Springbrook National Park: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Less than 100 kilometres from Brisbane is Springbrook National Park, a region so ancient that its trees cling to a time when Australia and Antarctica were together.
A fourth of the Gondwana Rainforest, part of the World Heritage list, is in this national park. The rainforest continues inland from the Gold Coast towards the border with New South Wales.
There are many reasons to explore Springbrook National Park, including its kaleidoscope of breathtaking waterfalls, tranquil jungles, and historic beauty. Still, climbing a dormant volcano in Australia is one of the most incredible experiences. This article covers everything you need to know.
What Makes Springbrook National Park So Unique?
Within its borders, Springbrook has a little bit of everything. Anticipate to experience subtropical rainforests, chilly woodlands, and vistas of the mountains, interspersed with captivating waterfalls and centuries-old rivers.
The park is divided into four main sections: Numinbah, Mount Cougal (where you may discover the area’s rich logging history), Natural Bridge (which has unusual waterfalls and glow worms), and Springbrook Plateau (which has numerous fantastic lookouts). It is regarded as an Australian gem of such importance that UNESCO has included it on its list of World Heritage Sites.
Activities And Attractions In Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park has enough to offer you to see and do whatever sort of adventure you’re searching for. Some of them are talked about here.
1. Little Walks
Natural Bridge is the most easily accessible and well-liked route; it takes approximately an hour to finish and is appropriate for people with little legs, sore feet, and even those who forgot to bring footwear. A glistening waterfall fully illuminated by natural light cascades into a basalt cave at the foot of a concrete road.
Take the two-hour, 4-kilometer Twin Falls Circuit if you’re chasing waterfalls. Dip into one of the rock pools and take in the majestic, misty pair above.
Alternatively, you may investigate the plunging Purling Brook Falls, which is reached via a suspension bridge that dangles over a creek and the rainforest’s canopy. You will be rewarded with a striking view of the cascade from the gorge below if you walk the additional 4 km round trip.
2. Long Hikes
Do you have a full day planned? The 14-kilometer Warrie Circuit will make sense to you after five to six hours of walking; “Warrie” is Aboriginal for “rushing waters.” One of the most picturesque treks on the Gold Coast takes you down into the canyon and back up to the valley’s top, passing waterfalls, crossing creeks, and tripping over new rock pools after a bit of rain.
If you’re a serious hiker, plan on hiking the Gold Coast Great Walk. After three days and covers, you’ll be rewarded with a complete immersion amid bizarre volcanic geology and extinct flora and wildlife.
Do you want to go on a multi-day trip without worrying about the hard stuff? Like big backpacks and camping gear? Six-day group treks from the Gold Coast to Binna Burra via Springbrook National Park are organized by Auswalk Walking Holidays.
An all-inclusive walking vacation without packs allows you to explore, observe, and learn under the guidance of a local guide. Meals cooked by the chef will keep you going, and at the end of each day, cozy ensuite accommodations will let you unwind.
3. Enjoy The scenery Tt Wunburra Lookout
Visit Wunburra Lookout, one of the park’s most unique locations. The first overlook, the Wunburra overlook, is near the park’s entrance. Admire the breathtaking view of the Gold Coast, and while you’re there, stop by the tourist centre across the street to pick up pamphlets and maps of the region so you can start making travel plans if you haven’t already.
4. Chase The Beauty Of Waterfalls
You need look no further if you enjoy chasing waterfalls. Your paradise on earth will be Springbrook National Park! This national park will wow you with its abundant waterfalls, making you want to stay forever.
Though there are other waterfalls, Purling Brook Falls is our all-time favourite. WOW is Purling Brook! The park’s most striking waterfalls are the 109-meter-deep Purling Brook Falls. Fortunately, the overlook is only a 300-meter walk away.
To truly appreciate how magnificent and towering they are and get a closer look at them, we highly suggest making the trip down. At the base of the falls, a rainbow can appear to you. Twin Falls is fantastic and also quite well-known.
5. The Circuit of Twin Falls
This fantastic hike leads you behind two waterfalls, through clefts in the rock and deep into the jungle. You should prepare to get drenched! The four kilometres is an elementary loop.
6. The Wildlife And Plants At Springbrook National Park
Numerous creatures not found anywhere else in the world find sanctuary in what is known as Noah’s Ark of rainforests. Springbrook National Park has more species of frogs, snakes, birds, and marsupials than any other place in Australia.
Albert’s Lyrebird, a pheasant-sized songbird frequently sighted on the forest floor, is perhaps its most well-known face. There are only thought to be 3500 remaining in the world, and this is your last opportunity to see one. Regarding reptiles, there are lace monitors, carpet pythons, and land mullet, a giant, glossy, black lizard also referred to as the giant skink in the world.
Are you looking for something cuddlier and fuzzier? Although they are challenging to photograph, pademelons are likely to be seen bouncing through the thick foliage.
Many of the 1700 species of blooming plants and ancient trees found in the World Heritage area, such as hoop pines, which are living remnants of the Jurassic Age, which began 180 million years ago, and Antarctic beech, which are remnants of a wetter, colder era with some specimens dating back three millennia this is also a botanist’s dream come true.
Some of the oldest trees in this forest area may be seen by visiting the Best of All Lookout; the short walk there is akin to a best-in-Springbrook display.
7. See The Natural Bridge
Situated in the western region of Springbrook National Park, the Natural Bridge is one of the park’s most enchanting locations.
The Natural Bridge is a breathtaking waterfall that cascades into the cave below via a naturally occurring breach in the rock structure. Families may stroll just a few kilometres on a round trip, walking in a clockwise orientation.
Look out for thousands of microbats buzzing about within the cave. Thousands of protected glowworms illuminate the cave at night for visitors. The Natural Bridge’s rockpools are unsafe for swimming because of the glow worms. Please don’t swim, and respect this.
8. Enjoy A Picnic In The Rainforest
Within the boundaries of Springbrook National Park are a few eateries. But the most significant thing to do is pack a picnic to enjoy some fantastic scenery. Apple Tree Park, Purling Brook Falls and Picnic Area, Tallanbana Picnic Area, and our personal favourite, the Goomoolahra Picnic Area, are a few of the most incredible picnic spots in Springbrook National Park.
9. View The Canyon Lookout
Views of the canyon extend to the Gold Coast from the roadside overlook. Twenty kilometres in front of you, the tall buildings of the Gold Coast skyline are visible.
Arriving There
You will require a car to get to Springbrook National Park because there is no public transportation in the region. It is around 100 kilometres from Brisbane and 30 kilometres from the Gold Coast. If you don’t own a car, many tour operators provide trips from Brisbane or the Gold Coast to Springbrook.
