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We Toured River City To Give You The Top 10 Rivers in Brisbane!

Did you know? Brisbane – yes, that modern metropolis that we all know and love – is also called the River City. This is because unlike other cities in Australia, Brisbane is the only one that’s surrounded by an entire river!

But a unique view isn’t everything when it comes to rivers, they’re home to plenty of fun activities you can try! We’re more than happy to list out some of the best rivers in Brisbane that you can visit, along with everything that you need to know about them, too!

So join us on a journey through the best rivers to visit in River City! 

1. Brisbane River

brisbane-river
TributariesStanley River, Lockyer Creek, Brener River
Length344 km. (213.75 mi)
OriginMoreton Bay
Path Throughout Brisbane City

For a more relaxing time, nothing beats Brisbane River and its endlessly blue waters. It’s a staple of the city for a reason – it’s big enough for lots of fun activities that you can try out!

Activities that you can do at Brisbane River range from kayaking.to bike riding, but we suggest the former over the latter. The river’s current isn’t too strong, and it’s awfully quiet in the afternoons.

If you’re not a local, you might be disappointed to find out that you’re not allowed to swim in the Brisbane River thanks to the bull sharks* that roam the river. Kayaks are safe since the waterways are busy, but we strictly advise against swimming.

Pro tip: 
We recommend visiting Brisbane River on weekday afternoons! Both the water and the air around the river will start to cool down by then, and since it’s a weekday, it’s also quieter than usual.

2. Currumbin Creek

currumbin-creek
TributariesN/A
Length24 km (15 mi)
OriginCoral Sea
Path Currumbin Beach

As Brisbanites, you’ve probably visited Currumbin Beach. But did you know that if you drive 15 minutes inland, you can find a hidden gem of a river?

This secret hidey-hole, Currumbin Creek, is an ideal place to tour on weekends! Fun fact about Currumbin Creek, it was supposed to be named after Sir George Anson, but they used a Yugambeh word that means “quicksand”, “kangaroo”, or “place of tall trees”.

Currumbin Creek’s slippery slopes and steep ledges are perfect for the thrill-seeker, and the cool, clear water that passes through it makes it feel like you’re not in the big city. They even have some ropes that you can use to climb the very top of the falls!

But to say that Currumbin Creek is just for thrill-seekers is cutting it short, especially thanks to its breathtaking views. If you get the lighting and the angle right, you can take splendid pictures for your next hit Instagram post, making you the envy of your feed!

Pro Tip: 
We suggest being extra careful if you plan to swim at Currumbin Creek. It’s a wave-dominated tidal inlet, meaning that the current can get too strong when high tide comes!

3. Ithaca Creek

ithaca-creek
TributariesEmoggera Creek
Length7 km (4.35 mi)
OriginTaylor Range
Path Mount Coot-Tha

Running through the suburbs of Bardon and Ashgrove lies Ithaca Creek, a secluded river that’s less of a place for you to swim and more of a place for a lovely afternoon stroll. Well, as long as you bring some nice, grippy footwear, that is.

Where Ithaca Creek lacks in historical relevance, they make up for with their scenic views. 

Ithaca Creek’s lush greenery is a nice contrast to the surrounding suburb scenery, and the water, though pretty cloudy-looking, is safe to drink. It’s not deep enough for you to swim in, but it’s the perfect depth to dabble your feet in its cool waters.

Pro Tip: 
Although Ithaca Creel’s water is safe for you to drink, we still urge you to bring some water bottles with you just to be on the safe side!

4. Lower Portals

lower-portals
TributariesMt. Barney Falls
Length7.4 km (4.60 mi)
OriginMt. Barney Falls
Path Mt. Barney Falls

Address: Unnamed Road, Maroon QLD 4310

If you’ve ever been in Brisbane during the summer, then you just know how hot it can get. Luckily though, you don’t need to travel far as located an hour and a half southwest of Brisbane lies Lower Portals, the ideal place to hang out on a hot summer day!

Lower Portals’ magic lies in their crystal-clear waters and the white cliffs. It doesn’t feel like you’re in Brisbane at all – it feels like you’re in Rio or somewhere more exotic. Add their refreshingly cool waters, and you’re all set for a cool day trip!

By refreshing, we really do mean refreshing – Lower Portals’ waters are consistently cold even during summertime, making swimming a lot more enjoyable. The surrounding rainforest also provides ample shade if you don’t feel like swimming anymore.

Pro Tip: 
We urge you to be extra careful around Lower Portals’ cliffs! The stones are a lot sharper than you’d think. and can easily cause unwanted injuries if you’re not careful. We also suggest bringing some band-aids in case of emergency.

5. North Pine River

north-pine-river
TributariesSouth Pine River
Length54 km (33.55 mi)
OriginPine River
Path D’Aguilar Range

If you’ve always wanted to travel to the US just to see the bayou, then we’re here to help you save money since you can just visit North Pine River! It’s a bit smaller than other rivers in Brisbane, but it’s also a lot quieter, making it the ideal space to chill out.

North Pine RIver’s still waters are ideal for a spot of boating. However, unlike Brisbane River with its sharks, the only thing you’ll need to watch out for here are the reeds and being extra careful to ensure your rudders won’t get stuck!

Though swimming is allowed at North Pine River, the reeds mentioned above can be distracting and can be potentially dangerous. We suggest either boating or fishing, especially since there’s plenty of wildlife in the river for you to catch.

Pro tip: 
We strongly suggest wearing some grippy footwear if you plan to visit North Pine River, especially during the low tide! The river is affected by tides, and some areas can get muddy.

6. Enoggera Creek

enoggera-creek
TributariesFish Creek, Ithaca Creek
Length34 km (21.13 mi)
OriginBreakfast Creek
Path Enoggera Reservoir

Did you know that the heart of Brisbane is a small creek in the middle of nowhere? It’s called Emoggera Creek, and its water flows directly to the Brisbane River, making it responsible for our city’s best view!

But to say that legacy is everything that Emoggera Creek has is disingenuous since its clean waters and the natural views surrounding it also make it a relaxing destination! You can take a dip in their refreshing waters, or just picnic at the river banks, too.

But if you’re there to visit Emoggera Creek for the history surrounding it, then you’d be delighted! The creek is only a hop and a skip away from Newstead House, Brisbane’s first house, along with being a part of the D’Aguilar Range, making it easy to find.

Pro tip: 
Be careful to not swim too far inland at Emoggera Creek! If you swim far enough, you might reach the Emoggera Reservoir, which is a lot deeper than you’d think. We also suggest bringing some environmentally-friendly bug spray!

7. Bremer River

bremer-river
TributariesBundamba Creek, Purga Creek, Reynolds Creek, Warrill Creek, Western Creek
Length100 km (62.14 mi)
OriginBrisbane River
Path Main Range to Ipswich

With plenty of fish for you to catch and take home, Bremer River is where you should be going if you want to spend your weekend fishing in peace! What’s more, Bremer River is a bit of a hidden gem, so it’s not as crowded on weekend or on Father’s Day!

The variety of fishes that can be found at Bremer River is breathtaking to say the least. The typical Australian Bass and Bream are some of the more regular catches, but if you’re lucky then you can catch Threadfin Salmon and even the elusive Bull Shark!

The popular fishing spots include Cribb Park and Joseph Brady Park, but the latter offers better views and a more peaceful vibe. Cribb Park’s fishing spot is also nice, but Joseph Brady Park’s overall scenery and greenery make it feel much more tranquil.

Pro tip: 
We suggest bringing your dad with you to Bremer River for Father’s Day! They host a yearly Father’s Day Fishing Fest which is a great present for dads who love to fish!

8. Gardners Falls

Gardners Falls
TributariesObi Obi Creek
Length2.1 km (1.30 mi)
OriginObi Obi Creek
Path Maleny

Address: Obi Ln S, Maleny QLD 4552

Albeit being one of the rockiest rivers in Brisbane, Gardners Falls’ beauty is a sight to behold! It’s a bit hidden inside Sunshine Coast Hinterland and a proper 90-minute north of Brisbane, but the travel is worth it when you see the view that this gem has to offer!

Gardners Falls’ beauty lies in the natural rock formations that surround the place. The main river provides a solid water flow that you can swim in, but if you just want to chill and dip your feet in its cool waters, then there are several shallow spots for that.

The waterfall also provides a scenic view of the forest, which looks ten times more magical, especially at the right angle. The nearby forest even provides ample shade for picnics, and can net you some pictures that will surely be the envy of your Insta feed!

Pro tip: 
If you plan to visit Gardner Falls, we suggest bringing either a bigger car or something with 4-Wheel Drive. The only available parking spot nearby is quite tricky, and it can even get muddy if it rained there beforehand!

9. Bunya Crossing Reserve 

bunya-crossing-reserve
TributariesBergin Creek, South Pine River
Length1.7km (1.06 mi)
OriginAlbany Creek
Path Bunyaville State Forest Park

Address: 87-89 Dugandan Rd, Bunya QLD 4055

Phone Number: +61 7 3205 0555

Website 

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM

If you’re looking for a relaxing river that’s still relatively near the city centre, then Bunya Crossing Reserve should be your next go-to! It’s only a 25-minute drive from Brisbane CBD, and it’s located on a bend in the South Pine River, making it relatively easy to find!

To say that Bunya Crossing Reserve is home to plenty of animals is an understatement. The river itself has plenty of ducks, turtles, and fishes at any given moment, and even the trail going is home to wallabies, possums, and even bush turkeys if you’re lucky!

You can bring your boat with you for a quaint ride down the river or just go for a dip in its waters. If you do plan to swim, then you should be careful since the water’s depth is uneven so you might slip! But if that’s not your style, then fishing is also a viable option.

Pro tip: 
Bunya Crossing Reserve lets you bring your dog with you to their trail as long as they’re leashed and you’re properly looking over them! We also suggest bringing some biodegradable wipes in case of emergency!

10. Cedar Creek

cedar-creek
TributariesMoreton Bay
Length9 km (5.59 mi)
OriginMount Glorious
Path Samford

With four different Cedar Creeks in Queensland, you’ll be delighted to find out that one of them is a river that you can visit for a refreshing time! It has a lot more diverse views compared to other rivers in Brisbane, allowing you to have lots more fun in the process!

This Cedar Creek is located in Mount Glorious, so you’ll need to hike before you reach it. The trail is also extremely rocky, so remember to wear protective gear before and after your hike. It’s inconvenient, but the journey is worth it thanks to the wonderful view!

Cedar Creek’s stunning rock formations and clean water make it ideal for a midday swim – just be careful since some of the rocks there are sharp! The nearby forest also adds a nice touch of green to the view and is the ideal space for a picnic, too!

Pro tip: 
Since Cedar Creeks is in the middle of nowhere, we strongly suggest bringing some extra clothes with you on your hike. The hike can leave you a lot sweatier than you think, and you’ll need a change clothes even if you’re not swimming!
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