Springbrook National Park Brisbane | Gold Coast

4.8stars, rated out of 5

Google reviews (3230 total)

Google reviews for Springbrook National Park

4.8stars, rated out of 5 Write a review

  • 4stars, rated out of 5 Aleksandra Mikata
    2 months ago

    I loved it, it is a really special place to see. But I think they need more clear info about the way people should go and the possibilities to see the waterfalls closer. This should be marked for the drivers so they can tourn. Now they have only names of the locations which means nothing to a person who doesn't know the area.

  • 5stars, rated out of 5 Carlos Hernandez
    2 months ago

    ⛰️ If you choose the Warrior route, it spans 14 km and may take 3 to 6 hours. This trail is distinct as it begins at the mountain's peak, descends, and concludes with an ascent. The route is notably humid, offering opportunities to encounter spectacular animals; patience and observation are key. Enjoy breathtaking passages featuring waterfalls, navigating under massive rocks and trees. Alternatively, there's a family-friendly route for an easier experience. Best parking spot is, Google map: (Tallanbana picnic area) 40 Min from PacificFair ⛰️Excellent hiking trails ✅️ 🧹Nice and clean ✅️ 🅿️ Parking (free)✅️ 🚻 Clean toilets ✅️ 🚍 public transport ❌️ ⛺️Camping ❌️ 🛝 kid playground ❌️ 🐕‍🦺 dog park ❌️ 🍖BBQ area ❌️ 👟🥾The route can be done with sports shoes, but It is better to bring your climbing boots, since the path is usually wet and there are some muddy puddles.

  • 4stars, rated out of 5 Jᥲmіᥱ
    2 months ago

    One of the most spectacular waterfalls in SE Queensland. Located in Springbrook National Park, this area is part of the Gondwana Rainforests, an Australian World Heritage subtropical rainforest. A sealed walking track leads you through the forest, across Cave Creek and into an arched cave with viewing platforms to take in the sight of the waterfall. The cave is also home to thousands of nocturnal glow worms which are more visible at night. Well worth a visit!

  • 5stars, rated out of 5 Ria Madison
    a month ago

    This place was absolutely amazing!! I could not have asked for more. I stayed at the Springbok Lodge which was out of this wolrd, real 5* quality accommodation and food. Felt very welcomed and the guide Mlu took us through the park where we saw tons of animals from lion, elephants, cheetah, different bucks and beautiful water falls and rivers

  • 5stars, rated out of 5 Andrew Ball
    2 weeks ago

    So good, I love this area of Australia, reminiscent of blue mountains (West of Sydney) in many ways, waterfalls, amazing bush walks, awesome cafes and a gorgeous Sunday drive. Go to the natural bridge, do the twin waterfalls also up there, and make sure to see the “best of all lookout - Springbrook national park” (that’s what it’s called in google maps, and on the sign!!)

  • More info and reviews

Virtual parks—tour Springbrook National Park from your desktop

See ancient World Heritage rainforest, discover a surprising cave and waterfall and look out across volcanic cliffs—all from the comfort of your home! Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Virtual tour - MyRanger app

Discover the beauty and diversity of Springbrook National Park through the virtual ranger guided tours. Get up close and personal with some of the park’s unique animals through the Augmented Reality experiences. It’s like having a personal ranger in the palm of your hand.

Photo credit: © Jen Bartlett

Visiting Springbrook safely

    Looking towards the Gold Coast.

    Looking towards the Gold Coast.

    Photo credit: Maxime Coquard, Queensland Government

    Getting there and getting around

    Springbrook National Park is located about 100km south of Brisbane and comprises four sections on and around the plateau; Springbrook section extends along the crest of the plateau, Mount Cougal section to the south east and Natural Bridge and Numinbah sections to the west.

    Springbrook section

    From the Pacific Motorway, Springbrook plateau is 24km from Mudgeeraba or 36km from Nerang. Exit the Pacific Motorway at Mudgeeraba (exit 79 from the north, exit 80 from the south) and follow the Gold Coast–Springbrook Road. Alternatively, exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang (exit 69) and follow the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road for 23km then take the Springbrook turn-off at Pine Creek Road. Both bitumen roads are steep, winding and narrow.

    Note: There is no through-road access to New South Wales from the Springbrook plateau.

    Important! For visitor safety, Purling Brook Falls in the Springbrook section has a restricted access area (PDF, 103.1KB) that includes the top and base (PDF, 89.1KB) of the waterfall. Access to the area indicated on the map is prohibited. Penalties apply.

    Natural Bridge section

    Exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang (exit 69) and follow the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road for 38km, and turn left into the park entrance. An alternative scenic route is 42km via the Springbrook plateau from Mudgeeraba. From the Pacific Motorway take exit 80 from the south or exit 79 from the north and follow the Gold Coast–Springbrook Road to the plateau then turn right onto Pine Creek Road. Follow Pine Creek Road to the end and then turn left onto the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road. Natural Bridge can also be reached from Murwillumbah by following the Numinbah Road for 28km. The scenic access roads are winding and should be travelled with care.

    Important! Cave Creek in the Natural Bridge section is a restricted access area. Swimming in the creek, including within the cave, and access to the creek bank is prohibited. Penalties apply.

    Mount Cougal section

    Exit the Gold Coast Highway at either Duringan Street or Thrower Drive and follow the signs inland to Currumbin Creek Road (State route 95). Alternatively, exit the Pacific Motorway to head west on Stewart Road and turn left onto Currumbin Creek Road at the T-intersection. The Cougal Cascades car park and picnic area are at the end of Currumbin Creek Road approximately 18km from the Stewart Road intersection. Some roads can become flooded during times of heavy rain. Please check road conditions before travelling.

    Numinbah section

    Numinbah is 13km north of Natural Bridge section on Nerang–Murwillumbah Road. Leave the Pacific Motorway at Nerang (exit 69) and follow the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road for 25km. From the other direction on this route, this part of the park is 42km north-west of Murwillumbah. An alternative scenic route is 28km via the Springbrook plateau from Mudgeeraba. From the Pacific Motorway take exit 79 from the north or exit 80 from the south and follow the Gold Coast–Springbrook Road to the plateau. Turn right onto Pine Creek Road, follow it to the end and then turn left onto the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road. These scenic access roads are winding and should be travelled with care.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    Wheelchair assisted access is possible at Mount Cougal section along the 800m bitumen Cascades walking track. On Springbrook plateau, Canyon lookout and the Buliya-buliya jagun—land of many little birds boardwalk are suitable for wheelchairs with assistance. The Gwongorella picnic area has wheelchair-friendly picnic facilities. Please use the Gwongorella picnic area map (PDF, 330.8KB) as a guide to facilities.

    All creeks on Springbrook plateau become waterfalls! Stay safe and keep on the tracks.

    All creeks on Springbrook plateau become waterfalls! Stay safe and keep on the tracks.

    Photo credit: Paul Candlin, Queensland Government

    To protect the environment and yourself, stay on the walking tracks and behind the fences at Natural Bridge.

    To protect the environment and yourself, stay on the walking tracks and behind the fences at Natural Bridge.

    Photo credit: Dan Garnett, Queensland Government

    Staying safe

    Spinal cord injuries such as quadriplegia and paraplegia are some of the serious consequences of either jumping or diving into creeks. Drowning is the greatest threat to people who have injured their spines through jumping or diving into water. Take notice of the signs and remember; there is no cure for spinal cord injury—it’s with you for life.

    Part of Cave Creek in the Natural Bridge section of the national park has been declared a restricted access area. Swimming in the creek and access to the creek bank is prohibited. Penalties apply.

    Purling Brook Falls is declared a restricted access area (PDF, 103.1KB) . Access is prohibited to the top (PDF, 103.1KB) and base (PDF, 89.1KB) of the waterfall. Penalties apply.

    Please observe and obey signs.

    For your safety

    • Be prepared, even on short walks, and judge your ability and conditions carefully before setting out. Do not expect to be warned of every possible danger.
    • Choose walks that suit the capabilities of your entire group.
    • Stay together and keep to the walking tracks. If you leave the track system that is maintained by park staff, you are putting your or your group's safety at risk.
    • Always supervise children.
    • Take care near cliff edges—they can be deceptive and are often closer than you think. Please keep away from the edge and supervise children at all times. Take extra care when using binoculars or cameras at these sites!
    • Remain outside of the Purling Brook Falls (PDF, 103.1KB) (at the top (PDF, 103.1KB) and base (PDF, 89.1KB) of the falls) and Cave Creek (PDF, 95.3KB) restricted access areas.
    • Never dive or jump into the water as it may be shallow or hide submerged objects.
    • Do not cross creeks during floods or after heavy rain. Heavy rains can cause creeks to flash flood, where a huge volume of water can suddenly wash down the creeks and gullies.
    • Wear a hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes with good grip.
    • Take a basic first-aid kit and manual.
    • Always carry drinking water.
    • Leave a copy of your bushwalking plans with a friend, relative or other reliable person. This person has responsibility for contacting police if you are overdue. Your plan should include:
      • your name, address, number of people in your party, ages and any medical conditions
      • vehicle registration, make, model, colour and parked location
      • the route you are taking, expected times of departure and return.
    • Remember that search and rescue is costly, endangers people's lives and can damage the environment.
    • Walk with a recognised bushwalking club. This is a good way to gain experience.
    • Walk with one or more friends. At least one member of each party should be a competent map-reader and bushwalker.
    • Learn map and compass skills. There are online topographic maps that can be downloaded from websites such as QTopo. The graded walking tracks are covered in the following 1:25,000 map sheet:
      • 9541-13—Springbrook

    QTopo map tip!

    If you are unfamiliar with QTopo there is a user guide, which includes a tutorial, to assist with the QTopo application and map features.

    Thefts have occurred in this area. Car crime is a problem even here. Help us STOP this problem.

    • Remove all valuables—this includes garage remotes.
    • Lock your car.
    • Remove your keys.

    In an emergency

    In case of accident or other emergency please:

    • call Triple Zero (000)
    • call 106 for a text-only message for speech- or hearing-impaired; or deaf callers
    • advise the nature of the emergency and your location
    • stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

    The nearest public hospitals are at Southport and Robina on the Gold Coast. Mobile phone coverage may not be reliable. You will usually receive a signal wherever you can see the Gold Coast.

    For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

    Wear sensible footwear as tracks can become wet and slippery.

    Wear sensible footwear as tracks can become wet and slippery.

    Photo credit: Adam Creed © Queensland Government

    Be well prepared for your visit.

    Be well prepared for your visit.

    Photo credit: Adam Creed, Queensland Government

    After significant rainfall, walking tracks may be closed for public safety. Please check the Park alerts before you visit. This is Purling Brook Falls circuit in flood after exTropical Cyclone Debbie, 2017.

    After significant rainfall, walking tracks may be closed for public safety. Please check the Park alerts before you visit. This is Purling Brook Falls circuit in flood after exTropical Cyclone Debbie, 2017.

    Photo credit: Queensland Government

    Purling Brook Falls circuit after extensive repairs from the 2017 floods.

    Purling Brook Falls circuit after extensive repairs from the 2017 floods.

    Photo credit: Melissa Whitby, Queensland Government

    Before you visit

    Be prepared for your visit to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time. Please note: mobile phone reception may be unreliable in the park.

    Essentials to bring

    Be prepared and use sound judgment while visiting and walking in Springbrook National Park.

    • Carry sufficient food and water and a torch.
    • Wear a hat and apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
    • Wear sensible footwear—boots or strong shoes, warm and protective wet weather clothing—weather conditions can be changeable.
    • Always pack a first-aid kit and first-aid manual. Learn first-aid procedures.
    • Rubbish bins are not provided. Please bring rubbish bags, and take all recyclables and rubbish with you when you leave.
    • Bring drinking water and pack sterilisation tablets or a fuel stove to treat/boil creek water before drinking.
    • Bring your camera and binoculars for viewing wildlife. A torch, preferably with a red filter to protect animals' eyes, is useful for spotlighting at night.

    Opening hours

    Springbrook National Park is open 24 hours a day. For your safety, walk in daylight hours only, unless viewing the glow-worms at Natural Bridge. For glow-worm night tours at Natural Bridge, see the tourist information links. If you intend viewing the glow-worms at night please ensure you follow the guidelines in staying safe.

    Permits and fees

    To camp in Springbrook National Park a camping permit is required and fees apply. Try to book and pay six to eight weeks in advance for public holidays. Bookings are accepted only when accompanied by the appropriate fee. If you wish to extend your stay, you must re-register. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site. Remember: camping fees must be lodged before camping overnight.

    If you are planning to conduct a non-commercial organised activity in the park, you may need an organised event permit.

    Pets

    Domestic animals are not permitted in Springbrook National Park. On the spot fines apply for people caught with domestic animals within the park.

    Climate and weather

    At 900m above sea level, Springbrook plateau can be quite cool even in summer—the plateau is generally cooler than the adjacent lowland. The area can receive more than 3,000mm of rain a year, most of which falls between December and March. It is advisable to carry a raincoat and warm clothing at all times of the year.

    Winters are usually cold with frosty nights, temperatures can drop to a minimum of -4°C. Summers are warm to hot, especially on the exposed ridges, reaching 30°C or above.

    Natural Bridge and Mount Cougal are not so wet or cold. Natural Bridge's annual rainfall of 2,500mm falls during the hot, humid summer (maximum 38°C), while the winters are often clear and crisp (minimum 4°C). During summer's long, hot days Mount Cougal usually experiences afternoon thunderstorms (maximum 37°C). Winter mornings at the head of the valley can be brisk with occasional frosts (minimum 2°C).

    Numinbah is slightly warmer than Natural Bridge; summers are hot and humid (maximum 36°C) while winters are clear and crisp with potential for frosts (minimum 4°C).

    Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

    Be aware! During extreme weather events such as heavy rain and high winds, access to areas of the park may be closed. Please ensure you check park alerts before you visit this park.

    Fuel and supplies

    No fuel is available near the national park. Public telephones, meals and light refreshments are available on Springbrook plateau. A public telephone and cafe are available along the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road, 1km north of Natural Bridge section. A public telephone and cafe are located near the Numinbah Hall. A public telephone and cafe are located east of Mount Cougal along the Currumbin Creek Road. For more information see the tourism information links.