Conondale National Park, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia.
Right next to the Booloumba Creek – Camp Area 1 is a gorgeous turquoise swimming hole with incredibly clear water. The beach resembles a desaturated rainbow put through a blender with its brightly coloured pebbles. The beach is right next to the camping area and gently slopes into the water making this spot perfect for children. This is one of countless deeper pools for swimming on this section of the creek, including another popular one right next to the day-use area. For those in search of peace and tranquility, there should be no problem finding a secret haven all to yourself as there is plenty of space to spread out and explore.
How To Get There: From Brisbane, go north on the Bruce Highway north and turn off at the Landsborough exit. Continue on through Maleny, following signs for Kenilworth. Before reaching Kenilworth, you will pass through a small town called Conondale. The turn-off to Booloumba Creek Road is about 13 km past Conondale. Continue along this road and you will come to the day use area and campgrounds, which are well signposted. From here it is a few metres walk down to the river where you will find a number of deeper pools for swimming.
Alternative access is via the Eumundi–Kenilworth Road, off the Bruce Highway. Kenilworth is about 28 km from the highway. The turn-off to Booloumba Creek Road is about 7.5 km past Kenilworth.
Difficulty of access: The road in is unpaved but gravel-covered and there are three river crossings. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended to access this spot. Once there though it is possible to drive to within metres of some of the swimming holes.
Opening Times/Seasons: All Day/All Year although road closures may occur due to extreme weather. Check the current park alerts for Conondale National Park.
Entrance Fee: Free
Facilities Nearby: There are really clean flush toilets at the camping and day-use areas. Water is pumped from the river and so should be well boiled or treated before use.
Other Activities: This is the start and end point of the Conondale Range Great Walk which is a 56km, four day hike through the Conondale Range. There are several shorter walks which can be accessed from here. There is also a very beautiful lookout halfway along the road between the day use area and the parking for the falls. This is a popular area for both mountain biking and horse-riding and there are designated tracks for both.
Other Places of Interest Nearby: The town of Maleny is known for its slightly hippie feel and high concentration of artists, writers and craftspeople which makes it an interesting place to experience, with many small bookshops and boutique giftshops selling locally made crafts.
Wildlife: The whole area is bushland and is a habitat for animals such as kangaroos, platypus, tiny bats, kookaburras and tree frogs.
Places to Eat: The Kenilworth Bakery offers more than your average country bakery with freshly and carefully prepared food and very friendly service. Alternatively, drop into Cedar Street Cheeserie jn Maleny to stock up on some incredible buffalo mozzarella for your picnic basket and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch Trevor playing his trumpet.
Where to Camp: Right here at Booloumba Creek there are several pre-bookable camping areas, some of which are only suitable for tents with others more suited to campers or caravans. Camping Area 1, which is right by the creek, is suitable for tents with a small walk from your car. You will need 4WD to access all the campsites and the swimming hole. There is 2WD accessible free camping in the Charlie Moreland camping area in the nearby Imbil State Forest where there is also a swimming hole.
Other places to Stay: There are a whole host of cottages and B&Bs near Kenilworth and in the surrounding area. Artisan Spa Views B&B offers excellent hospitality, amazing views and rooms with spa baths to warm up after your outdoor swims. Alternatively Pomodoras on Obi offers cabins right on Obi Obi Creek.
Nearby Towns: Brisbane, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Maleny, Kenilworth, Montville, Cambroon
Other Swimming Spots Nearby: Booloumba Falls, Fairy Pools, Obi Lane, Obi Obi Creek River Crossing Number 2, Summer Falls, Mapleton Falls, Kondalilla Falls.
Comments: An awesome all-round spot with something for everyone, from the intrepid explorer to the easygoing family.