📍11 Best Springbrook National Park Walks, Lookouts & Waterfalls 2023. (With Map.)
WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE BEST SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK WALKS, LOOKOUTS AND WATERFALLS ARE?
Behind all the beaches, sky rises and city lights of the Gold Coast lies Springbrook National Park, a spectacular wilderness plateau filled with a network of walking trails leading to gorgeous lookouts and breathtaking waterfalls.
This stunning national park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, is only a 45km, 50-minute drive from Surfers Paradise to the Springbrook Plateau or the Natural Bridge sections and a 42km, 56-minute drive to the Cougal Cascades and is the perfect place to go for an immersive day trip in the spectacular hinterland wilderness.
So without further ado, here are the best Springbrook National Park walks, lookouts and waterfalls to explore including the incredibly unique Natural Bridge to the towering Purlingbrook Falls, coming from someone who lives an hour away and has hiked many of these trails and camped there several times because it is such a beautiful place that I love visiting over and over again.
👉 My top 3 picks for the best Springbrook National Park trails:
- Short Walk: Natural Bridge Circuit.
- Half Day Walk: Twin Falls Circuit or Purlingbrook Falls Walk.
- Full Day Walk: Warrie Circuit.
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Best Springbrook National Park Walks.
1. Natural Bridge. – 1km Circuit, Grade 2
(Natural Bridge Section.)
Springbrook National Park’s most renowned landmark is the Natural Bridge, a dark cave featuring a gorgeous waterfall thundering through its roof. It’s the result of thousands of years of water erosion, causing the cave’s ceiling to collapse into the unusual formation it’s known for today.
An easy 1km, grade 2 circuit circumnavigates the picturesque landmark and leads to several vantage points where hikers can observe the creek as it plunges into the dark abyss. But my favourite part about the trail you can go inside the cave, providing one of the most unique experiences you can have with a waterfall on the Gold Coast.
That is because not only does it allow you to gaze upon the stunning water feature, but as the cave is a natural amphitheatre, you can hear and feel the rumbling as the water gushes in, which I found to be simultaneously nerve-wracking and humbling.
As if the Natural Bridge couldn’t get any more intriguing, it’s also home to glow worms. These bioluminescent creatures emit blue/green light from their behinds to attract insects for them to consume. It’s a spectacular sight, but it is only observable at night as that’s when they feed. They are incredibly light-sensitive, so please read and observe the rules on the massive sign out the front of the cave before entering so you can observe this natural phenomenon without harming the bioluminescent creatures that live there.
2. Purling Brook Falls. – 4km Circuit, Grade 3.
(Springbrook Plateau.)
Up on the plateau, Purling Brook Falls is the most waterfall in this section of the national park. It’s a gorgeous horsetail waterfall that drops 106m off a sheer cliff.
The 4km, grade 3 circuit is not only a spectacular walk because you can observe the famous landmark from a suspension bridge at the base of the falls, but there are also numerous gorgeous lookouts, picturesque creek crossings, towering cliffs and a hidden, albeit not very flowing waterfall to discover along the way.
👉 Tip: Start from the Settlement Day Use Area to uncover a little of the national park’s history that not many people know is there.
3. Warringa Pool. – 6km Return, Grade 3.
(Springbrook Plateau)
People looking for a longer hike in Springbrook National Park will enjoy venturing along the Warringa Pool track. The trail, which includes the stunning Purling Brook Falls Circuit, branches off at the bottom of the falls and follows the Little Nerang Creek down the canyon an additional 1km (2km return) where it eventually leads to the Warringa Pool, a gorgeous, serene waterfall with an accessible basin perfect for wild swimming.
Granted, being at the bottom of a canyon surrounded by rocks and rainforest means the sun doesn’t warm it up sufficiently, so it’s pretty cold even on the hottest and most cloudless days. But those working up a sweat, particularly in the height of summer, may enjoy the cooling, mountain-fed waters of this pristine natural water hole.
4. Twin Falls Circuit. – 4km, Grade 3.
(Springbrook Plateau.)
Further south on the Springbrook Plateau lies another breathtaking track. Twin Falls Circuit is a gorgeous 4/4.2km trail that follows the top and bottom of the national park’s southernmost east-facing cliffs.
Hiking along the top sees numerous lookouts overlooking the vast canyon and the sheer cliffs that make up the plateau. From some vantage points, Rainbow Falls and even Twin Falls are visible to the south. And if it’s a clear day, the Gold Coast skyline is too.
At the bottom, feel small next to the massive cliffs and get showered on by Blackfellow/ Poondahra Falls and Twin Falls, two stunning waterfalls you can get the unique privilege to venture behind. With so much visual appeal to appreciate along all facets of the trail, this is why it is my favourite mid-length track to undertake in Springbrook National Park.
Note: On the southernmost end after going through the cave, deviate a short way onto the Warrie Circuit and discover Rainbow Falls. The trail also goes behind the falls. But what makes it so special, is if you visit at the right time of day when the sun hits the water particles in a certain way, a rainbow appears, hence the name Rainbow Falls.
5. Warrie Track. – 14km Circuit, Grade 3.
(Springbrook Plateau.)
Springbrook National Park’s longest day walk is Warrie Circuit. The 14kms, grade 4 circuit is a challenging slog, suitable for experienced hikers only. But it’s well worth it.
Starting at the Tallanbana Picnic Area or Canyon Lookout, the trail follows the Twin Fall Circuit along the top of the cliff before deviating after Blackfellow Falls and rejoining it near Rainbow Falls.
The glorious walk starts with numerous beautiful lookouts before taking trekkers deep into the valley, where they pass by a multitude of thunderous waterfalls cascading down the mountain on their way to the ocean, undoubtedly providing one of the most immersive experiences through the breathtaking waterfall heaven that is Springbrook National Park.
6. Best Of All Lookout. – 600m Return, Grade 2.
(Springbrook Plateau.)
The Best Of All Lookout is one of the shortest Springbrook National Park hikes, but as the name suggests, also one of the most impressive.
The 600m return track at the end of Repeater Station Road takes walkers across the New South Wales border to the edge of the Mt Warning caldera. From there, the foreboding mountain’s volcanic plug is showcased front and centre as the rest of the eroded Tweed Valley fills out the rest of the gorgeous rugged panoramic scenery, providing one of the most visually impressive vantage points on the Gold Coast. At least that’s what I’ve heard, as every time I’ve tried to visit, it’s always been foggy and I’ve never been able to see the view. Luckily it’s not a long trail.
7. Cascades Track. – 1.6km Return, Grade 2
(Mt Cougal Section.)
Way on the other side of the plateau lies the Mt Cougal section of Springbrook National Park. It’s the closest and easiest part to access from the Gold Coast and there’s only one short track here, but it’s beautiful.
The 1.6km return Cascades Track takes visitors past the Cougal Cascades, a gorgeous series of waterfalls and rockpools that Currumbin Creek has to descend as it makes its way down the plateau to reach the ocean. Further up along the trail beyond the stunning natural attraction lies the remains of an old sawmill, a nod to times gone by when the forest was much less valued for its natural importance where you can learn about the area’s destructive timber extraction past and the significant of protecting wilderness areas on the signboards.
Tip: Bring togs, because on the road to the Cougal Cascades lies the Cougal Rock Pool, a fantastic natural waterhole right next to Currumbin Creek Road where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in its beautiful mountain-fed waters on a hot summer day.
Word to the wise, though, wear some high water shoes as my boyfriend and I’s ankles got gnawed on my an eel. However, the chances of that happening are relatively rare (it’s only ever happened to me twice in my life, and the other one wasn’t here) and it only grazed us. I was the only one to bleed and it was a minuscule amount, so it was definitely not a significant injury. I’ve had paper cuts worse than that. But take antiseptic of some form to clean it just to prevent infection if it does happen to you too.
8. Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. – 56km One-Way, Grade 4
(Springbrook Plateau.)
The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is predominantly known for being a 22km trek between the Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections of Lamington National Park. But that only accounts for less than half of the full length.
The whole thing is 54km one way. And depending on how you look at it, the start or the end of the enormous hike passes through Springbrook National Park. More specifically, it incorporates the beautiful Warringa Pool and the even more impressive Purlingbrook Falls.
Undertaking the trail’s entire length is arduous and for highly experienced bushwalkers only, but those who venture this trail are rewarded well for their efforts. The spectacular Lamington-Springbrook walk will take them deep into pristine wilderness, where they will discover seldom-seen waterfalls, cliff faces, vistas, lookouts and views.
Even if hikers aren’t able to do the whole thing, they can still do a section of it. The one incorporating Springbrook is the Settlement Camping Area to Woonoongoora Walkers’ Camp is the shortest one at only 9km each way. Or you can trek through to the road at Numinbah which is a bit under double the length, and get someone to pick you up there.
Best Easy Access Lookouts In Springbrook National Park.
While most of Springbrook National Park’s breathtaking beauty is along its trails, not all of them are there. There are some spectacular lookouts and waterfalls to discover that are only a super short distance from the car park, and they are no less gorgeous than their on-trail counterparts.
9. Wunburra Lookout.
(Springbrook Plateau.)
Wunburra Lookout is the first scenic attraction visitors will encounter as they make their way up the plateau. It’s located on the left-hand side just after the road splits and becomes a single lane and has eastward views of the canyon. On a clear day, the Gold Coast skyline is visible.
Informal parking is located just around the corner after the lookout on the right.
10. Canyon Lookout.
(Springbrook Plateau.)
Further along towards the end of Springbrook Road is another gorgeous lookout. Turning off onto Boy-ull Road and following it a short distance will take you to the wheelchair-accessible Canyon Lookout.
This breathtaking view showcases the spectacular Springbrook Plateau in all its glory. Rainbow Falls is easy to see along the national park’s staggering cliff face, and Twin Falls is also visible when looking to the extreme right.
It’s not only beautiful to look deep into the valley and the sheer cliffs the waterfalls tumble down from, but also across to the Gold Coast with glimpses of the skyline and ocean in the distance. It is even more beautiful at sunrise when the soft light casts a stunning orange glow on the pristine landscapes where there is sometimes fog lingering over the forest floor, providing one of the city’s best viewpoints in the hinterland.
11. Goomoolahra Lookout & Boojerahla Lookout.
(Springbrook Plateau.)
At the very end of Springbrook Road lies a couple more easy-to-access lookouts. Goomoolahra Falls Lookout and Boojerahla Lookout lie along the same track 250m and 450m respectively from the picnic area and car park.
Both lookouts provide spectacular views of the undulating landscape of the valley below, while the former also peers across the top of Goomoolahra Falls (also known as Bilbrough Falls).
Better yet, like Canyon Lookout, Goomoolahra Falls Lookout is wheelchair accessible, so folks who don’t have the best mobility can also enjoy Springbrook’s magnificent views.
👉 Related Post: Best Gold Coast Lookouts In The City & Hinterland.
Springbrook National Park Walks Map.
Springbrook National Park FAQs.
Is Springbrook National Park Free?
Yes. There are no fees to visit, park or hike in Springbrook National Park. However, there are fees to stay at Settlement Campground.
Where Do You Park In Springbrook National Park?
There are numerous places to park your vehicle, depending on which of the many Springbrook hikes you undertake.
But as the national park has three sections, the locations vary widely, although most lie on the Springbrook Plateau, while the other two have one trail each and a dedicated car park.
Note: The Mt Cougal section of the national park is a considerable distance from the Plateau and Natural Bridge section as it lies on the south-eastern section and the latter two are on the west.
Purling Brook Falls & Warringa Pool Tracks. – Springbrook Plateau.
To get to the most iconic Springbrook National Park walk on the plateau, the Purling Brook Falls Circuit and the branch track to Warringa Pool, the Gwongorella Picnic Area is the main car park for this walk.
Alternatively, the Settlement Day Use Area around the corner is a lesser-known place to park, but the connecting track takes you past a picturesque creek and a hidden historical site. Those staying at the Settlement Campground can simply walk straight to the trail from the campground through the Settlement Picnic Area.
Twin Falls Circuit & Warrie Circuit. – Springbrook Plateau.
There are two places to park for the Twin Falls and the extended Warrie Circuits. The main entranceway to these popular Springbrook walks is at the Tallabana Picnic Area along Springbrook Road, not far south of Boy-Ull Road. There are only a handful of formal parking spots, but plenty of spaces at the side of the road to park on busy days such as weekends.
Canyon Lookout is the other place to park for these trails. It’s along the aforementioned Boy-Ull Road but has even fewer spaces for cars. However, because of its limited spaces, it’s more for people coming to see the lookout, rather than going hiking along the trail.
Goomoolahra Lookout & Boojerahla Lookout. – Springbrook Plateau.
The car park to Goolmoolahra and Boojerahla Lookout is right at the end of Springbrook Road. No turn-offs or anything. Just straight to Goomoolahra Picnic Area. There’s plenty of space to park.
Best Of All Lookout. – Springbrook Plateau.
The Best Of All Lookout trail has a small car park at the end of Repeater Station Road, which branches off Springbrook Road just after Hardy’s Lookout.
Natural Bridge – Natural Bridge Section.
The Natural Bridge section of Springbrook National Park lies separately from the plateau. It lies on Nerang-Murwillumbah Road 15km south of Springbrook Road turn off and has its own parking lot.
Cougal Cascades – Mt Cougal Section.
The Mt Cougal section is accessible from the southeast side of Springbrook National Park. Accessible via the coastal suburb of Currumbin, the car park for the Cougal Cascades lies at the end of Currumbin Creek Road.
Where To Stay Near Springbrook National Park.
There are too many Springbrook National Park walks to complete in a day, so for those wanting more time to explore this stunning waterfall heaven, there are some great options for staying overnight.
➡️ Purling Brook Falls Gwongorella.
Purling Brook Falls Gwongorella is a unique hotel where guests stay in an individual roundhouse similar to a Kazakh Yurt, nestled by a world heritage rainforest. It’s an incredibly cool set-up and as the name suggests, it’s right near Purling Brook Falls. You need only stroll outside before you’re at the trailhead. Better yet, it’s adults only, so it’s perfect for a weekend retreat with your significant other.
Some people might not like that the toilets and shower are separate from the roundhouse, especially as it gets cold at night in the mountains, but if that doesn’t bother you, Purling Brook Falls Gwongorella is a fantastic place to stay.
➡️ Mouses House Rainforest Retreat.
For something even more luxurious and romantic, there is no better place to stay in Springbrook National Park than at the Mouses Houses Rainforest Retreat.
Located just south of Tallanbana Picnic Area, these spectacular, individual wood cabins are the epitome of the word retreat. They are so sumptuously isolated and nestled within the treescape, it’ll make you feel miles away from everyone else.
And with the largest cabin sleeping up to 8 guests, you can enjoy this beautiful, serene escape as a couple, a family unit or with a bunch of buddies.
➡️ Settlement Campground. (Springbrook Plateau.)
The national park only has one campground on the Springbrook Plateau where most of the Springbrook’s walks reside. The Settlement campground is ideally located between the plateau’s two most popular tracks, Purling Brook Falls Circuit and Twin Falls Circuit. For the former, you can just walk to the trail through the Settlement Picnic Area.
While the campground only has 11 well-defined sites, each one is surrounded by a lot of trees, offering sufficient privacy from neighbouring campers. Cars, campervans and camper trailers can access the sites, but as the setup is only a one-way-in, one-way-out turnaround area at the end kind of situation, it’s not suitable for caravans or long haulsThere are also basic amenities. Toilets, picnic tables and free BBQs are there for your use.
For those who enjoy animal encounters, nocturnal animals such as possums and owls/nightjars love visiting the campsite after dark, while sweet relatives of the kangaroo and wallaby, pademelons are so frequently seen at the campground during the day and night. I once saw two tawny frog mouths during one night and always see pademelons at the communal picnic table at night and early morning, so be sure to look out for them during your stay.
Conclusion: Best Springbrook National Park Trails.
With so many beautiful lookouts and waterfalls to discover along all of Springbrook National Park’s walks, like overlooking the Rainbow Falls and Twin Falls as they plunge over the sheer escarpment into the canyon valley floor at the Canyon Lookout and feeling the power of water rushing through a dark, enclosed space at the Natural Bridge, venturing out the see its many stunning natural attractions are well worth the hour-long drive to visit.
If you plan to visit the Gold Coast, consider looking at these other posts.
