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Swimming at Stony Creek Near Woodfood

If you are looking for a quiet and little known swimming hole that is yet to be ‘discovered’ by tourists, but perfect for families, then check out Stony Creek swimming hole near Woodford. Please note this is also sometimes spelt Stoney Creek.

Where is Stony Creek?

From Brisbane, head north to Caboolture then follow the D’Aguliar Highway west through Woodford and take the Stony Creek Road exit approximately 5 km out of Woodford. Follow the signs to Stony Creek day-use area. The creek is about 85 km (or 90 min drive) north-west of Brisbane city centre and is located at the southern end of the Bellthorpe Forest Reserve on the Conondale Ranges. You will find this secluded creek if you type in ‘Stony Creek Bellthorpe’ into your sat nav. The address is Fletcher Road, Stony Creek, QLD, 4514. Fletcher Road becomes a dirt road so drive carefully!

What is Stony Creek like?

Stony Creek swimming hole

As the name suggests Stony Creek has stones and boulders throughout making it fun for fossicking young and old kids (and their adults) alike.

The creek is surrounded by native bushlands and has a grassy area with picnic tables and BBQ’s so you can bring picnic and BBQ equipment for a lunch or dinner with family and friends. As the BBQ’s are wood fired, you will need to check the fire restrictions in the national park before you start.

Stony Creek swimming hole

Swimming and playing in the creek

Stony Creek swimming hole

There are two swimming holes, one is more like a creek wading area and the larger one is more like a pool/swimming hole.

When you first arrive, there is a swimming area one to the right – about 20 metres south of where you can park your car. Follow the dirt track. It’s quite large and you can take an inflatable, kayak or boogie board!

At the northern end there are more rock pools and a small waterfall to explore – and of course with all these rocks, there is rock skimming to do!

Stony Creek swimming hole

Families Tip: Avoid visiting this area when the Woodford Folk Festival is on. The roads are congested and there are more people here than other times of the year.

Bushwalking options

Stony Creek swimming hole

Once you have had your fill of the swimming and water fossicking options, why not take in a touch of the natural environment with a bushwalk.

Whilst there are no dedicated walking trails in the Bellthorpe area, bushwalkers and birdwatchers can use the SEQ horseriding trail network or stop at numerous creek crossings to explore and admire the scenery of this remote area. Be aware, the creek lines contain large boulders that can be wet and slippery and considerable care needs to be taken to avoid injury if traversing these features.

When using these tracks:

  • walkers give way to horse riders
  • bike riders give way to both walkers and horse riders

Native wildlife

Stony Creek day-use area is home to a wide selection of birds, insects and Australian wildlife. If you can get your kids to be quiet (bahahaha) you should be able to hear the local birdlife calling to each other. There are also frogs, lizards and of course scrub turkeys to spot.

Facilities Available at Stony Creek:

Stony Creek swimming hole

There are some facilities available at Stony Creek that will mean you can enjoy a day out with your family.

  • Toilets
  • Car Parking
  • Woodfire BBQ’s (bring some timber)
  • Picnic Tables
  • Walking Tracks
  • Swimming Hole

Essentials to bring to Stony Creek

  • Bring adequate drinking water, a first-aid kit, insect repellent and a mobile phone (reception poor).
  • For walking, wear suitable shoes, sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved shirt.
  • No bins are provided. Bring rubbish bags to remove your rubbish and recyclables from the park.

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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