Which Springbrook National Park waterfalls should you visit?

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Springbrook National Park, in the Gold Coast hinterland, is one of the best places in Queensland to chase waterfalls. The World Heritage-listed rainforest, dramatic volcanic cliffs and network of walking tracks make it easy to see a variety of falls in a single day. Some are only a few minutes from the car park, while others reward you after a longer hike.

Here are all the waterfalls in Springbrook National Park that I’ve been to and I think are worth visiting.

Natural Bridge Cave

Natural Bridge is one of the most unique Springbrook waterfalls. A short walk leads through the rainforest to a cave where a waterfall flows through the rock roof into the pool below. It’s one of the easiest waterfall to see from the base and one you shouldn’t miss.

Access is restricted to protect the glow worm colony (you can see them at night!), and swimming isn’t allowed.

Twin Falls

The Twin Falls are a highlight of the Twin Falls Circuit. It only takes about 30 minutes to reach the base from Tallanbana picnic area. The path goes behind Twin Falls, so expect a refreshing spray. Like most waterfalls in Springbrook, they’re at their best after summer rain, but they stay lovely even in early Spring!

I recommend walking the entire circuit (4km, ~2hrs) so you’ll also pass Blackfellow Falls.

Blackfellow Falls

Blackfellow Falls is another waterfall where the track takes you behind the curtain of water, which seems to be a Springbrook National Park specialty. You’ll find it where the Warrie Circuit reconnects with the Twin Falls Circuit. It’s easy to access, though often busy given its location on a popular trail.

Purling Brook Falls

With a 109-metre plunge, Purling Brook Falls is one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Springbrook National Park. From the car park, it’s a short 350-metre walk to the East lookout above the falls, or 150 metres to the West lookout. For the most spectacular view, continue on the Purling Brook Falls Circuit to reach the base.

It can be crowded, so aim for early morning or late afternoon. Swimming is not allowed at the falls, but if you continue further, you’ll reach Warringa Pool, a quieter and more inviting stop.

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a favourite of mine for avoiding the crowds. It’s on the Warrie Circuit, but you don’t need to do the full hike. From the Tallanbana car park, it’s just 1.3 km each way (under an hour return).

You can walk behind the falls and often have them to yourself, which makes it well worth the short detour.

Goomoolahra Falls (Bilbrough Falls)

One of the easiest Springbrook waterfalls to reach, Goomoolahra Falls is just a 200-metre return stroll on a sealed path to a lookout, from the picnic area with the same name. From there, you can see the cascades dropping through the rainforest and stunning views all the way to the ocean.

If you want a different angle, you can also reach them by walking about 2 km down the Warrie Circuit (less than two hours return).

Poondahra Falls

If you’re walking the Twin Falls Circuit, you can add Poondahra Falls as a side trip via the Warrie Circuit near Blackfellow Falls. From Tallanbana car park, it’s about 3.3 km, and it took us around 15 minutes to walk between Poondahra Falls and Blackfellow Falls.

A sign points to a 10-metre detour from the Warrie Circuit, but the official lookout is quite distant. For a closer view, you’ll need to scramble over rocks if conditions are safe. The spot felt lush and peaceful – a nice contrast with the busier Twin Falls Circuit that day – but the falls themselves aren’t among the most impressive in Springbrook National Park.

Poonyahra Falls

Just 15 minutes further along from Poonyahra Falls going down on the Warrie Circuit, you’ll reach Poondahra Falls. These are particularly photogenic with the giant tree fern right in front of the cascade.

It’s about 3.7 km from Tallanbana car park, or a 30-minute side trip from the Twin Falls Circuit (Blackfellow Falls) – but remember you’ll have to go back up!

Other waterfalls on the Warrie Circuit

If you commit to the full Warrie Circuit (14 km), you’ll come across a couple more waterfalls along the way:

Ngarri-dhum Falls – about 5 km from Tallanbana, just before reaching the “Meeting of the Waters” 2 km further on.
Gooroolba Falls – less than 1 km from the “Meeting of the Waters”, which marks the halfway point of the circuit.

Cougal Cascades

Cougal Cascades is separate from the main Springbrook plateau and accessed via Currumbin Valley. The walk is short and family-friendly on a sealed track, with a lookout over the cascades. For something more adventurous, return via the creek.

Have you visited Springbrook National Park? What’s your favourite waterfall? Share your experience in the comments below!

Can you swim at Springbrook National Park?

Swimming is not permitted at Natural Bridge or Purling Brook Falls. Signs at Goomoolahra Falls also direct visitors to Cougal Cascades as the safest swimming spot.

Other pools like Warringa Pool or the Meeting of Waters on the Warrie Circuit look tempting. I’ve also see people taking a dip at the base of Twin Falls.

Always keep in mind that waterfalls create strong currents, rocks are slippery, and creeks can rise quickly after rain.

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.

Best time to visit Springbrook waterfalls

Springbrook National Park is worth visiting in every season, but the waterfalls are at their best after rain so many will love going there in summer. It’s true that summer has the most powerful waterfalls but also heat, humidity and the risk of storms, on top of slippery and muddy paths.

That’s why my favourite time is early autumn, just after the wet season. The waterfalls are full, the forest is lush, and the air is cooler and less humid than in summer.

Winter and spring also bring clear skies (great for the lookouts!) and great hiking conditions, but it can get surprisingly cold on the plateau and in the shaded rainforest, and it’s the dry season so the waterfalls won’t be full.

Where is Springbrook National Park?

Springbrook National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, about a 45-minute drive inland from the Gold Coast or 1.5 hours from Brisbane.