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FREE Swimming at Gardners Falls

Find out why Gardners Falls (sometimes spelt Gardener Falls) on the Sunshine Coast is a bucket list kind of activity!

All kids love an adventure so why not pack your backpacks and take the family on a day trip to the Sunshine Coast hinterland to discover the beautiful natural swimming hole known as Gardners Falls?

There is something so special about walking through the bush, listening to the native birds singing with the trickling of water in the background slowly getting louder as you approach the stunning falls and rockpools. You have just arrived at one of South East Queensland’s little hidden treasures, Gardners Falls.

Gardners Falls is located near the beautiful town of Maleny

Whether you are travelling up from Brisbane or are staying in Maleny and looking for something to do for the day, swimming Gardners Falls is a great day out for Brisbane Families You will love the awesome day out exploring the bush land and the crisp refreshing waters of Gardners Falls.

The falls are a picturesque pool surrounded by rock ledges of varying heights and sizes. There is also beautiful tropical Australian bush surrounding the waterhole which makes it feel like an oasis. There is even a rope swing to entertain the brave and nimble folks out there, so if you’re a dare devil get out there and have a go!

Just remember to always check the water depth first and this can vary depending on recent rainfalls. Never dive or jump into natural water as there could be submerged rocks or trees which are not visible from the surface. Once your satisfied that the water is deep enough to jump into and everyone is confident around the water, BOMBS AWAY!

If you’re day tripping with little ones, the Falls is an ideal place for you too

gardners falls

For those of you who are after a lazy day dipping your feet into the water while supervising your toddlers as they plod around, there are plenty of shallow rock pools for splashing in, so even mums and bubs can cool off and relax.

Swimming Gardners Falls is perfect for families with kids of all ages, and best of all, it is an easy and short walk from the car park. When you arrive simply follow the level sealed path as it winds its way along the Obi Obi river down to the falls. Find a nice shady spot by the water and enjoy a picnic with your family, followed by a dip the cool clear water.

Gardner’s Falls is open all year long, but it is advised that you check the Sunshine Coast Council website after heavy rainfalls to make sure roads are accessible.

Directions to Gardners Falls falls from Brisbane

Gardner’s Falls is about 92km from the centre of Brisbane. Make your way to the M1 motorway going towards the Sunshine Coast. Next, look out for the Steve Irwin Way exit towards Tourist Drive 24. It will be signposted Glass House Mountains Tourist Drive Beerwah. Keep driving along Steve Irwin Way, until you come to the take Landsborough-Maleny Rd to Obi Lane South in Maleny which will take you to the car park, and you’re there!

What to bring on your day trip for swimming Gardners Falls

  • Bug spray for mosquitoes, leeches and ticks, its always a better day out without a bite from these suckers!
  • Plenty of drinking water as it is not available at the park. Drinking creek or waterhole water is not recommended as you could get sick
  • Serious walking shoes are not required as the walk to the falls is level and easy
  • Swimming attire and a towel
  • A sun smart kit including a hat, protective clothing and sunscreen
  • Rubbish bags. Australian National parks in general do not provide garbage facilities and visitors must take their rubbish away with them. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep Australia beautiful
  • Picnic lunch, what better than to enjoy a delicious family lunch in the natural surrounds of the bush
  • A great fun attitude to complete the day!

So for an adventure filled day with the whole family, put on your explorer hats and brave rope swing face and pack into the four-wheel drive to Gardners Falls. Don’t forget to tell us how your day went, we’d love to hear your tips and tricks for a great road trip with the kids!

Want more day trips from Brisbane? Check out these:

We love day tripping out of Brisbane. So much, that we have written a tonne of articles about it!

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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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