Allow a full day to explore the best of Springbrook National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that offers stunning natural sights that dominate the skyline west of the Gold Coast.
Enjoy one of the most scenic drives of the Gold Coast hinterland along the steep byways of the Numbinbah Valley. The drive winds among 1000m-high peaks leading to scenic waterfalls and cascades, Jurassic-Age hoop pines and ancient rain forest that teem with wildlife, especially several species of threatened birds.
The 6197-hectare Springbrook National Park comprises four regions: scenic Springbrook plateau, Mount Cougal, Natural Bridge and Numinbah.
This naturally formed rock arch created over millions of years by water tumbling through the roof of a basalt cave is famous for Australia's largest glow-worm colony and a waterfall that cascades through a cavern roof into an icy pool. Visit after sunset to see the cavern’s rock walls illuminated to stunning effect.
Natural Bridge is around 30km from the tiny hamlet of Springbrook and can be reached from the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road, an easy 30-minute walk.
Discover Purlingbrook Falls – the region’s largest – on a scenic circuit walk that also takes you past several more waterfalls, picnic areas and scenic lookouts.
Along the way, spot ancient Antarctic beech trees and look out for paradise riflebirds, green catbirds, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and purple-breasted wompoo fruit doves. On summer nights, look out for fireflies and luminous fungi.
Several walking tracks wind thought the park, including the 54km-long Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, which extends from the Settlement campground to Green Mountains campsite in Tamborine National Park.
Access to the Springbrook Plateau and the park is by a sealed road from Nerang via the Numinbah Valley or by road from Mudgeeraba.
Location: Springbrook on the McPherson Range, Gold Coast Hinterland
Phone: 13-7468; Website: www.derm.qld.gov.au
Admission: Free; Hours: Daily dawn to dusk.
Latest update: Springbrook National Park: 14 January, 2023
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