Curtis Falls, Tamborine Mountain
Curtis Falls, Tamborine Mountain

Springbrook

The mountains that make up Springbrook National Park dominate the Gold Coast's western skyline, which is why this hinterland haven is often referred to as 'the green behind the gold'. Spectacular waterfalls, cascades and tumbling creeks are dominant features within this lush rainforest region. Springbrook National Park covers 6,725 hectares and is divided in four main eco-quadrants; Springbrook Plateau and Mount Cougal to the south east, and Natural Bridge and Numinbah to the west.

 

The Twin Falls Circuit is a 4km walk considered the region's best short hike, where trekkers get to walk behind two waterfalls amongst ancient palms and ferns, stopping to swim at rock pools along the way. There's wildlife galore with over 100 types of birds, frogs and reptiles plus a plethora of plant and tree species; some over 2,000 years old as evident at The Best of All Lookout. You might see a possum or a python, but of the many mammals living in Springbrook, pademelons (small rainforest wallabies) are the most frequently spotted by day visitors.

 

Be sure to visit Natural Bridge by day to see a unique cave waterfall, or after dark, discover the park's amazing glow-worms. Take a lunch and picnic on the shaded banks of the Nerang River at the well-equipped Forest Park picnic area. Stay a little longer and camp in the Settlement Camping Area on the Springbrook Plateau.