Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park — Attraction in Gold Coast City

Purling Brook Falls is, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding and visually stunning hikes the Gold Coast region has to offer. The falls itself is a massive, single-drop plunge waterfall, cascading over 100 meters into a lush gorge. Just bear in mind climate change has had an impact on waterfall flow. But what makes this experience exceptional is that the circuit allows you to view the falls from a spectacular lookout at the top, hike down into the valley to stand at its misty base, and even walk behind the curtain of water itself.

The trail winds through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, providing a constantly changing backdrop of ancient trees, ferns, and eucalypt forest. It truly feels like stepping into a prehistoric, green world, offering a refreshing escape just an hour's drive from the bustling Gold Coast beaches.

The 4km circuit is well-maintained and clearly signposted, but it is not a flat stroll. It is classified as a Grade 3 track due to the steep descent and ascent required to get into and out of the gorge.

If you take the track in a clockwise direction (recommended by virtually all visitors and park signage), you will descend the estimated 450 steep, concrete steps first. This gets the heavy knee-jarring work out of the way early and means your return journey involves a much gentler, gradual incline over the suspension bridge and back up to the picnic area. Going counter-clockwise means a brutal climb up hundreds of stairs at the end.

Highlights: The Lookouts: Short walks from the main parking area offer breathtaking views of the falls from the top.

• The Base of the Falls: Standing in the natural amphitheater at the bottom, feeling the cooling mist on your face, is the ultimate payoff. The sheer scale of the falls from this vantage point is mesmerizing.

• The Suspension Bridge: This bridge provides incredible photo opportunities, placing you right in front of the cascade before you begin the climb out.

• Warringa Pool Detour: For those seeking a secluded swim, the track continues from the base of Purling Brook Falls for another 2km return (adding about 40 minutes). This leads to the quieter Warringa Pool, which is a fantastic spot to cool off, especially when crowds are at the main falls.

The Purling Brook Falls Circuit is a must-do Gold Coast experience. It's a moderate workout that rewards you with views and sensations that are nothing short of magical. Plan for a half-day trip to truly soak it all in. Highly, highly...

Absolutely amazing! Visited a week ago and the walk was certainly worth it. This is a moderate track and care needs to be taken due to steep inclines and higher than normal steps along the trail.

4km round trip of the purlingbrook falls only 6.1km round trip if you go via Waringa Pools (Waringa pools section is half way along the main track and is it's own 2km return walking track)

For a less challenging walk (minimal uphill stairs on the return), start at the Gwongorella Picnic area and take the path that goes to Tanniaba Falls first! Refer to the map I've posted :) This route means you tackle the majority of the stairs on your descent, and is an easier journey on your legs and knees when doing the full circuit.

The full circuit can be achieved for most fit walkers in under 2 hours, but for those that like to travel at a leisurely average pace, or like to stop to take photos, allow yourself 4 hours walking time to complete the whole circuit.

There is quite a lot of parking spaces at the Picnic area, but when it's busy there is street parking and a few extra spaces past the main carpark before reaching a dead-end.

Definitely a must-do, as all the falls located in the Springbrook area are beautiful to view with multiple swimming spots. Make sure to take care after heavy rain as the path can get muddy or slippery, as well as leeches in the swimming areas! Be prepared with spare clothes, salt, sunscreen,...

Stunning falls especially after rain. The lookout is only a short easy walk if you don’t want to do the big hike down to the bottom and has a beautiful view of the falls. If you’re up for a little more of a challenge and don’t mind a few stairs (nearly 300 of them) then head down to the base of Purling Brook Falls and take it all in. It’s very steep in parts and the edge is a sheer drop, so don’t get to close (you’ll see what I mean on your way down when you look back up) don’t wear your good shoes if it’s been raining, it’s a muddy slippery track and they’ll be useless! Take a towel and have a swim under the waterfall as your reward and take your camera for the all important snaps! There’s a suspension bridge that crosses the creek, however the other track was closed therefore the bridge was closed off at the other end:( The climb back up took about 40 mins, that’s with 2 children aged 10 & 12. Take a picnic and have a nice rest at the many picnic tables in the park up the top. Loved it! Make sure you read the Qld Parks walking guide...