Springbrook National Park Walks: 3 Gold Coast Australia Hikes

It was the beautiful Springbrook National Park waterfalls that prompted us to abandon the Gold Coast beaches for the day and wander inland to explore the Australian bush. The more we researched Springbrook National Park Hikes, however, the more we wanted to see and do.

Our time to explore was limited to a single day, so we wanted to be sure we included the best things to do at Springbrook on our list. All of the Springbrook hikes piqued our interest and we determined we could easily complete three Springbrook National Park Walks on our DIY day tour from Coolangatta: Purling Brook Falls, Best of All Lookout and Natural Bridge.

 

Planning a Day Trip To Springbrook National Park

We had three glorious weeks on the Gold Coast of Australia and were spending lazy days on the sandy beaches of Coolangatta. But when a friend surprised us with a visit, we broadened our horizons and planned a fun Springbrook day trip!

The Springbrook rainforest with waterfalls, wildlife and hiking trails, is just a one-hour drive from Coolangatta and a world away from the coast. After a bit of research, spending a day visiting the Springbrook attractions shot to the top of our list of things to do near Coolangatta.

 

How To Get To Springbrook National Park

Getting to Springbrook National Park, however, was proving to be a problem. Unlike the ease of using public transport for our day trip to Surfers Paradise, we couldn’t find any buses that would take us inland to the bush. Guided Tours to Springbrook depart from the Gold Coast, but we wanted more freedom; we remedied the situation by renting a car.

We did our research, selected our three Springbrook National Park hikes, and planned our route. We were going to see one of the best waterfalls on the Gold Coast, complete the Springbrook Natural Bridge circuit walk and see the remaining ancient and twisted Antarctic Beech trees in Springbrook.

With our jet-lagged friend behind the wheel and me navigating it only took us about four minutes to get lost. We spent another two minutes cursing the roundabouts and 20 more minutes getting ourselves headed in the right direction from Coolangatta to Springbrook.

At last, we were on an incline toward Springbrook Mountain! Shortly thereafter, we eased along the curving switchbacks, narrow roads and one lane bridges that would take us into the UNESCO World Heritage rainforests of Springbrook NP. 

Want a hassle-free Springbrook Day Tour? Book this highly-rated Springbrook National Park Tour from Gold Coast!

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Springbrook NP Hikes and Sights

Springbrook is a 15,000-acre national park that forms part of the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia – the largest subtropical rainforest in the world. The forest-covered hills are teeming with natural attractions, grand vistas and incredible hiking trails. 

We are highlighting the best things to see in Springbrook National Park on a day trip from the Gold Coast – including our top picks for Springbrook National Park walks. Note that the trailheads are well-marked, but it’s a good idea to pick up a Springbrook walks map from the tourist information center.

 

#1 Springbrook Lookout: Wunburra

Our self-guided Springbrook National Park tour began shortly after we entered the park. Before heading out on any Gold Coast hiking trails, we made our first stop at Wunburra Lookout.

From this Springbrook National Park lookout, we had a view over the treetop canopy down the wide valley. We could see all the way out to the sea, where the Surfers Paradise skyline sat in sharp contrast to the nature all around us.

 

#2 Springbrook Plateau

The Springbrook Plateau is known for its ample waterfalls (which can be reached on short hikes) and numerous picnicking areas (so don’t forget to pack a lunch!).

As we drove through the Plateau, we passed through mountain communities where there were several craft shops and cafes. We could envision spending more than just a few hours in the forest in these little enclaves. However, since a few hours was all the time we had, we pushed on to our first destination: Purling Brook Falls.

 

#3 Purling Brook Falls Walking Trail

Of the three Springbrook walking trails we decided to take, it was Purling Brook Falls that we were most excited about. We had seen pictures of the falls and had high expectations. We anticipated seeing a massive stream of water pouring from the top of the mountain into the pool below.

The Purling Brook Falls walk begins with an easy 300 foot stroll to a lookout point featuring a clear view of the famous Springbrook waterfall. Our visit was in the Australian winter, a time of year with little rain and when the waterfalls on the Gold Coast are flowing with little force. The Purling Brook waterfall was merely a misty trickle. Although not as impressive as we envisioned, it was still a wonderfully beautiful area and a good start to our Gold Coast walks.

 

Purling Brook Falls Circuit Hike

From the Purling Brook Falls lookout point, we set out on the Springbrook walking tracks that led to the bottom of the falls. As we descended the steep hillside, we were quickly enveloped in forest. Near the bottom of the falls, we could see rainbow shimmering in the mist where the water splashed into a turquoise pool.

From the falls, the trail enters a eucalypt forest and leads to the Warringa Pool – one of the Springbrook National Park swimming spots. The 3.75 mile Springbrook trail is usually a loop, but during our visit half of the track was closed due to landslides. We still very much enjoyed the pleasant hike that led us through the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area. 

In our opinion, the Springbrook National Park walking trail is much more impressive than the falls themselves. We were introduced to a variety of trees and plants that could only be found in a rainforest environment.

On a hot summer day, the Warringa Springbrook rock pools would be inviting. However, seeing as it was a bit chilly, we stayed at the edge and admired the blue-green waters of the Springbrook swimming hole and one brave swimmer from dry land.

 

#4 Best Of All Lookout Springbrook Walking Trail

The Springbrook National Park walking track to the Best of All Lookout point is short – so short that I hesitate to call it a trail. However, it’s a lovely 10-minute stroll through the rainforest. We walked past moss-covered trees and the historic 2,000-year-old Antarctic Beech trees before reaching a small lookout platform. 

The walk, while short, culminates at an impressive and stunning view; we understand why it has earned the name of “Best of All Lookout Gold Coast.” The panoramic vista reaches all the way into New South Wales. We could see from the north beaches of Coolangatta, south to Byron Bay, and west to Mount Warning. 

 

#5 Natural Bridge Queensland Walking Trail

The Natural Bridge is one of the most interesting and significant geological features within Springbrook National Park. Flowing water has carved rocks into a cave and a natural bridge straddles the waterway. What makes the eroded rock even more beautiful is the waterfall that cascades into the cave.

Perhaps not as geologically dramatic as Purling Brook Falls, the sunlight and water streaming through the open rock into the pool of green is almost enchanting. The Natural Bridge walking track is a relaxed loop through the rainforest, which passes by the natural rock ‘bridge.’ 

 

Springbrook Glow Worms at Natural Bridge Cave

Glowworms live inside the dark cave at Natural Bridge – and they are a big hit with both children and adults. The Springbrook National Park glow worms’ bioluminescence is only visible at night. Visitors can explore on your own or take a Glow Worm Caves Springbrook Tour. 

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More Gold Coast Hikes at Springbrook NP, Queensland

If you have more time than we did, you may be looking for more Springbrook National Park walks. Check out these other fabulous hikes near Gold Coast, Australia.

 

Twin Falls Springbrook and Warrie Circuit Springbrook

Twin Falls is (you may have guessed it) a double waterfall found near Canyon Lookout in Springbrook National Park and can be explored as part of the longer Warrie Circuit.

The Warrie Circuit Springbrook hike is a 10.5 mile long trail that passes by multiple waterfalls and Springbrook swimming spots. For more information about the Twin Falls Circuit, go to the official park website. 

 

Mt. Cougal

The trail to the peaks of Mount Cougal is a steeply inclined track most suitable to experienced hikers. The challenging hike is an out-and-back, 3.75 mile one-way trek that traverses rugged terrain through a variety of vegetation and culminates in a spectacular view. 

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Essential Springbrook Walks Information

Springbrook National Park Map: Use this online map.  

Entrance Fee: It is free to enter the park.

Springbrook National Park Opening Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day.

Weather: For current weather forecast, check the Bureau of Meteorology Website. 

Springbrook National Park Accommodation

• Hotels: Find hotels in Springbrook NP on Booking.com.
• Camping: The only area where camping is permitted is The Settlement. Fees apply. Find more info about camping on the official website. 

 

Other Gold Coast National Parks

• Lamington National Park
• Tamborine National Park

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What You Need to Hike Springbrook National Park

Before you travel to Australia and hit the trails near the Gold Coast, make sure you are prepared for hiking in Springbrook NP. 

 

Sturdy Walking Shoes

I was comfortable wearing my everyday sneakers while hiking in Springbrook National Park, and Kris wore these trail shoes. You can use our tips and reviews for the Best Travel Shoes to help determine which shoes to pack for their trip!

 

Travel Camera with Zoom

The natural beauty of Springbrook NP is astounding! Capture the sights with a real camera for higher quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which is a fantastic budget camera) and this 18-135mm lens.

 

Hiking Must-Haves

Don’t forget to bring your hiking essentials! For us, that means a water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent! Fellow trekkers might also want to wear a wide-brimmed hat or a lightweight raincoat.

 

Day Pack for Gold Coast Hikes

Make sure to bring a great day bag to organize and secure everything you will need for Springbrook hikes. We like to carry small backpacks when hiking. 

 

Australia Trip Insurance

As well as you plan your trip, things may go awry. If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your vacation to Australia, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

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Travel Guides for Australia

A Springbrook NP Day Trip is just one aspect of planning a trip to Australia. We have more trusted tips and honest advice to help you plan your incredible trip Down Under!

• Best Things To Do in Coolangatta
• Bondi To Coogee Coastal Walk
• What To Do in Brisbane
• Best Sydney Itinerary
• Top Things To Do in Cairns
• Melbourne 3 Day Itinerary
• Visiting the Blue Mountains from Sydney
• Best Day in Perth, Australia
• Great Things To Do in Hobart, Tasmania

As you make plans for your Australia vacation, organization is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details of your trip!

 

Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

 

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