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.

The more we researched Springbrook National Park Hikes, however, the more we wanted to see and do.

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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 hikes piqued our interest and we determined we could easily complete three Springbrook 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 rainforest with waterfalls, wildlife and hiking trails, is just a one-hour drive from Coolangatta and a world away from the coast.

How To Get to Springbrook National Park

Getting here, 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 depart from the Gold Coast, but we wanted more freedom. We remedied that situation by renting a car.

We did our research, selected our three 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 Antarctic Beech trees.

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. Shortly thereafter, we eased along the curving switchbacks, narrow roads and one lane bridges that would take us into the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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

Springbrook NP Hikes and Sights

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

We are highlighting the best things to see 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 map from the tourist information center.

#1 Springbrook Lookout: Wunburra

Our self-guided adventure began shortly after we entered the park. Before heading out on any trails, we made our first stop at Wunburra Lookout.

From here, 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

This site 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, we passed through mountain communities where there were several craft shops and cafes. We could envision spending more time in these little enclaves.

However, since a few hours was all the time we had, we pushed on to our first destination…

#3 Purling Brook Falls Walking Trail

Of the three walks we decided to take, it was Purling Brook Falls that we were most excited about.

We had seen pictures of it and had high expectations. We anticipated seeing a massive stream of water pouring from the top of the mountain into the pool below.

The walk begins with an easy 300 foot stroll to a lookout point featuring a clear view of the famous falls. Our visit was in the Australian winter, so 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, we could see a rainbow shimmering in the mist where the water splashed into a turquoise pool.

From here, the trail enters a eucalypt forest and leads to the Warringa Pool – one of the Springbrook swimming spots.

The 3.75 mile 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 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. Seeing as it was a bit chilly, we stayed at the edge and admired the blue-green waters and one brave swimmer.

#4 Best of All Lookout Springbrook Walking Trail

The 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 platform.

The walk, while short, culminates at an impressive and stunning view. We understand why it has earned the name!

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

This 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 enchanting.

Springbrook Glow Worms

These critters live inside the dark cave at Natural Bridge – and they are a big hit with both children and adults.

Of course, their bioluminescence is only visible at night. Visitors can explore on their own or meet other travelers on a Glow Worm Caves Springbrook Tour!

More Gold Coast Hikes at Springbrook

If you have more time than we did, check out these other fabulous hikes near the Gold Coas.

Twin Falls Springbrook and Warrie Circuit Springbrook

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

That hike is a 10.5 mile long trail that passes by multiple waterfalls and swimming spots.

Mt. Cougal

The trail to the peaks of Mount Cougal is a steeply inclined track most suitable to experienced hikers.

This challenging route 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.

Springbrook Walks Information and Tips

Entrance Fee: Free.

Springbrook National Park Opening Hours: 24 hours a day.

Springbrook National Park Accommodation

Hotels: Find accommodation on Booking.com.
Camping: The only area where camping is permitted is The Settlement. Fees apply.

Sturdy Walking Shoes

I was comfortable wearing my everyday trainers and Kris wore these trail shoes. You can read our reviews for the Best Travel Shoes to help determine which ones to pack for your trip!

Travel Camera

The natural beauty here is astounding! Capture the sights with a real camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens.

Hiking Must-Haves

Don’t forget 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. We like to carry these small backpacks when hiking.

Australia Trip Insurance

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

Travel Guides for Australia

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