Whether you’re in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, Mount Tamborine is a perfect day trip away from the city. If you’ve been following my blog, you know how much I love waterfalls. So after listing the Mt Tamborine waterfalls among the best waterfalls near Brisbane and the best day trips for waterfall lovers in Byron Bay, I thought it would be good to publish more details about them.

The best time to visit Mt Tamborine waterfalls is during the wet season in summer, after the rain. However, the walks in Mount Tamborine can get muddy and slippery after the rain.

The four Mt Tamborine waterfalls

The list goes from North to South. The numbers are in reference to the map of Mt Tamborine waterfalls at the bottom of the article.

1. Cedar Creek Falls

View of Waterfall and upper rock pools at Cedar Creek in Mount Tamborine from the lookout
Waterfall and upper rock pools at Cedar Creek in Mount Tamborine

If you’re looking for somewhere to have a dip, Cedar Creek Falls is the only waterfall I know in Mount Tamborine where you can swim. There’s a natural slide just next to the waterfall that makes it even more fun. It’s one of the best rock pools near Brisbane.

It’s a very scenic place. However, don’t expect to see the more impressive falls of the same name that are near the Whitsundays! There’s also another Cedar Creek waterfall in Samford, near Brisbane.

So you’d better arrive early if you’re hoping to avoid the crowd. Parking is very limited. If you’re not an early riser, you may be lucky and find a spot around lunchtime. The limited car park prevents the falls from being overcrowded to preserve them. Don’t expect a relaxing time if you visit during weekends. It’s not rare to have groups hanging at the falls with loud music and alcohol.

If it has rained a few days before, the falls are stronger and transform the pool into a spa. It’s less impressive outside the wet season, but the gorge still offers lovely views and it’s a lot quieter.

The 1.5km walk return from the car park to the bottom of the falls is easy, and there are a few viewing platforms on the way. It’s a boardwalk down to the lookout. Then there are a few stairs to the rock pool. But you’ll need to scramble on the boulders to make your way to the lower rockpools. There are signs not to go to the higher rock pools.

How to get there: Aim for the car park at the end of Cedar Creek Falls Road. It’s a busy spot – especially during a sunny weekend. Be ready to wait for a parking spot to free up if you don’t come early.

Responsible travel tip: Unfortunately, the place isn’t just popular for nature-lovers. Some people leave their rubbish down there. Be smarter to help preserve this beautiful spot: take back your rubbish and the ones you find on your way!

Swimming in rock pools at Cedar Creek in Mount Tamborine

2. Cameron Falls

You see Cameron Falls from a platform that also provides views across the valley to Flinders Peak and the south of Brisbane. Cameron Falls Lookout is on a branch track on the easy 2.6-km Sandy Creek Circuit.

Cameron Falls is a seasonal waterfall that is fed by the rain. The lookout isn’t facing the falls and trees block the views so don’t expect a wow-effect when visiting this one. You’ll wish they built the platform a little bit more to the left really. The circuit then goes to the top of the falls, where the view is maybe better than at the lookout itself (fewer trees).

How to get there: You’ll find a car park on the left at the top of Knoll Road.

Trees in the foreground with a big fall in the background (Cameron Falls in Mount Tamborine)
View of Cameron Falls from the lookout platform

3. Curtis Falls

Curtis Falls are my favourite Mt Tamborine waterfalls.

It’s a lovely short 700-meter walk across the lush rainforest to access the viewing platform at the bottom of the falls. It took us about 10 minutes to reach the lookout platform. Although the plunge isn’t impressive, I love all the vegetation around and the large pool at the base. It’s the most photogenic waterfall in Mount Tamborine.

It’s prohibited to access the falls outside the platform, thus you are not allowed to swim in the rock pool. This is to protect a glow worms colony. If you stay after dark you may get a chance to see them. I have never tried it at Curtis Falls but I know it could be magical. I loved this experience at Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park and at the Glow Worm Cave.

How to get there: From Eagle Heights Road, you’ll see a sign to turn to Dapsang Drive to reach the car park.

Small waterfall with a pool and surrounded by lush rainforest (Curtis Falls, Mount Tamborine)
View of Curtis Falls from the lookout platform

4. Witches Falls

You will need to hike the 3-kilometre Witches Falls Circuit or Witches Falls Track, two of the longest hikes in Mount Tamborine, to access the Witches Falls viewing deck.

Like Cameron Falls, Witches Falls only flow after the recent rain. But the walk in the forest is lovely even when there is no water plunging down.

You may want to combine your visit with the winery and the lovely romantic cottage nearby*. Doesn’t it sound like a great romantic escape? It’s my favourite winery in Mt Tamborine!

How to get there: The car park is on Main Western Road.

Jenyns Falls

This last waterfall on my Mt Tamborine waterfalls list, Jenyns Falls, is not accessible anymore. They had to close the lookout for safety reasons and there is no plan to reopen it so far. The Jenyns Circuit no longer provide a view of the falls, unfortunately.

Looking for a natural spot to take a refreshing dip? Check out these 14 beautiful rock pools near Brisbane!

Have you visited waterfalls in Mt Tamborine? Share your experience in the comments below!

Map of Mt Tamborine Waterfalls



Mount Tamborine is in Queensland (Australia), less than one hour from the Gold Coast and between one to 1.5 hours from Brisbane.

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Eloise

Eloise is the creator and writer of MyFavouriteEscapes.com. She writes about her experiences exploring exotic destinations and finding hidden gems closer to home. Her goal is to share tips and stories to inspire and encourage others to go on their own adventures. She loves outdoor and nature-based activities like scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, and sailing. She grew up in France and has lived in England and Turkey before calling Australia home for the past decade. So let's get ready for another adventure!

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