10 Best hikes and trails in Springbrook National Park

Hiking/
Australia/
Queensland/
Springbrook National Park

Best trails in Springbrook National Park

4.4(14,593 reviews)

Australia
:
#3 of 638 national parks

Springbrook National Park is located on the McPherson Range, in the Gold Coast (Kurrungul) hinterland of Queensland. The park is a wedge of remnant Gondwana rainforest in Australia, which has this park listed and UNESCO protected as a Gondwana Rainforest of Australia World Heritage area. Its volcanic history has formed unique geological sites and features rich biodiverse subtropical and cool temperate rainforest with rare native fauna and flora endemic to the region, including threatened species. The park is on the land of the Yugambeh people, who lived in the Mount Cougal and Springbrook Valley regions for thousands of years and used Mount Cougal as a meeting place between mobs.

Top trails

#1 - Twin Falls Circuit

Twin Falls Circuit is a great family-friendly hike that can be done in around an hour and a half. One of the most popular walking trails in Springbrook National Park, it is a fantastic walk through some stunning and unique subtropical rainforest. Massive rock formations, waterfalls galore, birdlife and spectacular views to Surfers Paradise in the distance, top off the stunning scenery to be found here in the Gold Coast hinterland. This hike can be done in either direction, but heading...

#2 - Purling Brook Falls

This is a picturesque walk suitable for the whole family. There are great valley views and stunning waterfalls. You can hike it in either direction, but most go clockwise. The first half of the walk is heading down into the valley to the waterfall's base, with many views of the Gold Coast hinterland. The base of the falls and its rock pools make a great lunch or snack spot (please take your rubbish out with you), and if you bring your bathers, the swimming hole provides a nice respite on a...

Starting from Pine Creek Road, the track begins on a steep fire trail, then takes a faint path off the fire trail to the pinnacle. This turnoff is only marked with a pile of rocks and a small "PP" written on a tree on the left side of the track, so keep an eye out or download the offline map to help prevent any wrong turns. From the top, enjoy spectacular views looking over Hinze Dam and the Gold Coast as your reward for the hard work on the incline – try to time your hike with sunset for...

#4 - Purling Brook Falls Circuit via Warringa Pools

This is a terrific trail in Springbrook National Park. The track visits Warringa Pools. Here you'll find a turquoise swimming hole in the middle of the forest. The perfect spot to cool off and escape the heat. The trail begins at Gwongorella picnic area. Here there is parking, information signs, toilets, sheltered picnic tables, and BBQs. From the picnic area, you'll complete the Purling Brook Falls Circuit with a detour out to Warringa Pool via the Warringa Pool Track. Sections of the...

#5 - Twin Falls and Rainbow Falls

Certainly one of the best short trails for waterfalls and scenery. There are caves to walk through and waterfalls to walk behind. Rainbow Falls is an under-rated spot and a gorgeous area to visit. You can take off-shoots from this trail to get to lower falls if desired, it's hard to go wrong with a walk in this area of the national park. Tallanbana Picnic Area near the trailhead, has parking, public toilets, sheltered picnic tables and information boards.

#6 - Purling Brook Falls and Warringa Pool Tracks

Hike through the magnificent and World Heritage listed Gondwana rainforest on your way to the inspiring Purlingbrook Falls with an added trip to Warringa Pool. Descending into the gorge you will get a full experience of the falls as you view them from the base and cross the suspension bridge. Here you can take the track to visit Warringa Pool or return to the carpark. Walking in a clockwise direction you can also create a circuit to avoid climbing over 250 steps - continue from the base...

#7 - Springbrook Pinnacle Loop

4.7(271)

•Hard

•9.1 mi

This is a highly recommended adventurous walking trail through a beautiful lush forest in the Gold Coast Hinterland that is one of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia's World Heritage Area. When you get off the Warrie Circuit, the track is fairly overgrown in places but it is still pretty easy to walk through. Climbing the rocky Pinnacle outcrop is fun and has some steep sections to get your heart pumping and you'll be rewarded with some spectacular views. Be prepared for some occasional...

#8 - Natural Bridge Circuit

The Natural Bridge Walk is packed with unique features that make it an excellent trip for all ages and abilities. From the car park, head clockwise on the walking track as it descends to Cave Creek and passes waterfalls, hoop pines, and a naturally arched rock formation created by water flowing for millions of years over the rock. Come here at night for a guided tour of the natural bridge and to see the colony of glow worms and bent-wing bats. Accessing and swimming in the creek are...

#9 - Waterfall Creek Circuit

This route uses the Yauns Break, Waterfall Creek Break, Tagablum Break, and Red Hill Break tracks in Springbrook National Park to create a great day walk easily accessible from the Gold Coast. The loop features a variety of terrain including 4WD paths, goat tracks, multiple creek crossings, and a few notable steep hills. A mix of rainforest and eucalypt forest provide good shade throughout, so even in mid-day temperatures it can feel comfortable.

This is a sensational family-friendly walk to Canyon Lookout in Springbrook National Park. After arriving at Tallanbana Picnic Area follow the undulating track to the lookout and you'll be met with spectacular views of Twin and Rainbow Falls as well as the Canyon's imposing cliffs, and the sea in the distance. Over time the landscape has changed due to weathering, landslides, and erosion. The Twin Falls and Warrie circuits both begin at this place. Tallanbana Picnic Area has parking, ...

Showing results 1–10 of 41

Explore more trails

Guides

Top Picks in Springbrook National Park

8 trails

Explore more national park guides

Trail reviews for Springbrook National Park

16,450 trailgoers Busiest in April

Pasindu Lathpandura

Dec 25, 2024•Hiking

Great conditionsGreat views

One of the most picturesque waterfall in Springbrook National Park. The day we visited was so crowded so parking was a bit challenging. Great view from top and bottom of the falls. More parking available if started from a different trail head just down the road.

Parking: Free, Medium lot

Difficulty: Moderate

Purling Brook Falls

Fynn Murray

Oct 28, 2024

Not crowdedGreat views

A beautiful trail. Was typical rainforest conditions on the day we went with light to heavy rain on and off - pack a waterproof! The trail is pretty straightforward and well signposted. If you're unfit and not good at climbs go "right" at the entrance (springbrook national park canyon lookout on Google maps was where we started) so that you walk down a steep stepped incline rather than up. The views and various waterfalls are stunning. Bring your swimmers if you fancy a dip. It truly is beautiful. Only downside was at one point a tree had fallen on the track completely blocking the path. We just went around through the bush - was a little sketchy. Additionally be careful when navigating that you don't end up down one of the longer routes available.

Conditions: Bugs, Muddy, Obstructions

Twin Falls Circuit

Sarah Pound

May 14, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedGreat views

Super fun trail! I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a trail in the Springbrook area. Lots of waterfalls and lookout spots. Bring your bathing suit to take a cold dip at the bottom of the twin falls too! One of my favourites

Parking: Entry fee, Free, Medium lot

Twin Falls Circuit

Riley Herrod

Dec 13, 2024

Great conditionsGreat views

1 week after a 300mm dumping of rain at Springbrook, waterfalls were all flowing immensely, slightly undercrowded due to a late start

Warrie Circuit [CLOSED]

Julie Van der Helder

Oct 10, 2024

Easy to parkBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Lovely introductory walk through Springbrook. We were a group of 10 women over 50, and found it fairly easy. Gorgeous views, amazing waterfall and vegetation. Highly recommend. 3 hours with a 30minute lunch stop.

Purling Brook Falls Circuit via Warringa Pools

Garry Thompson

Oct 5, 2024•Hiking

walkers camp at Springbrook to Purlingbrook Falls day three Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk.

Apple Tree Park to Purlingbrook Falls

Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Springbrook National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Springbrook National Park is Twin Falls Circuit, which has a 4.8 star rating from 2,390 reviews. This trail is 2.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 613 ft.

What is the longest trail in Springbrook National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Springbrook National Park is Waterfall Creek Circuit via Pinnacle Break. This trail is estimated to be 15.9 mi long.

How many trails are in Springbrook National Park?

There are 41 trails in Springbrook National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 14,593 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Springbrook National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Springbrook National Park has you covered. Waterfall Creek Circuit via Pinnacle Break boasts the most elevation gain with 4,376 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is North Break to the Pinnacle, which will get you 3,966 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Springbrook National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Springbrook National Park which is Woonoongoora Walkers Camp via Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk with an average 4.5 star rating from 54 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Springbrook National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 running trails in Springbrook National Park and the most popular is Waterfall Creek Circuit with an average 4.3 star rating from 444 community reviews.