A guide to Springbrook National Park, Queensland
Tucked just off the coast in the lush hinterland of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, Springbrook National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed gem, set in the Gondwana Rainforests.
This isn’t on the typical East Coast bucket list, but if you’re a lover of hiking, nature, and road trips, and you are seeking a day of waterfalls, epic trails and scenic viewpoints, then get Springbrook National Park on your bucket list.
Think Jurassic Park vibes, minus the dinosaurs. This place is honestly so epic!!! A great escape from the city to recharge the soul.
If you’re searching for the best things to do in Springbrook, this travel guide is for you.
Many know Springbrook National Park for the pictures of Natural Bridge and Purlingbrook Falls that tend to take the limelight, but there’s so much more to do here beyond that, so I’m going to cover all the options and adventures on offer for you in this travel guide.
One of the reasons Springbrook is such a gem on the east coast is that it is one of the most accessible rainforest escapes in Southeast Queensland. It is just an hour and a half drive north of Byron Bay so yes, you could absolutely road trip it in a day to switch up the ocean vibes for some tropical rainforest adventure.
Let’s tuck in, shall we? Here are the best things to do in Springbrook National Park and the things you cannot miss when visiting Springbrook National Park.
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How to Get to Springbrook National Park, Where to Stay & When to Visit
Getting To Springbrook National Park
The best way to explore Springbrook is definitely by car, you don’t need a 4×4 for the main attractions so any car will do!
If you’re flying in to visit Springbrook National Park, aim to land at Gold Coast Airport (OOL) or Brisbane Airport (BNE). From the Gold Coast, it’s only about a 45-minute drive, making it perfect for a weekend escape from another part of Australia.
From Brisbane, the drive takes roughly 1.5 – 2 hours to get to Springbrook National Park. If you have a couple of days, there are so many places to stop off at along the way including Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach and of course Byron Bay!
Springbrook National Park itself is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, and if you drive you have the freedom to explore all the little cafes, hikes, viewpoints and more at your own pace.
Where to Stay In Springbrook National Park
Most people visiting Springbrook National Park who opt to stay in the National Park will choose the Settlement campground. This is the only camping area in Springbrook National Park.
The Settlement Campground is quiet, surrounded by forest, and a short walk to Purling Brook Falls, where you can do one of the most popular hikes in Springbrook National Park.
If you’re after something more comfortable, look for cute cabins in Springbrook village or eco-lodges like The Mouses House Retreat. Jump on Airbnb and get yourself some thing unique for your rainforest experience!
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When to Visit Springbrook National Park
Springbrook is beautiful year-round, but for dry trails and clear viewpoints, visit from May to October, then you’re outside of the rainy season and you can soak up all the glorious views.
Summer (Dec to Feb) has its perks too, though. The rainier months bring lush waterfalls an you can get epic sunny days to hike with! Just know that the summer (rainier months) increase chances of leeches and slippery tracks so come prepared with comfy socks and good hiking boots. Also check your shoes and ankles for leeches post-hike if they are exposed!
Autumn and spring would be the best months perfect for camping, with cool nights and sunny hiking days. Avoid weekends and public holidays if you want to skip the crowds, especially at Natural Bridge as this is a very well known tourist spot!
Travel tip:
Check out the official Springbrook National Park website here to stay aware of any adverse weather or closures affecting the National Park.
The Best Things to Do in Springbrook National Park
1. Hike to Purling Brook Falls
Let kick off with arguably one of the most iconic and most popular hikes in Springbrook National Park, the Purling Brook Falls Circuit.
This 4km loop trail is best hiked clockwise (otherwise you end up ascending 200 steep steps back up) unless you’re down for the more challenging option of anticlockwise.
We didn’t rush it and stopped many times to soak in the views, and it took us 1.5 hours.
The trail is honestly stunning. We didn’t have a clue what to expect, and it was just the perfect manageable distance with all the views, waterfalls, suspension bridges, dense rainforest, and lookouts over Springbrook National Park.
When you get down to the base of the hike, you have a stunning 100m single-drop waterfall with staggered viewing areas and a chance to sit on the rocks right by it.
Bring water and your camera. Wow, wow, wow.
Fun fact: The area is home to ancient Antarctic beech trees over 2000 years old—older than most empires!
2. Explore the Natural Bridge and look out for glowworms
Visiting this natural rock formation is hands down one of the best things to do in Springbrook. The Natural Bridge is a magical cave formed by a waterfall crashing through volcanic rock, and at night, if you stick around, the cave glows with the soft bioluminescence of glowworms. You don’t need a tour for this btw, free access!
Be mindful of using a camera in the cave – flashlights are prohibited.
To access these stunning natural curves and scenes its a very simple, accessible 1km circuit from the car park.
The walk is flat and easy, making it perfect for families, those with no hiking experience or… those that don’t fancy a big hike! Add it to your Springbrook National Park bucket list.
3. Take in the View at Best of All Lookout
The Best of All Lookout really does live up to the hype of it’s name, offering panoramic views over Mt Warning (Wollumbin) and the Tweed Valley caldera. On a clear day, you might even see all the way to Byron Bay!!
This one is another accessible best thing to do in Springbrook National Park with a short 700m return walk that is shaded and peaceful, surrounded by ancient beech trees.
Tip: Head here at sunset for golden light across the landscape!
4. Enjoy a Picnic at Goomoolahra Falls
Goomoolahra Falls Picnic Area offers picnic tables, grassy areas, and a short walking track to a viewing platform. Bring lunch, pick up some treats from the local bakery and soak up the serenity here for an hour or two,
This spot is nearby to Twin Falls, so it’s a perfect combination and chance to relax and refuel post-hike.
Check out the official Springbrook National Park website here to stay aware of any adverse weather or closures affecting the National Park.
5. Grab a Treat at Dancing Waters Café or Springbrook Fudge Shop
No hiking adventure is complete without a bakery stop. No treat tastes better than when you’ve exhausted your body in nature earning it!!!
Pop over to Dancing Waters Café, just near the Springbrook National Park entrance, for sourdough sandwiches, coffee, and great vegetarian options.
Another sweet stop option is the Springbrook Fudge Shop, serving up old-school Aussie treats and mouth-watering fudge. This could be a good pre-hike stop too. Back up sugar to keep you fuelled on your hike day!
Another adventure option is to grab a takeaway and head to the canyon lookout across the road!
6. Camp at The Settlement and Stargaze
Camping is one of the best ways to fully experience Springbrook National Park and The Settlement is the only place you can camp here, so if you fancy it, book ahead and make it into a 2/3 day adventure! I’m definitely going to come back and do this!
Once you’re set up at The Settlement Campground, you’re only 500m from Purling Brook Falls which is one of the most popular and most stunning hikes in Springbrook National Park.
By night, the skies come alive with stars, and you’ll fall asleep to the sound of rustling trees and distant waterfalls. Bring your cosies, your blankets, your hot chocolate and make it a weekend to remember! 🏕️ Book a site here
7. Hike the Twin Falls Circuit
Twin Falls Circuit is another must-do hike in Springbrook National Park and one of the most popular hiking trails on the map.
This accessible 4km loop includes rock overhangs, stunning rainforest vibes and two gorgeous falls. You’ll certainly get your fix of lush forest, waterfalls, and secret swimming spots so pack your swimmers, your water and your hiking shoes!
The starting point for the Twin Falls circuit is at the Tallanbana picnic area or at the Canyon lookout. Enjoy!!!!
8. Drive the Springbrook Scenic Rim Road Trip
Springbrook is the perfect loop stop on a Gold Coast Hinterland road trip starting from and ending in Nerang. You could also loop it from Byron Bay via Murwillumbah and then back via Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach!
The drive into and out of the Springbrook National Park are stunning! As good a highlight as the attractions and waterfalls themselves!
Along your road trip, consider stopping at Hinze Dam, Little Nerang Creek, and the Numinbah Valley for more waterfalls and scenic views. If you’re doing the road trip from Byron Bay consider stopping at Tallebudgera Creek, Cabarita Beach, Brunswick Heads or Kingscliff on your way back.
Top Tips when Exploring Springbrook National Park
- Bring cash—some cafés and shops don’t take cards. It’s always good to have on you!
- Pack leech socks or repellent if hiking after rain or in the rainy season!
- Download offline maps (like AllTrails or Gaia GPS) before you arrive—phone signal is patchy, so don’t get caught off guard!
- Respect the land and pick up your trash/picnic remains. Springbrook is a special place for the Yugambeh people.
With ancient dense rainforests, stunning waterfalls at every turn, and some of the best hikes in Southeast Queensland, it’s easy to see why active adventurers love Springbrook National Park.
Whether you’re coming for the day or making a weekend of it, prepare for some memories that will last a lifetime! Springbrook National Park is ready for you!
Have you been to Springbrook National Park?
What are the best things to do in Springbrook National Park? Anything you’d add to this Springbrook National Park bucket list?
Love as always and happy adventuring…
Mollie Bylett
Australia Google Map Legend
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
