📍12 Best Gold Coast Waterfalls In The Hinterland From A Local. (2024.)

Springbrook National Park.

One of the best places to go chasing waterfalls is undoubtedly Springbrook National Park, as it has the highest density of waterfalls on the Gold Coast. That is because most of this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site and Gondwana Rainforest of Australia sits atop a plateau where numerous creeks plunge dramatically over the sheer cliff faces as they head towards the ocean.

But these aren’t the only waterfalls this outstandingly beautiful place is home to. Nestled at the base of the escarpment and in the forests surrounding the plateau lies even more of these beautiful landmarks, which is why I regard it as a waterfall heaven.

1. Purlingbrook Falls.

Unquestionably, one of the most famous Gold Coast waterfalls is Purling Brook Falls. Located on the Springbrook plateau, this magnificent horsetail waterfall sees the Little Nerang River plunge 106m over a sheer cliff face into the lush canyon valley floor below.

While there are picturesque viewpoints on either side of the natural landmark at the top, descending down the escarpment to the base of the falls is the ultimate way to appreciate the spectacular geographical feature. Making the 4km, grade 3 circuit even more worthwhile is that there is also a suspension bridge from which to view the falls, many gorgeous lookouts, picturesque creek crossings, and towering cliff faces to explore along with a secret, albeit not very well-running waterfall to admire along the way.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Gwongorella Picnic Area.
• Walking Trail: Purling Brook Falls Circuit – 4.6km circuit, Grade 3.
• Waterfall Height: 106m
• Facilities: Sheltered picnic tables, electric BBQ facilities, augmented reality experience.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: The Settlement Campground.

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2. Twin Falls.

Another gorgeous waterfall in this spectacular national park is Twin Falls. While you can just observe the stunning natural landmark plunging over the sheer cliffs from Canyon Lookout, it’s so far tucked around to the right past Rainbow Falls, that you can barely see it. Plus, the Twin Falls Circuit trail has plenty of fantastic places of interest to enjoy along the way, culminating in one of Springbrook’s most visually rewarding hikes, and my personal favourite.

Even the shortest and most direct in-and-out route is epic. Starting at Tallanbana Picnic Area, the walk follows the cliff line before descending into the picturesque valley. Along the way, enjoy pristine views of the untouched landscape before walking past an unnamed waterfall and navigating through small caves and rock bridges to reach the base of the falls.

From here, you can not only admire the towering waterfall as it plunges over the bare-faced escarpment, but this is also one of the few Gold Coast waterfalls that offer visitors the unique opportunity to walk behind it and appreciate it from a “refreshingly” new perspective, creating one of the most magical experiences you have with nature.

As for those who opt to do the entire Twin Falls Circuit (4km from Canyon Lookout, 4.2km from Tallanbana Picnic Area), there are even more rewards to see on this visual feast of a walk. The top has numerous viewpoints overlooking the pristine gorge, while at the bottom at the northernmost end is the little-known Blackfellow/Poondahra Falls, which while the flow is nearly as impressive as the waterfalls the circuit is named after (it’s typically a trickle) it’s incredible looking up at the imposing cliff face you were just, or are soon going to be, at the top of.

However, if you come when it’s pouring rain, this one will not only flow better, but sometimes spontaneous waterfalls emerge, such as when one appeared near one of the aforementioned rock bridges, while I was hiking this trail with my boyfriend.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Tallanbana Picnic Area or Canyon Lookout.
• Walking Trail: Twin Falls Circuit.
  • 4.2km, grade 3 circuit from Tallabana Picnic Area.
  • 4.0km, grade 3 circuit from Canyon Lookout.
• Waterfall Height: High.
• Facilities: Toilets & some picnic tables Tallabanna Picnic Area. None at Canyon Lookout.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Springbrook Mountain Chalets.

3. Rainbow Falls.

Part of the 14km, grade 4 Warrie Circuit, Rainbow Falls is another phenomenal waterfall observable from Canyon Lookout. It’s the easiest one to see, but like Twin Falls, walkers don’t need to do the entire trail to see as it’s only a short detour from the Twin Falls circuit, so you can check both these beautiful places off without completing either track.

This is yet another of the few waterfalls you can stand behind, only this one is much closer to the veil of water as it tumbles off the cliff face, guaranteeing to cover you in the refreshing mountain-fed mist collected from this pristine ancient landscape. That’s not all because Rainbow Falls doesn’t get its name for no reason. At certain times of day when the sun is shining and light is hitting the water in just the right way, a rainbow appears near the base of the falls.

I was fortunate enough to see it when I was there mid-afternoon one day, but I can’t say how much seasonality and the Earth’s angle relative to the sun play a role in the light refraction process that causes the phenomenon. But if you are hoping to see it, take into account that it gets darker in the canyon earlier, so you’ll need to start your descent well before it does, otherwise no bueno.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Tallanbana Picnic Area Or Canyon Falls.
• Walking Trail: Twin Falls Circuit.
  • 4.4km, grade 3 circuit from Tallabana Picnic Area. (estimated.)
  • Quickest route from Tallabana Picnic Area – Unknown.
  • 4.2km, grade 3 circuit from Canyon Lookout. (estimated.)
  • Warrie Circuit – 14km, grade 4 circuit from Tallanbana Picnic Area.
• Waterfall Height: High.
• Facilities: Toilets & some picnic tables Tallabanna Picnic Area. None at Canyon Lookout.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Springbrook Mountain Chalets.

4. Goomoolahra/ Bilbrough Falls.

At the very end of Springbrook Road, just above the Queensland, New South Wales Border lies the gateway to the plateau’s southernmost waterfall and two of the best viewpoints in the Gold Coast hinterland. As the name suggests Goomoolahra Falls Lookouts overlooks the humbling cascading top of Goomoolahra Falls (also known as Bilborough Falls) as it tumbles over the sheer cliff face into the spectacular canyon below.

Best of all, this short 250m return, grade 1 trail is suitable for wheelchair users, making it a fantastic spot for people of all abilities to enjoy the scenic beauty of this notable landmark. But it doesn’t end there. It extends a couple hundred metres down some stairs to Boojerahla Lookout, where gazing across the heavily forested canyon is the primary focus. However, you can see pretty much the same view from both spots. But because of the trail’s ease of access, they are beautiful spots to venture to early in the morning when the sun rises and casts a soft orange glow over the pristine wilderness and after the rains when there’s fog lingering over the landscape.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Goomoolahra Picnic Area.
• Walking Trail: Goomoolahra Falls – 250m, grade 1 – wheelchair accessible.
  • Boojerahlra Lookout – 450m, grade 2.
• Waterfall Height: High.
• Facilities: Toilets, some sheltered picnic areas & electric BBQs.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat.

5. Natural Bridge.
(Natural Bridge Section.)

The Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park is unquestionably one of the finest and most unique waterfalls on the Gold Coast. What makes this beautiful location such a must-see is that the creek cascades down a gently sloping rock face before plunging through the collapsed roof of a cave and coming out through its gaping mouth.

The picturesque 1km, grade 2 circuit does an excellent job showcasing the breathtaking natural landmark, tightly circumnavigating it and openly allowing walkers to see it from numerous angles, such as from both sides of where the stunning creek plunges dramatically into the dark abyss and inside the cave itself, which is even more magnificently beautiful.

What I love so much about being there is that the natural amphitheatre powerfully reverberates the sound of the water pouring in creating an imposingly thunderously noise, which is simultaneously a nerve-wracking, unsettling and humbling display of raw power from one of the environment’s most abundant base elements. Combined with the magnificent visual appeal of the sunlit waterfall gushing into the shadowy cave, it provides one of the most unforgettably magical and immersive auditory and sensory experiences there is to find in nature.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the car park of Nerang-Murwillumbah Road.
• Walking Trail: 1km Circuit, Grade 2.
• Waterfall Height: 15m of cascading with a short plunge at the end.
• Facilities: Toilets, sheltered picnic areas, augmented reality experience.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Springbrook Mountain Chalets.

6. Cougal Cascades.

Situated in the beautiful Currumbin Valley, the Cougal Cascades is the closest and easiest-to-access waterfall on the Gold Coast. At just a 27km, 35-minute drive from the Gold Coast Airport on the easternmost fringes of Springbrook National, this is a favourite haunt for locals and tourists looking for a quick escape from the city and reconnect with nature.

Although it is a 1.6km, grade 2 return trail, the picturesque cascades are only about hallways along and have two picture viewpoints with breathtaking views of the waterfall and the picturesque plunge pools that lie below, where many people enjoy cooling off from the spring and summer heat. (While some folk like jumping from the rocks into the plunge pools, the creek has submerged rocks and logs and the rocks can be slippery, so caution is strongly advised.)

If you continue to the end of the trail, you’ll discover remnants of the area’s past in the form of an old sawmill. This heritage site offers a glimpse into the region’s past when the forests were only valued for their timber, rather than their natural beauty, making this a lovely trail for combining history and being in the outdoors into one outing.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Cougal Cascades Picnic Area.
• Walking Trail: Cascades track – 1.6km, grade 2.
• Waterfall Height: Unknown.
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Crystal Pacific Palm Beach.

Mt Tamborine.

Mt Tamborine is one of the coastal city’s favourite family-friendly places to visit for those looking to escape the city and imbue themselves in the beauty and tranquillity of nature. Scattered throughout the mountaintop village lie pockets of ancient rainforests that form Tamborine National Park, and within those lies two of the most beloved and visited waterfalls on the Gold Coast.

7. Curtis Falls.

One of Mt Tamborine’s most visited and picturesque waterfalls is, undoubtedly, Curtis Falls. While it’s only small, its beauty more than makes up for its size as the tranquil site sees Cedar Creek tumble into a stunning plunge shallow pool surrounded by wet eucalypt forest and towering flooded gums.

Better yet, it’s only a short 1.1km return, grade 3 trail from the dedicated car park along Dapsang Avenue down through the thick and cooling rainforest canopy to the beautiful spot and is a fantastic track for showing visitors the beauty of the hinterland, letting kids experience the outdoors, practising slow-shutter photography.

It is such a lovely spot that it would also make an excellent location to propose to your significant other. (Although if you want to do it without an audience, I recommend doing it as early in the morning as possible, preferably on a weekday.)

As for those who would like a longer walk, combine the Curtis Falls track with the 2.5km, grade 4 Lower Creek Circuit, and enjoy crossing creeks, rock hopping, and seeing a giant fallen strangler fig.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to the car park on Dapsang Avenue.
• Walking Trail:
  • 1.1km return, grade 3. – Extra 400m from shops on Eagle Heights Road.
  • Lower Creek Circuit – extra 2.5km, grade 4 circuit.
• Waterfall Height: Medium plunge.
• Facilities: Toilets, small shops nearby.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Mountain Sanctuary B&B.

8. Cedar Creek Falls.

Further down the mountain and fed by the same creek, Cedar Creek Falls is another must-visit Gold Coast waterfall. Within the first 500m is a wheelchair-accessible lookout that overlooks the waterway as it begins its multi-step descent down the rugged gorge to the sea. At the end of the 1.1km return, the grade 3 in-and-out trail takes you past a series of gorgeous plunge pools to one of the region’s ultimate wild swimming holes.

While it looks inviting, be warned, even in the warmer months when sunlight has been directly hitting it all day, the water is still typically pretty chilly. Call it “refreshing”. But if you don’t mind braving that, it is the ultimate way to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of this pristine natural landscape.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access the car park at the end of Cedar Creek Road.
• Walking Trail: Cedar Creek Falls.
  • To lookout – 500m return, grade 1 – Wheelchair accessible.
  • To rockpools – 1.1km return, grade 3.
• Waterfall Height: Medium.
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables & BBQ facilities along the trail.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: Mountain Sanctuary B&B.

Lamington National Park.

Further inland, Lamington National Park is also part of the spectacular Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, which comprises the major remaining areas of rainforest in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales. It has two breathtaking sections: Green Mountains, which is larger and closer to the Gold Coast, and Binna Burra, which is smaller and further inland but is equally spectacular.

While both sections of the park are home to a plethora of magnificent walks and stunning waterfalls, many of them are a considerable distance to walk to, so for the purposes of this list, these are just the best ones closest to the villages achievable in a day for casual visitors with moderate levels of fitness.

10, 11, 12. Picnic Rock, Elabana Falls & Box Forest Falls. (Green Mountains Section.)

Also in the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park lies a breathtaking trifecta of three waterfalls within close vicinity of each other. The picturesque Picnic Rock Falls, Box Forest (Tullerigumai) Falls and especially photogenic Elabana Falls sit nestled together about 3.7km away from the day-use area and can completed as a dedicated outing or as part of one of several trails thanks to its unique location at the inspection of several tracks.

The easiest way of reaching them is with a straight in and out approach following the Border Circuit for a while, then taking the Box Forest Circuit to the three stunning waterfalls. For a longer walk, continue around the trail in the recommended anticlockwise direction to see even more waterfalls such as Darragumai Falls and Yanbacoochie Falls, for a gorgeous 10.9km, grade 4 adventure.

For experienced hikers who love even longer adventures, you can see these beautiful spots as part of the challenging 17.4km, grade 4 Toolona Creek Circuit, or the 13.9km, grade 4 West Canugra Creek Circuit, which is recommended to be done in a clockwise trajectory due to its steep gradient.

• Access: Conventional vehicle access to Green Mountains.
• Walking Trail: From Green Mountains to Box Log Falls – 7.4km (estimated) return, grade 4.
  • Box Forest Circuit – 10.9km, grade 4 circuit.
  • Entire West Canugra Creek Circuit – 13.9km, grade 4 circuit.
• Waterfall Height: Medium.
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and cafe at Green Mountains day-use area.
• Nearby Recommended Accommodation: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.