The hike to Northbrook Gorge is one of my personal favorites, just an hour from my hometown of Brisbane, it is the perfect day trip for any nature lover. Situated in D’Aguilar National Park, Queensland, this 7.6-kilometer return trail is all about adventure and getting wet. As you navigate the path, you’ll rock hop, swim through refreshing waterholes, and soak in the stunning creekside scenery. On my first hike, I tried to avoid the wet puddles and jumped from rock to rock to stay dry, but soon realized that getting wet is just part of the experience. The next time, I embraced the creek from the start, which made the hike much more enjoyable.

There are several deep water crossings where you’ll need to swim, so bringing a dry sack for your electronics is definitely a good idea. Each time I've tackled this hike, I’ve met fellow explorers along the way, but I still think it’s a very underrated gem given its beauty and location. Overall, it’s a fun and refreshing trek that’s well worth checking out if you’re up for a bit of a challenge and plenty of natural beauty.