When the mercury rises, find instant cool at the most glorious Brisbane swimming spots.

Boasting blue skies all year round, it’s rarely the wrong time to take a dip in Brisbane. But once you’ve ticked off the city’s best beaches, it’s time to discover the ultimate Brisbane swimming spots. From Olympic-style lap pools and heritage baths to secret swimming holes and luxe hotel pools, here are the most enticing bodies of water to help you take the plunge.

1. Spring Hill Baths

Dip your toe into a bygone era at Spring Hill Baths – the oldest of their kind in the southern hemisphere. This Heritage-listed facility built in 1886 exudes old-world charm from its classic Victorian-era change rooms and grandstand seating. The 25-metre indoor pool offers everything from lap swimming to swimming lessons and aqua aerobics classes.

Address: 14 Torrington Street, Spring Hill

2. Streets Beach

One of our favourite ways to cool down when temps soar, Streets Beach at South Bank offers easy access reprieve. One of the best things to do in Brisbane, is visit this man-made inner-city spot that provides real sand, leafy shade and water views out over the Brisbane River. There are also cute creeks to explore with the kids as lifeguards patrol every day of the week.

Address: Stanley Street Plaza, South Brisbane

3. Enoggera Reservoir

The oldest reservoir in this city is the beautiful Enoggera Reservoir which is open for recreational use. Here, the entire family can enjoy a swim in calm waters, relax on BYO inflatables or even chase adventure if you’ve got a SUP board or kayak in tow.

Address: 60 Mt Nebo Road, The Gap

4. Chermside Aquatic Centre

This family-friendly water activity facility has it all. As Brisbane’s largest waterpark, Chermside Aquatic Centre features more than 200 metres of twisty water slides and a wading lagoon pool, as well as an outdoor 25-metre lap pool and indoor heated hydro pool, making it a dream day out with the littlies.

Address: 375 Hamilton Road, Chermside

5. The Calile Hotel Pool Deck

You’ll need to be staying at The Calile, one of the world’s most exceptional hotels, to access its showstopping Pool Deck so if you are, dedicate serious time to it. The Miami poolside vibes swing all day long with palm trees, cabanas, and pool service setting an ultra-glamorous scene. Technically a lap pool, dedicated to the travelling fitness conscious, this Brisbane swimming spot is full of action—but we highly advise you experience it while sitting back, doing a whole lot of nothing.

Address: 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley

6. Centenary Aquatic Centre

As well as the usual family-friendly aquatic centre facilities, what makes Centenary Aquatic Centre stand out is its multi-tiered diving platform. Operating at three, five, and 10 metres, you’re invited to finesse your tuck and spins between trips to the on-site cafe, the heated pool, the dedicated kids’ pool and the 50-metre lap pool.

Address: 400 Gregory Terrace, Brisbane

7. UQ Sport Aquatic Centre

Along the Brisbane River, the UQ Sport Aquatic Centre boasts three heated pools: a 50-metre Olympic-sized outdoor pool, a 25-metre pool, and a Program Pool used for learn-to-swim lessons and infant swimming. There’s also deck-side bleacher seating and landscaped grassed areas for you to spread a picnic out over.

Address: The University of Queensland, Corner Blair Drive and Union Road, St Lucia

8. Wynnum Wading Pool

Since its opening in 1932, the family-friendly Wynnum Wading Pool has become a much-loved Brisbane swimming spot.

At high tide, the large 128 x 54-metre pool fills with seawater while mesh covers the pipes to keep the marine life out.

With a waterslide, adjacent playground, and picnic areas, it’s the ideal paddle spot for little ones and arguably safer than the ocean.

Address: The Esplanade, Wynnum

9. Settlement Cove Lagoon

After undergoing a mini facelift in winter 2024, Redcliffe’s best swimming spot is back, better than ever.

Settlement Cove Lagoon is a man-made haven for families, surrounded by palm trees and overlooking Moreton Bay, just an hour’s drive from central Brisbane.

While the nearby Shorncliffe and Suttons Beaches tend to hog the Brisbane swimming spotlight, this delightful lagoon offers top-notch amenities, lifeguards, a kids’ playground and barbecue areas.

Address: Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe

10. Cedar Creek

No need to stray too far from the city limits to chase waterfalls. Not to be confused with Cedar Creek on the Gold Coast, this Cedar Creek is just a few clicks northwest of Brisbane and primed for a paddle and a picnic – especially after a decent downpour. Dotted with rock pools of varying depths, it rewards the more sure-footed with trickling falls further upstream, creating one of Brisbane’s best spots to spy waterfalls. To get there, pop Andy Williams Park into Maps.

Address: Andy Williams Park, 744 Cedar Creek Road, Samford

11. Hotel X Rooftop Pool

Grab a sun lounge and a non-negotiable warm weather cocktail while perched beside the rooftop pool at the sleek Hotel X.

Offering sweeping city views (you can see the Story Bridge from up there), it’s a picture-perfect backdrop to your ultimate hotel pool life. When hunger strikes, grab a feed from Iris Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, conveniently located a few steps away from the central sun-soaking action.

Address: 458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

12. Lake Moogerah

About 1.5 hours’ drive south of Brisbane in the heart of the Scenic Rim within Moogerah Peaks National Park sits Lake Moogerah – a popular base for all sorts of aquatic sports. This hidden gem holds its own secret: a rocky gorge that doubles as a private 200-metre-long swimming hole around 1.5 metres deep. You can get there via hike or boat.

Address: Moogerah Peaks National Park, Moogerah

13. Emporium Hotel South Bank

Overlooking the South Bank Parklands and Brisbane River, the 23-metre infinity-edge rooftop pool at Emporium Hotel will make you feel like you’re a world away.

Bask in the city’s subtropical climate and soak up the distinctive rooftop atmosphere before turning your attention to the rooftop bar, one of Brisbane’s finest rooftop destinations.

Address: 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane

14. The Valley Pool

If there was an award for the best lap pool atmosphere at a Brisbane swimming spot, it’d go to The Valley Pool. The 50-metre outdoor pool with grandstands runs all sorts of aquatic classes and activities. Arguably best of all is its on-site bar and palm tree-dotted views. Serving up local beers and quality wine, plus cocktails, it’s an underrated inner-city sanctuary.

Address: 432 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley

15. Soleil Pool Bar at Rydges South Bank Brisbane

You could be forgiven for thinking you were in LA when you arrive at the Soleil Pool Bar at Rydges South Bank.

The Brisbane swimming hot spot is all timber blended with a gold and white palette, and DJs spin their magic to create a thumping pool party vibe. There’s also a giant LED screen embedded into the ceiling and a snack menu filled with refined tapas plates.

Address: 9 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane

16. Bunya Crossing Reserve

An idyllic Brisbane swimming spot just 45 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, Bunya Crossing Reserve is family-friendly and endlessly charming. Dog-friendly, too, and beautifully spacious, the slice of heaven features still waters so expect to see kayaks, SUP boards and canoes bobbing along next to you. It’s located along the soothing South Pine River which passes through the Samford Valley.

Address: 89 Dugandan Road, Bunya

17. Stony Creek

Tackle the 1.5 hours’ drive north of Brisbane to uncover Stony Creek, a stunning natural rock pool located at the southern end of Bellthorpe National Park. Enveloped in lush bushland to ensure you feel a million miles away from civilisation, the Brisbane swimming spot is flanked by large flat rocks to help you spread out as you soak up the serenity.

Address: Bellthorpe National Park, Bellthorpe

18. Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre

Paying tribute to the queen of the Olympic pool, the Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre is a beloved Brisbane swimming spot located on the city’s northside. Cool off in your choice of the 25-metre outdoor lap pool that’s heated during the winter months or the 25-metre indoor heated lap pool. Dry off sprawled across the centre’s grassy area or take a table in the shade. It’s a hit with families when summer rolls in.

Address: 523 Telegraph Road, Fitzgibbon

19. WET Deck at W Brisbane

Don’t you hate it when the hotel pool shuts as it gets dark? You can avoid that bummer at the WET Deck, a rooftop pool and entertainment area inside W Brisbane.

Open right around the clock every night of the week, the Brisbane swimming spot welcomes non-hotel guests, making it even more appealing. And while the pool itself is covered, the lounges and dining tables that skirt the deck’s crowning glory are al fresco and pure fabulous in signature W Hotel style.

Address: 81 North Quay, Brisbane

20. Yeronga Park Swimming Complex

Home to four individual pools, the Yeronga Park Swimming Complex caters to all sorts of swimmers including ankle biters who just want to splash their parents. Choose from a 50-metre heated outdoor lap pool, a 25-metre heated outdoor lap pool, an indoor one that hosts learn-to-swim programs, and a kid-friendly recreational area fitted with fountains to bring out the child in everyone.

Address: 55 School Road, Yeronga

21. The Pool Terrace at Hyatt Regency Brisbane

Set on a glorious rooftop terrace lies a killer outdoor pool begging to be partied upon.

Grab a cocktail and float at the infinity end of Hyatt Regency Brisbane’s swimmable superstar as the hum of the city down below sets an all-day buzzy scene.

Address: 33 Burnett Lane, Brisbane

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