it an easy option for a few hours of swimming and relaxation. Reddit

To maximize your day, aim for an early start to beat the crowds and secure parking. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the designated tables. Remember to check the weather and be aware of the narrow road conditions on your way in and out. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Two Cedar Creek Falls: A Crucial Distinction

It's vital to know that there are two distinct locations named Cedar Creek Falls near Brisbane. One is situated on Tamborine Mountain, south of the city, and is the focus of this guide. The other is located at Samford, northwest of Brisbane. Travelers have noted confusion between the two, so always confirm your destination to avoid disappointment. Reddit

This distinction is important for planning your trip, as accessibility, surrounding environment, and the overall experience can differ significantly between the two sites. Ensure your navigation is set for the correct Cedar Creek Falls to match your expectations. Reddit

Navigating the Trails: Beyond the Main Falls

While the walk to the main Cedar Creek Falls and its swimming holes is short, flat, and easy, the trails beyond can be less forgiving. Once past the initial waterfall area, signage becomes sparse, making it challenging for those seeking a leisurely stroll or a clearly defined path. Reddit

This lack of clear direction means that exploring further requires a good sense of direction or a willingness to embrace a bit of adventure. Some visitors find this appealing for a sense of discovery, while others might prefer to stick to the well-trodden path to the main falls. If you plan to venture further, consider downloading an offline map or bringing a compass. Reddit

Parking and Access: Planning Your Arrival

Parking at Cedar Creek Falls is a significant consideration, especially during peak times. The carpark is relatively small and fills up extremely quickly, particularly on weekend mornings and during school holidays. Arriving before 9 AM is highly recommended to secure a spot close to the falls. Reddit

If the main carpark is full, visitors may need to park further up the main road and walk a considerable distance. This can add to your journey, so factor in extra time. The road leading to the falls is also narrow and can be hazardous, so drive with extreme care. Reddit

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