Springbrook National Park spreads across the Gold Coast hinterland, with four sections: Springbrook Plateau, Natural Bridge, Mount Cougal and Numinbah. Rainforest tracks lead to waterfalls, creeks and lookouts, including Purling Brook Falls and Best of All Lookout. At Natural Bridge, a short circuit reaches a rock arch and a waterfall flowing through a cave where glow-worms and micro-bats live. You can choose a brief stop or set aside a day for longer walks and several sights. Pack water, especially for the more demanding trails.
Four sections of rainforest and waterfalls
Springbrook National Park covers parts of the McPherson Range in the Gold Coast hinterland. Its four sections are Springbrook Plateau, Natural Bridge, Mount Cougal and Numinbah. The landscapes include rainforest, cliffs, creeks and waterfalls, with walking tracks and lookouts spread across the park. As the sections are distinct, a visit focused on one area differs from a day spent driving between several stops.
The park forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Its plateau landscape is associated with the ancient Tweed Volcano, which erupted about 23 million years ago. Rainforest plants include Antarctic beech and hoop pines, and the park is home to varied birdlife and other native animals.
Natural Bridge and its cave
In the Natural Bridge section, a short, sealed circuit of about one kilometre leads through rainforest to the rock arch over Cave Creek. Water falls through the cave and flows beneath the arch. The formation developed as the waterfall wore into the basalt, cutting through the rock and leaving an arch at the front of the cave.
Glow-worms and a colony of small bent-wing bats live inside the cave. The glow-worms are visible after dark, so the site has a different appeal at night than during the day. The circuit is an accessible way to see this part of the park, but take care to follow the path and respect the wildlife in its habitat.
Walks and viewpoints on the plateau
Purling Brook Falls is one of the park’s major waterfall walks. The falls drop about 100 metres, and the circuit takes walkers through rainforest and eucalypt forest. The full loop is longer than the distance some signs may suggest, so allow time and bring water. Reaching the base of the falls adds a closer view of the cascade.
For a shorter outing, the Best of All Lookout track is about 800 metres return through Antarctic beech forest. The lookout is high on the plateau, with views towards Mount Warning and the valleys below. Other walks include the Twin Falls Circuit and the longer Warrie Circuit, which is 17 kilometres. Choose a trail to suit your available time and walking ability; the park’s options range from short paths to demanding hikes.
Planning a day in the park
Springbrook is a substantial area, so it helps to choose a section or a few nearby stops before setting out. A full day gives you more time to combine walks and viewpoints without hurrying. If you are making a shorter visit, Natural Bridge’s one-kilometre circuit or the Best of All Lookout track can fit a more focused itinerary.
The drive into the hinterland is part of the trip, and the park is some distance from the Gold Coast’s coastal areas. Check the Queensland parks website for current information before you travel. Bring water for walks, and allow extra time if you plan to visit more than one section.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Springbrook National Park?
A full day allows time to explore several highlights without rushing. A focused visit to Natural Bridge takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
What can you see at Natural Bridge?
A short rainforest circuit leads to a rock arch, waterfall and cave. Glow-worms can be seen in the cave after dark, and micro-bats live there.
How long is the Natural Bridge walk?
The circuit is about one kilometre and is sealed.
Is the Purling Brook Falls walk challenging?
The walk can be more demanding than expected, and the full loop is longer than some signs suggest. Carry enough water.
What is the shortest walk to a lookout?
The Best of All Lookout track is about 800 metres return through Antarctic beech forest.
