Located at the junction of Bergin Creek and South Pine River, at the end of Dugandan Road (enter 88 Dugandan Road into your phone or sat nav), Bunya Crossing Reserve Swimming Hole is a hidden gem in the Moreton Region and just 25 minutes from Brisbane CBD. It’s such a close, idyllic setting that is a great day trip for families.
Day Trip from Brisbane – swimming fun
The best thing about the Bunya Crossing Reserve swimming hole is that is a great for all ages. Toddlers can splash in the shallows and older kids can enjoy the slightly deeper water that is quiet and calm. There are rope swings tied on to numerous trees for the older kids – just make sure to check the water for any submerged trees, rocks or other dangers before anyone goes jumping in. The water looks clean and our kids loved paddling in the shallows when we visited on a warm winter’s day.
Kayak or canoe on the South Pine River
We spotted a family launch their inflatable kayaks into the river while we were splashing. And we know why! It’s a great spot for learners to paddle in a quiet river with a slow flow – the water is more like a lake!
Fauna at Bunya Crossing Reserve
Even on a cooler day, when swimming isn’t on the agenda, Bunya Crossing Reserve does not disappoint. If you can keep the kids a little bit quiet, there is an abundance of wildlife to spot. Creep along the banks of the water hole to see turtles, ducks, water hen, fish (including bream, trevally, cod, jew, catfish or jacks) as well as tadpoles and if you are lucky you may spot a wallaby!
We also saw families with dogs romping in the water as they are welcome here. They must be kept on a leash and you cannot take them further along the path over the crossing (it is signed so keep an eye out for where domestic pets are not welcome!). We even saw a man with his horse on a lead feeding him some of the long, green grass alongside the bank!
Bushwalking at Bunya Crossing Reserve
Because it was a little bit cooler on the day we went to the Bunya Crossing Reserve, we enjoyed the easy bushwalk along the river. Once we arrived and parked in the small but very close car park, we turned left (if looking at the river) and walked past the BBQ and Picnic facilities and along the river.
We passed multiple turtles bobbing up and down in the river and under the trees (and the kids detoured to scramble up the rocks and back down again) and to the ‘crossing’. Here the kids played and splashed until we moved on, we crossed the river and took a left turn to walk along the opposite side to the river.
Suspension bridges and fairy gardens
If you continue walking alongside the river for about 500 meters you come to a suspension bridge. Cross it and go up the stairs to the lookout across the dam before heading along the path a bit further to a …. FAIRY GARDEN!!
There is a gorgeous little dead end path that has been decorated with fairies, and butterflies and wizards, and toadstools and our kids just LOVED it. There are secret little doors that they can open to see what is inside… I won’t spoil the fun… but you MUST take your kids to see this hidden gem … soon!
Watch our video | Bunya Crossing Reserve for Brisbane families
Facilities at Bunya Crossing Reserve
The facilities are adequate:
- Gas BBQ
- Picnic Tables
- Toilets
- Rubbish Bins
Directions to Bunya Crossing Reserve swimming hole
The swimming hole is super easy to find and well sign posted. Head out past Ferny Hills/Arana Hills/Everton Hills towards Bunya (postcode 4055) on Bunya Road and turn on to Dugandan Road. Follow Dugandan Road until you reach the end – and you are there!
Whether you plan on splashing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, bushwalking, animal watching or something else, you can amble either up or down Bunya Crossing Reserve for a great day out with the kids!
RELATED: If you would prefer a purpose built place for little ones to swim, try the nearby Ferny Grove Aqua Park and Splash playground
