Springbrook National Park
FreeWorld Heritage rainforest with waterfalls, trails, and glow worms
Hike through ancient rainforest to the base of a 100-metre waterfall, then drive to a cave lit by glow worms at dusk. Springbrook is a World Heritage-listed rainforest national park in the Gold Coast hinterland. The main draw is Purling Brook Falls with a 4km circuit trail and suspension bridge at the base. The separate Natural Bridge section has a waterfall flowing through a rock arch with glow worms visible after dark.
Step by step
From start to finish, what to expect.
Early morning departure from Brisbane
Best of All Lookout (700m return, 20 min) for panoramic views to Mt Warning
Purling Brook Falls Circuit (4km loop, ~2 hours, moderate, walk clockwise)
Picnic lunch at the trailhead
Drive to Natural Bridge section (~45 min from Purling Brook)
Glow worm cave at dusk
Back in the evening
Cost breakdown
Estimated per person, in AUD.
How you get there
Your options for the trip.
Drive yourself
Local tips
Stuff your mates would tell you.
The park has two main sections (Springbrook plateau and Natural Bridge) connected by a 45-minute drive, not a short walk, plan your route accordingly
Walk the Purling Brook circuit clockwise to go down the steps rather than up, as recommended by QLD Parks
Trails can be slippery after rain
Pack lunch and water as there are limited food options
Check QLD Parks alerts before visiting as trail closures for maintenance are common