Springbrook National Park walks boast some of the best hiking trails 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 put together a complete list of the 5 Best Springbrook Walks including where to find them and what to expect on each of the trails.
OVERVIEW – SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK WALKS
Here is a quick overview of the 5 Best Springbrook National Park Walks that you will find in this guide:
- Purlingbrook Falls Trail
- Warringa Pool Trail
- Twin Falls Circuit
- Best Of All Lookout
- Springbrook Natural Bridge
5 BEST SPRINGBROOK WALKS
PURLINGBROOK FALLS TRAIL
Purlingbrook Falls, in my honest opinion, is the best waterfall on the Gold Coast and it’s not to be missed on your list of Springbrook National Park walks!
→ Click here for the location on Google Maps.
The walk down to Purlingbrook 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 Springbrook hike takes 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.
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WHAT TO EXPECT AT PURLINGBROOK FALLS
The trail will lead you right into the natural amphitheater at the base of Purlingbrook 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 this Springbrook waterfall and from here you can get another cool perspective looking down the valley.
FULL BLOG POST → PURLINGBROOK FALLS
WARRINGA POOL TRAIL
Next up on this list of best Springbrook National Park walks is Warringa Pool.
Warringa Pool is not quite as grand as Purlingbrook Falls, but it’s indeed worth checking out during your visit to Springbrook National Park.
HOW TO GET TO WARRINGA POOL
Warringa Pool is located very close 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 Springbrook hike that leads you further down into the valley and emerges 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 Warringa Pool 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 can be quite cold as it’s shaded from the canopy above, though it is every bit invigorating!
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TWIN FALLS CIRCUIT
Twin Falls can be reached via an easy walking trail known as the Twin Falls Circuit and is low-key one of my favorite Springbrook walks.
Twin Falls Springbrook is an awe-inspiring natural attraction that is not to be missed during your visit.
→ 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 this Springbrook hike.
Twin Falls Circuit is a 4km moderate hike that takes the average person around 2 hours to complete from start to finish.
It doesn’t matter where you begin this Springbrook walks, 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 Falls.
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 ON THE TWIN FALLS CIRCUIT
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 this Springbrook waterfall.
If you begin the Twin Falls Circuit from Canyon Lookout (clockwise), at the halfway point to the main falls you’ll come across another epic waterfall called Blackfellow Falls.
The coolest feature of Blackfellow Falls is being able to walk behind the silvery, curtain-like falls via a naturally carved-out cave!
From here, it’s a further 10-minute walk till you reach the main waterfall at Twin Falls.
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THE MAIN WATERFALL AT TWIN 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 Springbrook and dip your head under for a free massage.
The discharge of water from Twin 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 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 this Twin Falls is part of the circuit trail that will lead you back to the parking lot.
FULL BLOG POST → TWIN FALLS
BEST OF ALL LOOKOUT
The Best Of All Lookout is another one of the best walks you must try during your visit.
The name simply says it all, perched on top of the highest point on Springbrook Mountain, the Best Of All Lookout is arguably the best panoramic viewpoint on the Gold Coast, Australia.
→ Click here for the location on Google Maps.
The best time to visit the Best Of All Lookout Springbrook is, in my opinion, at sunrise!
Not only will you get to enjoy the early morning rays of sunshine filling the valley beneath the viewpoint, but chances are you will also get to enjoy the Best Of All Lookout all to yourself with no other tourists around.
The early bird gets the worm, as they say!
If you’re not a morning person, you can still visit Best Of All Lookout at any time during the day to enjoy the breathtaking view!
THE TRAIL TO BEST OF ALL LOOKOUT
When you arrive at the jumpoff point for this walk, there are plenty of free spaces in the parking lot where you can park your car safely.
You will see a sign in the parking lot that reads ‘Best Of All Lookout’ which points the direction to the trailhead and it’s a short 350-meter walk from here to reach the viewpoint.
The trail to Best Of All Lookout is an adventure in itself. A concrete path weaves its way through a serene rainforest featuring hanging vines, tropical ferns, majestic Antarctic beech trees, and an abundance of Australian birds and other wildlife.
On the walk down to Best Of All Lookout, take a moment to relax and let your senses enjoy the rainforest.
How many sounds, smells, and textures can you experience here?! Think what might have become of this rainforest if it had not been declared a national park.
When you’re ready, continue walking to the very end of the path which emerges at the Best Of All Lookout.
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WHAT TO EXPECT AT BEST OF ALL LOOKOUT
When you reach the end of this Springbrook walk, you’ll find a wooden viewing platform (Best Of All Lookout) that offers extensive panoramic views of the Gold Coast hinterland, Mount Warning, Murwillumbah Valley, and the southeast coastline right the way down to Byron Bay.
The awe-inspiring view from the Best Of All Lookout is my all-time favorite and I guarantee it’ll take your breath away!
Simply enjoy the phenomenal view of the coastline, the foothills, and the surrounding mountain ranges from this vantage point.
I recommend spending around 30 minutes to 1 hour soaking up this stunning view in front of your eyes at Best Of All Lookout.
NATURAL BRIDGE SPRINGBROOK
Last but not least on this list of best Springbrook National Park walks is Natural Bridge Springbrook, also referred to as Natural Arch, which is one of the most iconic waterfalls on the Gold Coast and can be discovered along the Natural Bridge Circuit.
→ Click here to see the pin 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 Springbrook 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.
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 this unique waterfall.
There are two viewing platforms beneath Natural Bridge Springbrook, one is positioned further back from the falls on the edge of the creek 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 in Springbrook to choose from 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 NATIONAL PARK
Springbrook National Park is quite popular and can get very busy on the weekends.
If you can time your visit to Springbrook Mountain for a weekday, you will get to enjoy these Springbrook walks with fewer people.
The best time to visit Springbrook National Park is early morning to mid-afternoon, make sure to allow yourself enough time if you wish to visit all of the national park walks on this list.
If you are planning to spend an entire day exploring these Springbrook National Park walks, I recommend pre-packing a lunch and taking a reusable water bottle before heading up to 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 NATIONAL PARK WALKS MAP
Click here or on the image below for an interactive map of the Springbrook hikes.
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 – SPRINGBOOK WALKS
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about Springbrook National Park walks, please leave me a comment below this post and I’ll get back to use 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.
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