Currumbin Rock Pools, Gold Coast

With rope swings and cliffs to jump off, the Currumbin Rock Pools on the Gold Coast offer children a swim that’s more adventurous than normal.

The Currumbin Rock Pools are one of the more underrated attractions on Queensland’s Gold Coast. This is partly because most people come for the Gold Coast beaches, and don’t consider heading inland.

Those that do, however, are richly rewarded.

What are the Currumbin Rock Pools?

The Currumbin Rock Pools are a series of swimming holes on Currumbin Creek, about 13km south-west of the town of Currumbin. The drive should take about 15 minutes.

There are several sections to these Gold Coast swimming holes, although the main chunk of pool is about 40 metres long. Younger children tend to stick to safer paddling at the edges.

The Currumbin Rock Pools is one of those classic places where children – and big children – just do what they’re not supposed to.

Best day trips from the Gold Coast – 7 ways to improve your stay

The Gold Coast is a destination in its own right, but there are several excellent day trips you can do while using it as a base.

Deluxe Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
Full day Springbrook National Park tour – with waterfalls and bush tucker tasting.
Snorkelling with turtles at Cook Island.
Evening glowworm-viewing experience – with guided stargazing.
Lady Elliot Island day trip – with glass bottom boat & guided Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour.
Hopping between microbreweries – with lunch included.
Northern Rivers fruit & distillery tour – with Tropical Fruit World and Husk Distillers.

The lookout over the Currumbin Rock Pools, Gold Coast. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Cliff-jumping and rope swings at the Currumbin Rock Pools

Technically, jumping into the pools from the cliffs is discouraged. The same applies to leaping from a rope swim. But lots of people do it anyway, so you might as well accept it is just going to happen.

The Gold Coast Council tacitly accepts such mischief is going to occur. No-one is employed at the site to issue stern tellings-off. There are, however, good facilities if you want to spend a few hours at the Currumbin Rock Pools. You’ll find shelters, picnic tables, barbecues and toilets here.

Things to do in Currumbin itself include going for drinks at the Currumbin Surf Club and admiring the cute animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

7 Gold Coast experiences worth booking in advance

See waterfalls and natural wonders – on a full day Springbrook National Park tour.
Be awed by massive migrating humpbacks – on a great value whale-watching cruise.
Feast as you explore the Gold Coast waterways – on a dinner cruise.
Kayak with dolphins and snorkel with hundred of sub-tropical fish – on the same tour.
Enjoy high speed thrills along the waterways – on a jet boat adventure.
Glide above the beautiful hinterland – on a serene hot air balloon flight.
Taste the best Scenic Rim wines – on an indulgent Tamborine Mountain wine tour, with lunch.