Currumbin Valley Rock Pool

Gold Coast, Queensland

This huge natural pool has a little cascade bursting in at the top end that creates a great mix of tranquil and turbulent swimming conditions. It is easy to access, located right next to the road, with a large lawn area for relaxing near the water. For those who want a leisurely swim, head down the short path to the lawn, where there is a pebbly beach for walk-in entry into the water. Above: The pool at Currumbin Rock Pool (Order this image)

The pool itself is about 40 metres long and 20 metres across, and gets deep quite quickly, so there is plenty of room to swim laps in either direction, with rocks to rest on if you make it to the other side. For more adventurous swimmers, head upstream to the little cascade at the top end of the pool. You can reach this cascade by climbing down over the tree roots on the little track that runs down from the toilet block, or swim from upstream and climb up over the rocks. The water runs through this narrow opening to the pool quite swiftly, but on my visit I was still able to maintain my footing easily against the current. There is also a little pebbled entry point that is separated by a rock bar from the main current, that allows you to enter calm water gradually before stepping into the main current. Above: The rock bar at the upper end of Currumbin Rock Pool (Order this image)

The water in the main pool is a bit chalky, so visibility under the water is often not great. There was a bit of rain about during my visit, including a heavy burst during my swim, but the water was still warm enough to enjoy. I had a chat with one of the locals afterwards, who indicated that the water is often this chalky, but I would expect the clarity to improve after a spell without any rain.

Here is a video of swimming at this spot, both in the pool and at the cascade upstream. The weather was a little bit wet, but the water still warm enough to enjoy.

Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. Specific to this site, the managing authority advises that death and serious injury have occurred as a result of climbing on rock cliff faces and diving around the rock pools. The managing authority also displays general warnings on site about submerged objects, and the potential for dangerous aquatic organisms. This general warning sign for all Gold Coast waterways showed the picture of a shark beside the dangerous aquatic organisms warning, but nothing bit me while I was in the water, and there are definitely no sharks in this freshwater pool. The marker indicates the approximate location of the rock pool. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
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