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?
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.
Swimming and playing in the creek
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!
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
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:
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!
South / Gold Coast day trip ideas
- Springfield National Park day trip with kids
- Mt Tamborine day trip with kids
- Burleigh Headland National Park
- Cedar Creek Falls, Mt Tamborine day trip
North / Sunshine Coast day trip ideas
- Day trip to Old Petrie Town
- Booloumba Falls, Conondale National Park day trip with kids
- Kondalilia National Park day trip
- Gardners Falls day trip with kids
- Day trip to the Ginger Factory on the Sunshine Coast
- Bongaree Beach on Bribie Island day trip
- Best things to do on a Noosa day trip
