Springbrook National Park: Waterfalls, Lookouts and Glow Worms

If you are dreaming of misty rainforest, thundering waterfalls, and magical glow worms lighting up a natural cave, Springbrook National Park delivers all that and more. Just inland from the Gold Coast, this World Heritage listed wonder is where ancient Gondwana rainforests climb the escarpment and tumble into ferny gorges. Whether you are chasing a family friendly day trip or a weekend of hiking and stargazing, Springbrook offers a keeper of an itinerary: world class lookouts, signature waterfalls, and the famous Natural Bridge glow worm colony.

This guide packs everything you need to plan the perfect visit. You will find the best trails and highlights, when to go, how to get there, insider tips, safety and etiquette for glow worm viewing, and suggested itineraries that hit all the must see spots without feeling rushed.

Why Springbrook National Park Should Top Your Gold Coast Itinerary

Springbrook National Park sits within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Step onto the plateau and you are walking among some of the most ancient vegetation on Earth. Pair that with an easy drive from the coast and you have one of Australia’s most accessible natural escapes.

Here is why travelers love it:

• Show stopping waterfalls including Purling Brook Falls and Twin Falls
• Iconic lookouts with sweeping views over the Tweed Valley, Gold Coast skyline, and Pacific Ocean
• The Natural Bridge glow worm cave, one of the best places in Australia to see glow worms
• Lush, cool rainforest that is noticeably cooler than the beach even on hot days
• Well built walking tracks from gentle 1 kilometer strolls to full day adventures like the Warrie Circuit
• Easy day trip from Surfers Paradise or Brisbane, with guided tour options if you do not want to drive

Travel tip: Springbrook has an enviable microclimate. Mist rolls over the escarpment, waterfalls surge after rain, and cloud forest clings to the ridges. Pack a light jacket even in summer. The cooler air is part of the magic.

Where Is Springbrook National Park and What Are Its Sections

Springbrook National Park is part of the Gold Coast hinterland in southeast Queensland, about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours from the coastal suburbs depending on where you start. The park is spread over several sections:

• Springbrook Plateau: Home to Purling Brook Falls, Twin Falls, Canyon Lookout, Goomoolahra Falls, and Best of All Lookout
• Natural Bridge: The glow worm cave and short rainforest circuit in the Numinbah Valley
• Numinbah: Rugged valleys, creeks, and forested ridges linking the plateau and Natural Bridge
• Mount Cougal: Historic sawmill site, scenic cascades, and views near the NSW border

Most first time visitors focus on the Plateau and Natural Bridge sections because they pack the star attractions into manageable drives.

Getting to Springbrook National Park

Self drive is the most flexible way to explore Springbrook. Roads are sealed but steep and winding in places, with sheer drop offs and tight corners. Drive carefully, especially in wet or foggy conditions.

From the Gold Coast:

• Surfers Paradise to Springbrook Plateau: about 45 to 60 minutes via Nerang and Advancetown
• Surfers Paradise to Natural Bridge: about 50 to 70 minutes via Nerang and the Numinbah Valley

From Brisbane:

• Brisbane CBD to Springbrook Plateau: about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours via the M1 and Nerang
• Brisbane CBD to Natural Bridge: about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours

Public transport is limited. There is no regular public bus to the plateau or Natural Bridge trails. If you do not have a car, book a guided day tour from the Gold Coast or Brisbane that includes waterfalls, lookouts, and evening glow worm viewing.

Parking and fees:

• Entry to Springbrook National Park is free
• Parking is free at designated day use areas and trailheads, but fills quickly on weekends and holidays
• Arrive early, especially for Purling Brook Falls, Twin Falls, and Natural Bridge

Check park alerts on the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website before you go. Heavy rain can close tracks and roads.

When to Visit: Seasons, Weather, and Waterfall Flow

• Summer: Warm and humid with frequent afternoon storms. Waterfalls are at their most powerful. Afternoon mist and cloud add to the atmosphere. Bring rain protection.
• Autumn: Cooler, often clear days with good walking conditions. Waterfalls still strong after summer rains.
• Winter: Crisp mornings, cool days, and great visibility for long views. Waterfalls may be gentler. Pack warm layers for dawn and evening.
• Spring: Mild temperatures, fresh growth in the rainforest, and reliable walking weather.

Glow worms are visible year round. Moist, warm nights are ideal. They appear brighter on dark, moonless nights. If possible, avoid visiting on or near a full moon.

Tip: The plateau is often 5 to 8 degrees cooler than the coast. Fog is common in the early morning. It can be part of the experience, but if your goal is sweeping views, aim for mid morning after fog lifts.

The Best Waterfalls in Springbrook National Park

Springbrook is waterfall central. You can stand beneath them, walk behind their curtains of water, or photograph them plunging over volcanic cliffs into ferny amphitheaters. Here are the headline acts and how to see them.

Purling Brook Falls

• Distance: 4 kilometer loop, allow 1.5 to 2 hours
• Grade: Moderate with steep sections and stairs
• Access: Purling Brook Falls day use area and car park

This is Springbrook’s most famous waterfall. A single 100 plus meter drop pours into a lush gorge. The track is a loop that descends through wet sclerophyll and rainforest to the base. You cross the creek on a suspension bridge with perfect views back to the falls then climb the opposite side.

Highlights:

• Lookout platforms near the top for classic photos
• Ferny grottos and palms on the descent
• A side track to Warringa Pool where you can cool your feet

Safety note: Rock hopping near the falls is dangerous. Obey closure signs. After heavy rain the loop sometimes closes at the base for safety. The track is best walked as a one way loop rather than out and back.

Twin Falls

• Distance: 4 kilometer loop, allow 1.5 to 2 hours
• Grade: Moderate with rocky, sometimes slippery sections
• Access: Tallanbana or Canyon Lookout car parks

Walk behind waterfalls, pass through short rock clefts, and crisscross the creek on this crowd pleasing circuit. The name says it all. You will likely see more than two falls depending on rainfall, but the main highlight is the pair that plunge over the escarpment in silvery streams.

Highlights:

• Walk behind the curtain of water at Twin Falls
• Lianas, epiphytes, and mossy boulders on the valley floor
• Cool spray and green light make it a photographer’s dream

Tip: Walk the loop anticlockwise from Tallanbana to reach the falls earlier and tackle steps on the ascent rather than the descent.

Warrie Circuit and Rainbow Falls

• Distance: 17 kilometer loop, allow 5.5 to 7 hours
• Grade: Hard with creek crossings and slippery sections
• Access: Tallanbana or Canyon Lookout

Warrie means “rushing waters,” and this full day trail collects many of the Plateau’s best cascades in one epic hike. Rainbow Falls is a standout where you can walk behind the wide veil of water. This is the track for keen walkers who want a deep dive into the park’s gorge country.

Highlights:

• Multiple waterfalls including Rainbow Falls, Blackfellow Falls, and Goomoolahra Falls along the top
• Rare birds and deep rainforest ambience
• Grand canyon style views framed by palms and ferns

Check conditions before starting. Parts of this track close after heavy rain and daylight is limited in winter.

Goomoolahra Falls

• Distance: Short stroll to the lookout
• Grade: Easy
• Access: Goomoolahra picnic area near the top of the Springbrook Plateau

A graceful cascade near the edge of the escarpment with a family friendly picnic spot. On a clear day you will see the Gold Coast and ocean beyond. After rain, the falls thunder into the valley. This is a great stop if you are short on time.

Natural Bridge Waterfall and Cave

• Distance: 1 kilometer circuit, allow 30 to 45 minutes
• Grade: Easy to moderate with steps
• Access: Natural Bridge day use area, Numinbah Valley

Natural Bridge is a unique waterfall that has punched a hole through the cave roof over millennia. In daylight you will see water pouring into the basalt cavern and glow worm colony signage. After dark, the cave glows with thousands of tiny lights.

Tip: Visit in late afternoon to see the waterfall in golden light, then return with a guided tour for glow worms after dark. The track includes stairs and is not suitable for prams.

The Best Lookouts on the Springbrook Plateau

Bring a camera. The rim of the ancient Tweed Volcano delivers jaw dropping views across the caldera, rainforest, and coastline.

Best of All Lookout

As the name promises, this is one of the finest lookouts in Queensland. A short rainforest walk ends at a cliff edge platform with views to Wollumbin Mount Warning and the Tweed Valley. In cool, damp pockets near the track you will find relic Antarctic beech trees, living links to ancient Gondwana.

• Distance: 600 meters return, allow 20 to 30 minutes
• Grade: Easy, but can be muddy and slippery
• Timing: Clear mornings for distant views, misty days for a moody rainforest experience

Canyon Lookout

Right on the rim and easily reached from the road, Canyon Lookout frames sweeping views of Twin Falls and Rainbow Falls dropping from the escarpment. It is also a perfect start or finish point for the Twin Falls or Warrie Circuit.

• Distance: Short stroll from the car park
• Grade: Easy
• Tip: Arrive early to catch low sun on the falls and to secure parking

Purling Brook Falls Lookouts

Before or after the loop walk, step onto the viewing platforms for grandstand views directly into the gorge and across the valley. If the loop is too much for your group, these lookouts offer a rewarding taste of the falls without the stairs.

Glow Worms at Natural Bridge: A Once in a Lifetime Night

Natural Bridge is one of the most accessible places in Australia to see glow worms. These tiny larvae of fungus gnats create a constellation of blue green lights to lure prey. In the right conditions, the cave looks like a starry sky.

How to see them responsibly:

• Use red light only. White torchlight causes glow worms to stop glowing and can harm them. Bring a red filtered headlamp or use a red cellophane cover.
• No flash photography or bright screens. Photography is possible with long exposures and no flash, but be mindful of others.
• Stay on the designated path and viewing platforms. Do not touch or disturb the glow worm silk threads.
• Keep quiet. Loud noise can disturb wildlife.
• Check current access hours. Day use areas may be gated at night and guided tours often have priority. If in doubt, book a licensed night tour from the Gold Coast.

Best conditions:

• Warm, moist nights after rain
• Dark nights away from the full moon
• Minimal wind

Tip: Combine Natural Bridge glow worms with an afternoon visit to nearby lookouts on the plateau, then have dinner in the hinterland before your tour.

Signature Walks and How to Match Them to Your Timeframe

You can see a lot of Springbrook in a day, but a weekend lets you slow down and enjoy the rainforest soundtrack. Pick your walks based on fitness, weather, and how much time you have.

Short and sweet options:

• Natural Bridge Circuit: 1 kilometer, 30 to 45 minutes
• Best of All Lookout: 600 meters return, 20 to 30 minutes
• Canyon Lookout and Goomoolahra Falls Lookout: a few minutes each from parking

Half day highlights:

• Purling Brook Falls Circuit plus Warringa Pool side trip: 5 to 6 kilometers, 2 to 3 hours
• Twin Falls Circuit: 4 kilometers, 1.5 to 2 hours, with time to linger

Full day adventure:

• Warrie Circuit: 17 kilometers, 5.5 to 7 hours for experienced walkers

Family friendly ideas:

• Picnic at Goomoolahra or the Settlement day use areas, then a short lookout walk
• Natural Bridge Circuit by day, with a glow worm tour later if suitable for your kids’ ages
• Twin Falls Circuit for school age children who enjoy steps and creek crossings

Always carry water, a snack, and a basic first aid kit. Tracks can be slippery after rain. Wear proper hiking shoes or boots, not sandals.

Suggested Itineraries That Hit the Highlights

Here are tried and tested plans that maximize scenery and minimize backtracking.

One Perfect Day: Waterfalls, Views, and Glow Worms

Morning

1. Drive to Springbrook Plateau early and park at Purling Brook Falls
2. Walk the Purling Brook Falls Circuit with the Warringa Pool side track
3. Coffee and a snack at a Springbrook village cafe

Midday 4. Head to Canyon Lookout for views of waterfalls plunging from the escarpment 5. Walk the Twin Falls Circuit from Tallanbana, finishing back at your car 6. Picnic lunch at Goomoolahra picnic area with views over the coastal plain

Afternoon to Evening 7. Drive to Best of All Lookout for late afternoon light and ancient beech forest 8. Descend to the Numinbah Valley for an early dinner 9. Join a guided night tour at Natural Bridge to see the glow worms

A Relaxed Weekend: Deep Rainforest and Starry Nights

Day 1

• Arrive mid morning and set up at The Settlement campground or check in to a Springbrook guesthouse
• Walk the Twin Falls Circuit and visit Canyon Lookout
• Sunset at Best of All Lookout if conditions are clear
• Dinner in the village and an early night under cool mountain air

Day 2

• Early start for the Purling Brook Falls Circuit
• Long lunch at a cafe or picnic spot
• Afternoon drive to Natural Bridge and relax in the Numinbah Valley
• Glow worm tour after dark before returning to your base or driving to the coast

For experienced hikers, swap Day 2 for the Warrie Circuit and do glow worms the previous evening.

Where to Stay, Eat, and Refuel

On the plateau:

• The Settlement campground: A Queensland Parks campground near Purling Brook Falls with basic facilities. Book ahead, especially on weekends and school holidays.
• Springbrook village: Cosy cottages, guesthouses, and small lodges. Staying on the plateau lets you beat day trip crowds and catch sunrise or sunset at the lookouts.

On the coast:

• Burleigh Heads or Broadbeach: Great food scenes and beach stays within about an hour’s drive to the park
• Surfers Paradise: Tour pick ups, nightlife, and family facilities

Nearby towns:

• Mudgeeraba and Nerang: Good for supplies and cafes on your way in or out
• Numinbah Valley: A scenic stop for meals near Natural Bridge

Dining tips:

• Many cafes on the plateau close mid to late afternoon. If you are planning an evening glow worm visit, grab dinner down in the valley or along the coast.

Wildlife and What You Might See

Springbrook’s rainforest is alive with birds, marsupials, and nocturnal life.

Look and listen for:

• Pademelons grazing quietly near forest edges
• Satin bowerbirds and their blue treasure collections
• Green catbirds and paradise riflebirds calling through the canopy
• Regent and wonga pigeons on rainforest floors
• Microbats near the glow worm cave
• Frogs like the cascade tree frog calling after rain
• Butterflies, stick insects, and an astonishing array of fungi in wet months

If you are lucky, winter mornings may reward you with a sea of clouds filling the valleys below the lookouts.

Photography Tips for Waterfalls, Lookouts, and Glow Worms

• Waterfalls: Use a tripod or steady surface. A slower shutter speed softens the water for that silky effect. A polarizing filter helps cut glare and deepen greens.
• Lookouts: Sunrise lights the escarpment and Tweed Valley. Late afternoon adds warm tones and long shadows. Bring a mid range zoom for framing.
• Glow worms: No flash. Use a tripod, high ISO, and long exposures. Respect other visitors and keep light sources red and dim.

Bonus tip: After rain the rainforest looks its best. Leaves glisten, mist swirls, and the falls flow strongly. Just be cautious on slippery tracks.

Safety, Park Etiquette, and Leave No Trace

Springbrook is generally safe if you follow basic precautions. The park’s steep cliffs, slippery rocks, and fast flowing creeks demand respect.

Essential guidelines:

• Stay on marked tracks. Shortcuts cause erosion and put you at risk near cliff edges.
• Do not climb fences or barriers at lookouts and waterfall edges.
• Check park alerts before driving up. Roads can close after heavy rain or during maintenance.
• Swimming: Choose safe spots only. Warringa Pool is a popular place to cool down, but always gauge current and depth. Never swim at the base of waterfalls where falling water or submerged hazards pose risks.
• Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. The basalt can be slick with algae.
• Weather: Pack a rain jacket, warm layer, and sun protection. Conditions change quickly at altitude.
• Leech alert: After rain, leeches are normal in rainforest. Insect repellent on socks and ankles and prompt removal keep them from spoiling your day.
• Drones: Do not fly drones in national parks without a permit.
• Dogs: Pets are not permitted in the park. Certified assistance animals may be allowed with approval.
• Rubbish: Carry out everything you bring in. There are limited bins at day use areas.
• Cultural respect: Springbrook lies on Country cared for by the Yugambeh language group. Treat all natural features with respect and stay on formed tracks.

Glow worm specific etiquette was listed earlier. It bears repeating: no white lights, no flash, no loud noise, and no touching.

Accessibility and Family Considerations

• Lookouts: Canyon Lookout and Goomoolahra Falls Lookout are close to parking and suitable for most visitors. Surfaces can be uneven.
• Best of All Lookout: Short track with mild slopes, but it can be slippery and narrow in places.
• Natural Bridge Circuit: Includes many stairs. Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
• Purling Brook and Twin Falls: Moderate tracks with stairs and steep sections. Suitable for families with school age children who are comfortable on bush tracks.

For families:

• Pack snacks, water, and a change of clothes. Kids will find water and mud.
• Teach trail etiquette early: keep left, give way on stairs, and do not feed wildlife.
• Make it fun with mini challenges like spotting strangler figs, epiphytes, and bird calls.

What to Pack for a Comfortable Day Out

• Water bottle: at least 1.5 liters per person for half day walks, more for full day hikes
• Snacks or picnic lunch
• Rain jacket and a warm layer, even in summer
• Sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• Grippy walking shoes
• Small first aid kit with blister care
• Insect repellent
• Camera and a lightweight tripod if you love waterfall shots
• Red light torch for glow worms if visiting at night
• Printed map or offline map download, and a fully charged phone

Responsible Travel and World Heritage Values

Springbrook’s rainforests are part of a living museum of evolutionary history. You will be walking among lineages that trace back tens of millions of years.

Travel responsibly by:

• Sticking to formed tracks to protect delicate roots and rainforest floor
• Not picking plants, flowers, or fungi
• Keeping noise down so wildlife can go about their lives
• Supporting local cafes, lodges, and tour operators who care for the environment
• Checking and cleaning your footwear to avoid spreading weeds and pathogens

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entry fee?

• No. Queensland national parks are free to enter. Normal parking is free.

Can I camp in Springbrook National Park?

• Yes at The Settlement campground near Purling Brook Falls with advance booking. There is no camping at Natural Bridge or Mount Cougal.

Are there toilets and facilities?

• Yes at main day use areas including Purling Brook Falls, Tallanbana, Goomoolahra, and Natural Bridge. Bring your own drinking water.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

• Never at the top of falls or directly beneath falling water. Many visitors paddle or cool off at Warringa Pool below Purling Brook on the signed side track. Assess conditions, avoid slippery rocks, and be cautious after rain.

Is the glow worm cave open at night?

• Glow worm viewing is best after dark. Access arrangements can vary and some car parks are gated at night. The simplest option is to book a licensed night tour from the Gold Coast, which includes guidance and appropriate lighting.

What is the best time of day to visit the lookouts?

• Morning after fog lifts or late afternoon for warm light. If the plateau is socked in, consider visiting Natural Bridge in the valley where conditions may be clearer.

Do I need a 4WD?

• No. Sealed roads reach all major sites. Drive with care on steep, winding sections.

Are dogs allowed?

• No, dogs are not permitted in the national park. Certified assistance animals may be allowed with prior approval and conditions.

Insider Tips That Make a Big Difference

• Start early. You will beat the crowds, find parking, and enjoy calmer conditions on the tracks.
• Go after rain for the full waterfall effect, but bring dry socks and expect slippery surfaces.
• Pair hikes cleverly. Purling Brook plus Warringa Pool in the morning, Twin Falls in late morning, then Best of All Lookout before heading to Natural Bridge makes a seamless day.
• Pack a thermos in cooler months. A hot drink at a misty lookout is hard to beat.
• Respect closures. If a track is closed, there is a good reason. The park rangers know these gorges well.
• Consider weekday visits. Weekends and school holidays are busiest.

How to Book Tours and Check Conditions

• Glow worm night tours: Choose a reputable operator departing from the Gold Coast. Look for small group sizes and guides who carry red lights and emphasize conservation.
• Guided day tours: If you prefer not to drive, join a full day hinterland tour that covers Purling Brook Falls, Twin Falls, and top lookouts with time for photos and a cafe stop.
• Park alerts and weather: Check the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website for track closures and road updates. Keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology forecast for the Gold Coast hinterland.

Booking ahead is particularly important in peak holiday periods and during school breaks.

The Story Behind the Landscape

Springbrook sits on the eroded rim of the vast Tweed Volcano, an ancient shield volcano that was active around 23 million years ago. Basalt flows hardened into layers that now form the cliffs and gullies you see today. Over time, relentless rain carved gorges, dropped waterfalls over the escarpment, and created marvels like Natural Bridge where water drilled through softer rock layers.

The result is a classic rainforest escarpment: high rainfall, cool air, and a gradient of habitats from sclerophyll forests on drier ridges to dense subtropical rainforest in protected gullies. With altitude comes rarity. The Antarctic beech stands near Best of All Lookout are living relics of cooler times when rainforests were far more widespread.

Plan, Pack, and Go: Your Springbrook Adventure Awaits

Springbrook National Park wraps the drama of a mountain escarpment into an easy day trip. You can have coffee on the coast and an hour later be walking behind waterfalls, listening to whipbirds, and staring out across a giant ancient caldera. Stay for sunset and a hot chocolate, then step into the night to see glow worms turn a cave into a galaxy.

Ready to make it happen?

• Choose a clear day for lookouts or a rainy week for maximum waterfall action
• Pick your route: Purling Brook and Twin Falls on the plateau, plus Best of All Lookout
• Book a glow worm tour and bring a red light
• Pack layers, water, and sturdy shoes
• Start early and leave only footprints

Springbrook is a place you will want to return to in every season. The rainforest changes, the waterfalls ebb and roar, the views shift with cloud and light. Come for the easy access and headline sights. Leave with a deeper appreciation for Australia’s ancient forests and the quiet magic of a night lit by glow worms.

Enjoy the adventure.