Rockhampton's top swimming spots

COOL DOWN THIS SUMMER

It’s the season we long for each year. It’s the season to dust off the Christmas decorations and gather with family and friends. More importantly, it’s the season to get outdoors and cool off in our spectacular swimming holes and gorges. Check out our top five spots for cooling off this summer below and don’t forget to pack the walking shoes, a hat and a picnic blanket.

BOULDERCOMBE GORGE FALLS

Directions to Bouldercombe Gorge Falls

You’ll need to pack your walking shoes for this one. 25 minutes west from Rockhampton is Bouldercombe Gorge Resources Reserve, a scenic bushland reserve near the small town of Bouldercombe. After descent rainfall, the 2.7km outback trail is rewarded by a beautiful waterfall cascading into a freshwater swimming hole.

To visit Bouldercombe Gorge, head 20km south of Rockhampton. The north section (with formal walking track) is accessible via Mount Usher Road and the middle section via Struck Oil Road.

MOUNT MORGAN NO 7 DAM

Directions to Mount Morgan No 7 Dam

As one of the seven dams built to service the Mount Morgan Mine back in the early 1900’s, the Mount Morgan No 7 Dam now makes for a great place to pull up to for a day and cool off with a swim or kayak before rolling out the picnic rug for lunch.

The dam is 2km from the centre of Mount Morgan - when coming from north, turn left off the main highway (prior to Carmody Bridge) and follow along the Dee River.

 

HEDLOW CREEK

Directions to Hedlow Creek

Head 30 minutes north of Rockhampton and set up for the day at Mount Hedlow Camping and Water Reserve. The Reserve borders Hedlow Creek which is open for swimming and kayaking. If you’re not in a rush to get back to your accommodation, hang around for a sundowner and enjoy the magnificent sunsets over the creek.

BYFIELD NATIONAL PARK

Directions to Byfield National Park

Head one hour’s drive north east of Rockhampton and you’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning rainforest with clear, cold creeks and waterholes nestled in Byfield National Park. Upper Stony Creek is a favourite amongst the locals and is set amongst a beautiful eucalypt and pine forest.

CAPRICORN COAST

Directions to Capricorn Coast

Island hopping more your scene? Head out to the Southern Great Barrier Reef for a day trip and spend your day snorkelling with resident turtles and looking for Nemo. If land is more your thing, lounge around on Keppel Island with a tropical cocktail in hand or head to the Yeppoon Lagoon and spend a couple of hours by the ocean side infinity pool.

The Capricorn Coast is a 40 minute drive from Rockhampton via Yeppoon Road.

Rockhampton is also home to some great public pools with adventure slides and fantastic zero depth water playgrounds at Kershaw Gardens and pop jets at the Rockhampton Riverside Precinct.

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Written by Explore Rockhampton
@explorerockhampton