Visiting Cedar Creek Falls, Mt Tamborine

This review provides everything you need to know about visiting Cedar Creek Falls in Mount Tamborine.

The Queensland Travel Guide acknowledges the Yugambeh people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Cedar Creek Falls is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

Cedar Creek Falls is a stunning natural attraction in the Tamborine Mountain region of the Tamborine National Park.  Tucked away in the Gold Coast Hinterland, exploring this hidden treasure makes for an excellent day trip.

Visitors can enjoy the lookout, picnic areas and, when conditions allow, the designated rock pools. Access to the rock-pool track can close after wet weather, so check current park alerts before travelling.

If you’re considering a trip to Cedar Creek Falls, check out this article, which covers all you need to know to plan your trip.

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Last comprehensively reviewed and updated: November 2026.

Where are the Cedar Creek Falls?

Cedar Creek Falls is easily reached via Tamborine Mountain Road, with the turn-off to Cedar Creek Falls Road just past the information map stopping bay on the left. From here, it’s a short drive down a narrow road and across a tiny creek before coming to the car park at the Cedar Creek Falls section.

Cedar Creek Falls in Mount Tamborine is approximately 50 kilometres from the Gold Coast and 70 kilometres south of Brisbane – around a 1 hour drive from each.

Where to park at Cedar Creek Falls?

Parking at the Cedar Creek section is free but very limited, and the car park fills quickly on summer weekends and public holidays.

Parking is not permitted along Cedar Creek Falls Road or Tamborine Mountain Road, and police issue infringement notices for illegal parking. If the car park is full, visit another section of Tamborine National Park and return at a quieter time.

You can combine the falls with a genuine visit to nearby Thunderbird Park for an activity or meal, but do not rely on private business parking unless you are a customer and parking is permitted.

Plan to arrive early and follow all onsite parking signs and ranger directions.

Walking to Cedar Creek Falls lookout

The Grade 1 Cedar Creek Falls lookout track is 500 metres return. Queensland Parks recommends allowing about 15 minutes.

The lookout track is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs with assistance. Remain on the fenced walking track and observe all restricted-access signs.

From the lookout, you can see across the gorge, where you’ll see several small falls and rock pools.

It’s important to note that the rock pools you can see from the lookout aren’t the same as the rock pools you can swim in.  So don’t be fooled if it looks like there is no one down there.

Walking to Cedar Creek Falls rock pools

From the official entrance to Cedar Creek Falls, the walk is only 1.1 km return (includes the walk to the lookout).  After the lookout, it is a fairly steep descent, but it is fairly short.  The walk does include stairs too.

Queensland Parks recommends allowing about 30 minutes for the full 1.1 kilometre return walk to the rock pools.

Access the rock pools only by the designated walking track and obey all barriers and restricted-access signs. The track has many steps, while rocks and water edges can be extremely slippery.

At the Cedar Creek Falls rock pools

Swimming is permitted only in designated rock pools when they are open. Some pools and sections of the gorge are restricted at all times, and penalties apply for entering closed areas.

The pools are not patrolled by lifesavers. Never jump or dive into the water: submerged objects, slippery rocks, changing water levels and strong currents can cause serious injury or drowning.

Do not assume a pool is safe because it looks shallow or calm. Supervise children closely, assess conditions on arrival and follow all onsite safety signs.

Take only what you need, such as water and a towel, and wear suitable footwear. Glass containers are prohibited in the gorge and rock-pool area.

The Cedar Creek Falls

It’s worth mentioning that the falls themselves really aren’t that impressive.  Most people come here to see the rock pools – which are beautiful!

I thought this was worth mentioning as while I think the entire area is absolutely stunning, I got talking to a couple from the Philippines when I was last there and they said they were expecting some great big waterfalls.

Water flow depends on recent rain. Wet weather can make currents dangerous and trigger closure of the rock-pool track, so check the Queensland Parks alerts before visiting.

Facilities at Cedar Creek Falls

There are excellent facilities at Cedar Creek Falls, which makes it ideal for those wanting to plan a day trip here.

There are two gorgeous open spaces surrounded by lush rainforest.  Here, you’ll find a number of picnic tables and BBQs.

Across the road, there are also toilets.

Other Cedar Creek Falls in Queensland

If you’ve Googled Cedar Creek Falls, you may have been a little confused as you possibly came across two other Cedar Creek Falls in Queensland.

There is actually a Cedar Creek Falls in Airlie Beach (you can find more about that one here) and a Cedar Creek Falls in Samford too.

So just be sure that any information you’re reading is about the Cedar Creek Falls in Mt Tamborine.

Enjoy Cedar Creek Falls, Mt Tamborine

Hopefully, you found this guide on visiting Cedar Creek Falls helpful.  

I’d also recommend you check out our full guide to the Gold Coast, which provides links to everything you need to know to plan your trip.

And why not join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great tips on things to do in and around the Gold Coast.

You may also be interested in nearby destinations:

• Brisbane
• Ipswich
• Canungra