About Simpson Falls
Simpson Falls is a small seasonal waterfall located in Mount Coot-tha Reserve, about 7 km west of Brisbane CBD in Queensland. Set in open eucalypt forest and rainforest gully within the Brisbane Forest Park area, the falls flow over rocky cascades after rain. It is accessed via the Simpson Falls walking track and is notable as an easily accessible natural waterfall and bushwalking destination close to the city.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a short bushwalk through eucalypt woodland and subtropical gully vegetation leading to a small rocky cascade. The waterfall is seasonal and may be reduced to a trickle or dry in drier periods, flowing best after recent rain. The area includes a graded walking track, picnic area at the trailhead on Simpson Falls Road, and interpretive signage. The setting is natural and quiet, suitable for walking, photography and birdwatching, with no built structures at the falls itself.
Key highlights
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Seasonal cascade waterfall in Mount Coot-tha Reserve close to Brisbane CBD
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Simpson Falls walking track through eucalypt forest and rainforest gully
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Picnic area at Simpson Falls trailhead
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Birdwatching and native flora along the track
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Connection to broader Mount Coot-tha walking track network including JC Slaughter Falls
History of Simpson Falls
Simpson Falls is located within Mount Coot-tha Reserve, historically used as a timber and recreation reserve since the late 19th century and now managed by Brisbane City Council as a protected natural area on the edge of D'Aguilar Range.
Culture & Context
The Mount Coot-tha area lies within the traditional lands of the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, for whom the broader D'Aguilar Range holds cultural significance.
Route
| By road | Access via Simpson Falls Road off Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mount Coot-tha. Approximately 7 km from Brisbane CBD by car, with parking at Simpson Falls picnic area. |
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