Springbrook Falls are arguably some of the best waterfalls in South East Queensland!
Located just 1-hour drive inland from the beautiful Gold Coast beaches, you can discover magnificent waterfalls, lush rainforest, epic viewpoints, and iconic wildlife, all of which make Springbrook National Park an incredible place to visit.
In this guide, I have included a complete list of 5 Must-Visit Springbrook Falls including where to find them and what to expect!
OVERVIEW – SPRINGBROOK FALLS
Here is a quick overview of 5 Must-Visit Springbrook Waterfalls that you will find in this guide:
- Twin Falls
- Blackfellow Falls
- Purlingbrook Falls
- Warringa Pool
- Natural Bridge
SPRINGBROOK WATERFALLS TOUR
Another alternative to visiting the Gold Coast Hinterland region is to book a full-day tour to see the highlights in Springbrook National Park.
The Springbrook National Park Tour is the most top-rated tour with great reviews and hundreds of bookings.
This full-day tour covers the best spots in Springbrook National Park including Purlingbrook Falls, Canyon Lookout, Goomoolahra Falls, Best Of All Lookout, lunch at Springbrook Cafe, Natural Bridge, and Bochow Park.
The tour also includes a hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking tour guide, and an air-conditioned bus with free WiFi onboard.
BOOK NOW → Springbrook National Park Tour
5 MUST-VISIT SPRINGBROOK FALLS
TWIN FALLS
Twin Falls Springbrook is hands-down one of my favorite Springbrook Falls which can be explored via an easy walking trail known as the Twin Falls Circuit.
These epic falls are an awe-inspiring natural attraction that is not to be missed when visiting Springbrook National Park.
→ Click here for the location on Google Maps.
TWIN FALLS CIRCUIT TRAIL
There are two different jump-off points to access the Twin Falls Circuit trail, also referred to as Warrie Circuit, one is located at the Tallanbana Picnic Area and the other is located at the Canyon Lookout.
Both jump-off points have free car parking spaces available and the trailheads are clearly signposted.
There are also toilet amenities and picnic areas next to the parking lot at Tallanbana which you can make use of before and after your Springbrook waterfalls adventure.
Twin Falls Circuit is a 4km moderate hike that takes the average person around 2 hours to complete.
It doesn’t matter where you begin the Twin Falls Circuit, whether you head down the trail to the left from Canyon Lookout (clockwise) or you decide to head down the trail to the right from Tallanbana Picnic Area (anti-clockwise).
Both trails will take you right down to the base of these Springbrook Falls.
If you don’t want to do the entire 4km Twin Falls Circuit (Warrie Circuit), it’s best to park your car at Tallanbana Picnic Area and follow the trail down to the right (anti-clockwise) which is a more direct route to reach Twin Fall.
This way takes around 15 minutes to walk down and around 20 minutes to walk back up again.
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WHAT TO EXPECT AT TWIN FALLS
If you began the hike from Tallanbana Picnic Area, you’ll cross a wooden bridge at the very top of Twin Falls and it’s a 15-minute walk down the trail to reach the base of the falls.
When you first lay eyes on Twin Falls, it’s easy to see how it got its name. The waterfall is broken up into two streams, one has quite a heavy flow of water whereas the other one is a bit of a trickle.
First things first, is jumping into the freshwater pool to cool off after the hike down and you can even swim right up beneath Twin Falls and dip your head under for a free massage.
The discharge of water from these falls is not too powerful and it’s safe to stand directly beneath the flow of water. Not a bad spot for a fresh cold water shower if you ask me!
The swimming area beneath Twin Falls Springbrook is quite shallow on the edges so I wouldn’t recommend doing any rock jumping into the basin.
There is also a concrete pathway that lines the circumference of the natural pool and it leads directly behind the falls.
From here you can get another cool perspective looking down the valley at Twin Falls Springbrook.
The concrete path behind the waterfall is part of the circuit trail that will lead you back to the starting point in the parking lot.
FULL BLOG POST → TWIN FALLS
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BLACKFELLOW FALLS
Blackfellow Falls is yet another one of my favorite waterfalls and which is why I have included it on this list!
HOW TO GET TO BLACKFELLOW FALLS
Blackfellow Falls is located on the Twin Falls Circuit trail and is a must-see during your visit!
If you begin the Twin Falls Circuit (Warrie Circuit) from Canyon Lookout (clockwise), at the halfway point to the main falls you’ll come across this epic Springbrook waterfall called Blackfellow Falls.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT BLACKFELLOW FALLS
I have visited Springbrook National Park waterfalls on a number of occasions but for some reason, I never did the full Twin Falls Circuit.
Though this time around, I’m glad I did because I was able to discover Blackfellow Falls which is equally as impressive, in my opinion.
The coolest feature of Blackfellow Falls is being able to walk behind the silvery, curtain-like falls via a naturally carved-out cave!
I ended up spending around 30 minutes at Blackfellow Falls taking photos and marveling at the vibrant surroundings before continuing along the trail to the main waterfall, Twin Falls.
RELATED ARTICLE → 11 BEST GOLD COAST BEACHES
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PURLINGBROOK FALLS
Purlingbrook Falls, in my honest opinion, is the best waterfall on the Gold Coast!
Purling Brook Falls is surrounded by the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest in Springbrook National Park.
→ Click here for the location on Google Maps.
PURLING BROOK FALLS TRAIL
The trail down to the falls 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 into the valley to reach the base of Purlingbrook Falls. Depending on how many times you stop to take photos or to rest, this walk will take the average person approximately 45 minutes from top to bottom.
The way down to Purlingbrook 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 such as hanging tree vines, flowing streams, and wooden bridges.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT PURLING BROOK FALLS
The trail will lead you right into the natural amphitheater at the base of the falls and from here you can explore the rocky and grassy areas on both sides of the waterfall.
You can even go for a swim in the freshwater rock pools to cool off after the hike down!
The discharge of water from Purlingbrook 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 these Springbrook Falls and from here you can get another cool perspective looking down the valley.
FULL BLOG POST → PURLINGBROOK FALLS
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WARRINGA POOL
Next up on this list of must-visit waterfalls in Springbrook is Warringa Pool.
Warringa Pool is not quite as grand as Purlingbrook Falls, but it is indeed not to be missed during your visit to Springbrook National Park.
HOW TO GET TO WARRINGA POOL
Warringa Pool is located nearby to Purlingbrook Falls. In fact, it’s on the same trail, making it really easy to find.
When you’re standing at the base of Purlingbrook 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, emerging at this little hidden gem.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT WARRINGA POOL
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 these falls 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 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!
NATURAL BRIDGE
Last but not least on this list of must-visit Springbrook Falls is Natural Bridge, also referred to as Natural Arch Springbrook, which is one of the most iconic waterfalls on the Gold Coast and can be discovered along the Natural Bridge Circuit.
→ Click here for the location on Google Maps.
NATURAL BRIDGE CIRCUIT TRAIL
The Natural Bridge Circuit is an easy 1km walking trail with a combination of wooden boardwalks, bridges, stairs, and concrete pathways that will lead you through the lush Gondwana Rainforest and down into the cave, emerging at this epic waterfall.
The Natural Bridge Circuit should take you no more than 1 hour to complete from start to finish and I recommend walking in a clockwise direction.
RELATED ARTICLE → 3 Day Gold Coast Itinerary
WHAT TO EXPECT AT SPRINGBROOK NATURAL BRIDGE
The Natural Bridge Circuit trail will lead you right into the cave beneath the arched rock formation which has been carved out by the force of the waterfall.
There are two viewing platforms at the base of Natural Bridge Springbrook, one is positioned further back from the falls on the edge of the stream and the other viewing platform is located inside the cave itself where you are able to get a closer look at the waterfall.
When you first lay eyes on Natural Bridge Springbrook it’s easy to see how its name came about. The waterfall flows through a hole in the roof of the basalt cave, creating a natural bridge formed out of rock.
Unfortunately, it’s no longer possible to go swimming at Springbrook Natural Bridge in order to protect the natural habitat in the area and for your own safety.
Rangers patrol the area and if you are caught swimming at Natural Bridge Gold Coast you can be fined up to $350.
Apart from marveling at the unique natural bridge and curtain-like falls, you can go for a wander around in the glow worm cave, though unfortunately, you won’t be able to see their luminescent glow during the daytime.
If you want to see the glow worms Springbrook in their full form, it’s best to book a nighttime tour or simply go on a DIY tour of the Natural Bridge glow worms.
WHERE TO STAY IN SPRINGBROOK
There are dozens of accommodations to choose from in Springbrook, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations in Springbrook below that I personally recommend:
LUXURY: SPRINGBROOK LYREBIRD RETREAT
MID-RANGE: SPRINGBROOK MOUNTAIN CHALETS
BUDGET: DANCING WATERS COTTAGE
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN SPRINGBROOK, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BEST TIME TO VISIT SPRINGBROOK
Springbrook Falls are known to be quite popular and can get very busy on the weekends.
If you can time your visit to Springbrook Waterfalls for a weekday, you will get to enjoy them with fewer people.
The best time to visit the waterfalls is between 8 am and 2 pm for the best lighting from the sun.
If you’re not a morning person, you can still visit at any time during the day, just make sure to allow yourself enough time if you wish to visit all of the Springbrook waterfalls on this list.
If you are planning to spend an entire day exploring Springbrook National Park, I recommend pre-packing a lunch and taking your reusable water bottle before heading up Springbrook 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.
SPRINGBROOK WATERFALLS MAP
BEST GOLD COAST TOURS
WHAT TO PACK FOR SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK
When visiting Springbrook National Park, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
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FINAL THOUGHTS – SPRINGBROOK FALLS
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions, please leave me a comment below this post and I’ll get back to use as soon as I can.
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