AFTER a week of high humidity and soaring temperatures, it’s time to cool down. While the beach never disappoints, try some of these secret swimming holes for a refreshing change.

Tallebudgera Creek

This swimming spot caters for everyone — find your own little secret coves around the creek and off Burleigh headland. On the eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway bridge there is a cove that can be accessed from the headland. It provides a nice spot for sunbaking or swimming. It’s often calm enough to take a pool floaty or do some paddle boarding, and the surf is never far away for those more adventurous.

media_camera Tallebudgera Creek. Picture: Tim Marsden

Currumbin Valley Rock Pools

While most locals know these natural rock pools, the secret is walking 50 metres upstream to a small waterfall tucked away from the main attraction. Slippery rocks and smooth crevasses provide natural slides into the freshwater. There are plenty of picnic tables, toilets, and a nice outlook over the rock pools. Drive up a few kilometres further and there is a great short walk along the creek you can take after a leisurely lunch.

media_camera Visiting tourist Paola Saralegui, 30, cools off at the Currumbin Rock Pools. Picture: Tim Marsden

Natural Bridge

While you can no longer swim in the Natural Bridge cave and Cave Creek due to safety concerns, there are some great acres-visit options. Once you’ve marvelled at this geological wonder, cool down at the swimming hole just before the turn-off to the arch. The creek is perfect to cool down or for some lazy tubing, and the barbecue and toilet facilities make it a great stop for a picnic.

media_camera Natural Bridge in the Springbrook National Park.

Cedar Creek Falls and Rock Pools

Lesser known than its big brother at Currumbin, these rock pools are possibly the better option. Discreetly tucked away behind a shield of natural greenery, these falls are often missed by the many who head to the hinterland for day trips and main attractions. There are two main picnic areas with plenty of room and three waterfalls just 10 minutes’ walk away. Like a cold spa with rushing water from the falls, the waterfalls are spectacular all year round and the gorge scenery breathtaking. To get there take Mt Tamborine Road and turn off onto Cedar Creek Falls Road.

Cougal Cascades

History, scenery, waterfalls and swimming make a magical mix at Cougal Cascades. The walk to the 1940s saw mill is short but pleasant and offers views of the creek and cascading water alongside the path. Choose from a series of pools, some with waterfalls that you can swim behind. If seeing Cougal Cascades isn’t enough natural eye, the route there, rolling through Currumbin Valley under the cliffs of Mt Cougal, make it one of the best scenic drives on the Gold Coast. Access is easy too, just follow Currumbin Creek Road to its end.

media_camera Jordanna Hinton enjoys a day out at Warringa Pool.

Springbrook

The best swimming hole on the mountain is generally considered to be Warringa Pool. Follow the signs from the Purlingbrook car park, walk about 6km through lush rainforest and reward yourself with a refreshing dip. Another great option is Twin Falls, with duelling waterfalls cascading down into three levels of rock pools. About a 30-minute trek from Canyon Lookout, they are not as deep or as large as Warringa still stunning.

Cudgen Creek /Hastings Point/Dreamtime beach

Find some southern comfort at these northern NSW hot spots to cool down. From canoeing at Cudgen Creek in Kingscliff — try the boathouse at Salt for a base and cruise out to the mouth of the ocean — or hover on the shore at Hastings Point. The shallow water is perfectly protected for some paddleboarding, with SUPS available to hire on the sand. If you’re looking for some waves, the serenity of Dreamtime beach, protected from northerlies, can’t be beaten.

media_camera A beautiful morning on Cudgen Creek. Photo: Benjamin Hamilton

Gwongoorool pool, Binna B u rra

Only a 3km hike from the Binna Burra Visitors Centre, the deep and clear Gwongoorool pool nestled in Lamington National Park’s rainforest is rarely visited as most hikers head to the more famous tracks. It can also be visited at the end of the 16.6km, class 5 Illinbah circuit.