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Springbrook National Park is a lush subtropical rainforest wonderland, filled with waterfalls, caves, and sweeping lookouts. It’s one of my favourite escapes from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Whether you’re after a quick stroll or a full-day hike, there’s a walk for you here – and most trails are easy to combine into a day of exploring.
Here’s my guide to the main Springbrook National Park walks, listed roughly from shortest to longest, with my personal take on each.
Disclaimer: The hiking time and difficulty are based on our experience. We are experienced hikers with a good level of fitness, used to hiking long distances and scrambling. But we also enjoy pausing to admire the views, check for wildlife and take photos. We possess good navigation skills and use a Garmin watch with a GPS navigation map. Always check the park alerts and notes, as trail conditions change over time, which may affect the hike’s level of difficulty.
Goomalarah Falls
- 250 meters | 5 minutes
- Very easy (flat, wheelchair friendly)
- Best for: Spectacular views (valley and waterfalls) with minimal effort
A very short but rewarding walk. The lookout offers a jaw-dropping view into the rainforest valley all the way to the ocean and a close look at Goomalarah Falls – so it’s worth visiting even when it’s foggy. I liked that this one feels peaceful compared to the more famous circuits and lookouts.
Best of All lookout
- Around 600 meters | 20 minutes
- Very easy (almost flat)
- Best for: Excellent views of the Tweed Valley and impressive Antarctic Beech trees
The short rainforest walk is lovely with all the moss. But despite its name, I don’t think it leads to the best lookout in Springbrook. I find the natural green valley on the other side more impressive than the plains dotted with human activity. That said, it’s the only lookout in the park with views into northern New South Wales, including Wooloombin (Mt Warning). Plus, the Antarctic Beech trees on the way are unmissable.
Tip: Go there at the end of the day to avoid the crowds.
Natural Bridge
- Around 1 km | 45 min
- Easy (some stairs and inclines)
- Best for: Glow worms at night and a photogenic waterfall in a cave during the day. A good option on a rainy day.
This short circuit leads through rainforest and into an arched cave where a waterfall plunges from above. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the park and a great choice on a rainy day – the sealed path keeps it reasonably easy, mist won’t block the view, and the waterfall will be at its best. Unlike the other Springbrook National Park walks that are close to each other, this one is in a separate section of the park, about a 30-minute drive away.
Tip: Return at night to see glow worms and glowing mushrooms; you can spend the night in Springbrook National Park or book a tour from Surfers Paradise).
Purling Brook Falls Circuit
- Around 4 km | 1.5-2 hours
- Easy/moderate (lots of steps)
- Best for: A quick but impressive waterfall experience
This classic walk is easy to access and takes you to the base of the stunning Purling Brook Falls before looping back through rainforest. I also loved the lookouts along the way; don’t miss them even if you don’t do the full circuit.
Tip: Go early to avoid the weekend crowds.
Warringa Pool track
- Around 2 km extra beyond Purling Brook Falls (6 km total) | 3 hours total
- Easy
- Best for: Forest scenery and a refreshing rock pool
Adding this extension to the Purling Brook Falls Circuit is absolutely worth it. On the way to Warringa Pool, I passed through some of the most beautiful forest I’ve seen in Springbrook National Park. The pool itself is a great spot for a dip if the weather is warm.
Responsible travel tip: Did you know your sunscreen can pollute the water and harm animals? The best way to protect your body from the sun is to cover it with long sleeves and pants. If you do have to use sunscreen, choose a mineral one (like zinc) to avoid harmful substances (see the full list here) and apply it at least 20 minutes before entering the water.
Twin Falls Circuit
- Around 4 km | 1.5-2 hours
- Easy/moderate (steps and incline)
- Best for: A bit of everything – caves, waterfalls, and views
One of the most popular walks in Springbrook National Park, and with good reason. The trail takes you past rock formations, caves, behind waterfalls, and up to lookouts stretching all the way to Surfers Paradise and the ocean. It’s busy but still enjoyable, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a favourite.
Tip: If you want a shorter version, you can do a 2 km return walk from Tallanbana picnic area to Twin Falls without completing the full circuit.
Warrie Circuit
- Around 18 km | 5 hours (including Twin Falls)
- Moderate/hard (lots of elevation gain)
- Best for: Avoiding crowds and enjoying a longer challenge
This is my favourite walk in Springbrook National Park. It’s quieter because of its length, but that makes it more immersive. The trail winds along the cliffs, diving into the rainforest, across creeks, and past waterfalls, with plenty of gradient to keep you working. They say it’s like going up and down the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise (74 floors); so it’s for experienced walkers only. Combine it with Twin Falls for the most varied and rewarding day in the park.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes – the trail can be slippery and muddy after rain.
Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk
- Around 54 km | 3 days
- Best for: Full-day hikers wanting a remote rainforest escape
This multi-day trail links Lamington and Springbrook National Parks (recommended direction), with campsites and scenic lookouts along the way. If you want just a taste, you can extend beyond Warringa Pool (after the Purling Brook Circuit) for a more remote section. If your group has two cars, consider leaving one at Apple Tree Park to shorten the logistics.
I only walked as far as Warringa Pool, so I can’t comment on the full track. Personally, I prefer the other Springbrook walks for their waterfalls, which this long trail seems to lack.
What’s your favourite walk in Springbrook National Park? Share your experience in the comments below!
Overall tips for Springbrook walks
- Start early if you want to avoid crowds.
- Wear sturdy shoes – trails can be muddy.
- Allow extra time for photos and soaking in the views.
- Check the weather and the park alerts before heading out.
- Always use the boot-cleaning stations when you see one.
Where is Springbrook National Park?
Springbrook National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, located in the Gold Coast hinterland in South East Queensland. It’s about 100 km (1.5 hours) from Brisbane and only 45 km (just under an hour) from Surfers Paradise, making it an easy day trip from either city.
The park sits high on a plateau, which means cooler temperatures compared to the coast. The drives up are winding but very scenic, passing through rainforest and farmland before reaching the lookouts, picnic areas, and trailheads.
