Utopia Rock Pools and Falls Queensland (also known as Waterfall Creek) is located in the Mount Walsh National Park in the Bundaberg region of Queensland, Australia. It’s just a short hike to the rock pools (and if there’s been enough rain, the falls too) and is a must do if you are in the Bundaberg region and looking for some adventure.
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Do you need a 4WD to get to Utopia Rock Pools & Falls?
No you don’t. The access road (Utopia Road) is mostly sealed and changes to a compacted dirt track as you approach the Waterfall Creek car park and is accessible with a 2WD. There have been times when the section of road close to the car park has washed out, however it just means you have to park a littler further away and walk to the carpark where the trail starts. You can find QLD DES park alerts that include poor road conditions here.
Are there any fees to access Utopia Rock Pools & Falls?
No there are no National Park fees to enter the Mount Walsh National Park or Utopia Rock Pools & Falls.
How far is the walk to get to the rock pools & falls?
The walk trail is 3km return. The walk itself is pretty easy with some minor inclines and slightly rocky sections. The track is fairly wide, well maintained and easy to follow to the rock pools and falls. It takes you through the beautiful dense dry rainforest, with some sections of taller woodlands closer to the rock pools and falls. This walk is a Grade 4 track (Rough track. May be long and very steep with few directional signs. For experienced bushwalkers).
The Grade 4 classification applies more to the last section at the end of the track, to access the rock pools and falls. At the bottom of the rocky stairs at the end of the trail, you then have to negotiate your our way over rocks that run parallel to the creek to the rock pools and falls. We a had a couple of minor slips and falls making our way to the rock pools and falls. If you have hiking boots it’s recommend you wear them to make the last section to the falls a little easier.
What is it like when you get to the Rock Pools?
There some flat rocky granite areas around the pools where you can set yourself up and leave your things. There’s not a lot of shade around the pools so make sure you bring a hat and sunscreen. This is a lovely spot to dip your feet in the water and enjoy a packed lunch. When the water is flowing it’s clear and refreshing to swim in.
From the bottom pool there’s a little bit of a rock climb up to the higher pools and falls. It’s a bit of an incline but easy to walk up.
You can either slide back down or bomby into the pool below. The pools are nice for a dip too. There is a strong flow in sections of the pools, so some of the kids there had pool noodles to help them float. There are some smaller pools and a creek at the bottom of the falls to explore too.
What’s the best time to go to Utopia Falls and Rock Pools?
If you want to enjoy cascading down the rocks through the diffent levels, it is best to go after some decent rainfall. We visited in late November after unprecended rainfall and there was lots of water flowing down the falls and through the rock pools. It also wasn’t too hot for the walk there but warm enough to enjoy a swim and rocky slide. If it’s a little warm and there hasn’t been much rain you risk a hot walk and not much water to enjoy when you get there, so best time is leading up to, during and just after the wet season (late spring, summer and early autumn).
Are there any facilities at Utopia Rock Pools & Falls?
No. There are no toilets, BBQs or rubbish bins. Please be prepared to take everything with you. Bring a plastic bag along to store any rubbish you may have. Make sure you bring plenty of water too.
How far is Utopia Rock Pools & Falls ?
Utopia Rock Pools & Falls are 1.5 hours drive from Bundaberg, 1.5 hours drive from Hervey Bay and around 4 hours drive from Brisbane.
Utopia Falls Map
Utopia Falls Summary
Start: Waterfall Creek Carpark off Utopia Road, Boompa
Distance: 3.1km return
Time: 1 hour return walk plus swimming time
Toilets: none
BBQs: none
Dogs: Mount Walsh is a National Park so dogs are not permitted
Map: Waterfall Creek / Utopia Rock Pools & Falls Map