Purlingbrook Falls In Springbrook – Visitor’s Guide

Purlingbrook Falls, in my honest opinion, is the best waterfall on the Gold Coast!

Purling Brook Falls is one of several spectacular waterfalls that are surrounded by ancient forests in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest in Springbrook National Park.

I have been to these stunning falls on several occasions and have put together this complete guide on how to get there, the best time to visit, things to know before you go, and what to expect when you’re there.

Also, at the bottom of this guide, I have included some useful information on where to stay on the Gold Coast, a list of recommended tours, and links to my other Gold Coast travel guides that you might like to check out!

WHERE IS PURLINGBROOK FALLS?

Purling Brook Falls is located in the hinterland region of the Gold Coast known as Springbrook Mountain.

Click here to see the location on Google Maps.

From the main tourist hub on the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, it’s approximately a 1-hour drive to reach Springbrook National Park.

From the Gold Coast Airport, the journey time is around a 1-hour drive.

 

HOW TO GET HERE

There is no public transport to access Springbrook National Park so you will need to have your own vehicle to visit.

The road out to Springbrook is unbelievably scenic with a few lookout points along the way that are clearly signposted and definitely worth stopping at to take a few photos.

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Aerial shot of Purlingbrook Falls

At the base of the falls

Purlingbrook Waterfall

 

ARRIVING AT SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK

When you arrive at Springbrook National Park you’ll find that there is free parking located at the entrance to the falls.

There is a small cafe near the parking lot if you would like to purchase some water and snacks before beginning the Purlingbrook Falls walk.

There are also toilet amenities and picnic areas next to the car park that you can make use of before and after your adventure.

 

PURLING BROOK FALLS TRAIL

The trail down to the waterfalls is clearly signposted with a number of viewpoints along the way that offer spectacular views of the Gold Coast Hinterland.

It’s a 4km moderate hike down to reach the base of the falls. Depending on how many times you stop to take photos or to rest, the Purlingbrook Falls walk will take approximately 45 minutes from top to bottom.

The circuit trail may sometimes be closed if there have been landslides from storms, if that’s the case, the trail down is the same trail you will have to return on.

The way down to the falls is a combination of concrete steps and cleared dirt trails that will lead you through the lush Gondwana Rainforest. 

There are some fun obstacles that you will encounter along the way down such as hanging tree vines, flowing streams, and wooden bridges that add to the exciting adventure!

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Enjoying the valley views

The trail down to the falls

Plunge pool at the top

 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT PURLINGBROOK FALLS

The trail will lead you right into the natural amphitheater at the base of the waterfall and from here you can explore the rocky and grassy areas on both sides of the falls.

You can even go for a swim in the freshwater rock pools beneath Purling Brook Falls to cool off after the hike down!

The discharge of water from the falls is not too powerful and it’s safe to stand directly beneath the flow of water, making for the perfect outdoor shower.

The rock pools are very shallow so I wouldn’t recommend doing any rock jumping at this particular spot.

There is also a pathway that leads directly behind the waterfall and from here you can get another cool perspective looking down the valley.

RELATED ARTICLE → 5 BEST SPRINGBROOK WATERFALLS

An aerial perspective

Purling Brook Falls

The beautiful falls from above

 

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WARRINGA POOL 

Once you have spent some time marveling at Purling Brook Falls, I highly recommend continuing the adventure on to Warringa Pool.

When you’re standing at the base of the main falls, you will see a sign that points the direction down to another trail which is the way to Warringa Pool.

It’s an easy 2km return hike that leads you further down into the valley which emerges at this little hidden gem.

Warringa Pool features a small but beautiful waterfall and swimming hole which is the perfect opportunity to take a refreshing dip.

You can even do some rock jumping into the natural pools if you’re up for an adrenaline rush! I would recommend bringing a pair of slip-on waterproof shoes for extra grip.

It’s also possible to explore further upstream from Warringa Pool to where you’ll find a series of cascades and smaller pools. The water is quite cold as it’s shaded from the canopy above, though it is every bit invigorating!

Warringa Pool

Hanging out at Warringa Pool

 

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

If you are planning to spend an entire day exploring Purling Brook Falls and Springbrook National Park, I recommend pre-packing a lunch and drinking water before heading up the mountain. There are a number of cafes and fudge stores in Springbrook, though they can be quite expensive if you’re on a tight budget.

The best time to visit is between 8 am and 12 pm for the best lighting from the sun.

If you’re not a morning person, you can still visit Purlingbrook Falls Springbrook at any time during the day, just make sure to allow yourself enough time to complete the trail down and back up again. (1-2 hours).

This waterfall is a very popular tourist attraction and it can get quite busy on the weekends. If you can time your visit for a weekday, you will get to enjoy it with fewer people.

At the base of the falls

Another perspective of the falls

 

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN SPRINGBROOK

Don’t end the adventure here as there are many more adventures to be had during your visit to Springbrook Mountain.

Click on the links below for more fun things to do in Springbrook National Park;

• Natural Bridge
• Twin Falls Springbrook
• Best Of All Lookout

Natural Bridge Springbrook

 

 

BEST GOLD COAST TOURS

 

WHAT TO PACK FOR SPRINGBROOK

When visiting Springbrook, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

• Sunscreen – the Australian sun is very strong, so make sure to pack some high-quality sunscreen.
• Quick-dry travel towel – a must for drying off after a dip in the ocean or lying out on the sand.
• Reusable water bottle – stay hydrated by bringing along a reusable water bottle.
• Dry bag – protect your gadgets from any water damage while you’re at the falls.

If you’re interested in taking awesome photos and videos on your travels, this is the camera gear that I use and recommend:

• GoPro HERO10 – the most popular camera on the planet for action-packed adventures.
• Canon EOS R – perfect for traveling, this is the most affordable, compact camera on the market.
• DJI Mini 3 Pro – take your photos and videos to new heights with this user-friendly drone camera.

 

MORE AUSTRALIA TRAVEL GUIDES

The east coast of Australia boasts awesome beaches, lakes, waterfalls, hikes, and many more fun-fuelled adventures waiting to be had!

Click on the links below to see more related posts:

• Hamilton Island: 10 Things To Do In Hamilton Island
• Agnes Water: 17 Things To Do In Agnes Water
• Yeppoon: 10 Best Beaches In Yeppoon
• Brisbane: Things To Do In Brisbane
• Gold Coast: 3 Day Gold Coast Itinerary
• Fraser Island: Fraser Island Day Trip
• Byron Bay: Things To Do In Byron Bay
• Crescent Head: 9 Things To Do In Crescent Head
• Forster: 7 Things To Do In Forster
• Port Macquarie: 7 Best Beaches In Port Macquarie
• Sydney: Things To Do In Sydney
• Kiama NSW: 3 Awesome Things To Do In Kiama
• Melbourne: Things To Do In Melbourne

 

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

• BOOKING.COM – search and book accommodation worldwide
• SKYSCANNER – compare and book cheap flights to anywhere
• VIATOR – find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world
• BOOKAWAY – book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance
• RENTAL CARS – search all rental cars in your next destination
• GROUP TRIPS – join one of my epic small group trips
• TRAVEL INSURANCE – purchase World Nomads travel insurance
• TRAVEL MONEY CARD – get a Wise card today for free

Looking for more? Check out my Travel Resources page for further help with your trip planning!

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope you have enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about Purlingbrook Falls, please leave a comment below and I will reply as soon as I can!

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

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