Environment and Resource Management

About Springbrook

Getting there and getting around

Locality map, Springbrook National Park.

Locality map, Springbrook National Park.

Looking towards the Gold Coast; the green behind the gold. Photo: R. Ashdown, DERM

Looking towards the Gold Coast; the green behind the gold. Photo: R. Ashdown, DERM

Springbrook National Park is located about 100 km south of Brisbane and comprises four sections on and around the plateau; Springbrook section, which extends along the crest of the plateau, Mount Cougal section to the east and Natural Bridge and Numinbah sections to the west.

Springbrook section

From the Pacific Motorway, Springbrook plateau is 29 km from Mudgeeraba or 42 km from Nerang. Exit the Pacific Motorway at Mudgeeraba (exit 79 from the north, exit 80 from the south) and follow the Gold Coast–Springbrook Road. Alternatively, exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang (exit 69) and follow the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road for 42 km then take the Springbrook turn-off at Pine Creek Road. Both bitumen roads are steep and narrow.

Note: There is no through-road access to New South Wales from the Springbrook plateau.

Natural Bridge section

Exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang (exit 69) and follow the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road for 30 km. Turn left into the park entrance. An alternative scenic route is 42 km via the Springbrook plateau from Mudgeeraba. From the Pacific Motorway take exit 80 from the south or exit 79 from the north and follow the Gold Coast–Springbrook Road to the plateau then turn right onto Pine Creek Road. Follow Pine Creek Road to the end and then turn left onto the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road. Natural Bridge can also be reached from Murwillumbah by following the Numinbah Road for 27 km. The scenic access roads are winding and should be travelled with care.

Important! Cave Creek in the Natural Bridge section has been declared a restricted access area. Swimming in the creek and access to the creek bank is now prohibited. Penalties apply!

Mount Cougal section

Exit the Gold Coast Highway (exit 93) at Currumbin and follow the Currumbin Valley Road 21 km to its end.

Numinbah section

Numinbah is 15 km north of Natural Bridge section on Nerang–Murwillumbah Road. Leave the Pacific Motorway at Nerang (exit 69) and follow the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road for 18 km. From the other direction on this route, this part of the park is 42 km north-west of Murwillumbah. An alternative scenic route is 25 km via the Springbrook plateau from Mudgeeraba. From the Pacific Motorway take exit 79 from the north or exit 80 from the south and follow the Gold Coast–Springbrook Road to the plateau. Turn right onto Pine Creek Road, follow it to the end and then turn left onto the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road. These scenic access roads are winding and should be travelled with care.

Wheelchair accessibility

Wheelchair assisted access is possible at Mount Cougal section along the 800 m bitumen Cascades walking track. On Springbrook plateau, Canyon lookout and the information centre lookout and boardwalk are suitable for wheelchairs with assistance.

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Park features

Springbrook's spectacular landscape is punctuated with breath-taking waterfalls, such as Twin Falls. Photo: DERM

Springbrook's spectacular landscape is punctuated with breath-taking waterfalls, such as Twin Falls. Photo: DERM

Dominating the Gold Coast's western skyline, Springbrook's cool forests and mountain streams offer views of impressive landscapes, and walks among subtropical and temperate rainforest, open eucalypt forest and montane heath.

Spectacular waterfalls, cascades and tumbling creeks are dominant features in this World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia park.

Springbrook National Park covers 6197 ha and is in four sections—Springbrook plateau, Mount Cougal to the east and Natural Bridge and Numinbah to the west. The plateau has many lookouts with fabulous views while Mount Cougal offers an insight into the area's logging history.

Visit Natural Bridge by day to see a unique waterfall or after dark to discover the park's amazing glow-worms or picnic on the shaded banks of the Nerang River in Numinbah's picnic area.

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Camping and accommodation

Be a minimal impact camper; leave no trace by taking your rubbish with you. Photo: Adam Creed, DERM

Be a minimal impact camper; leave no trace by taking your rubbish with you. Photo: Adam Creed, DERM

Camping

Camping is available at The Settlement campging area on Springbrook plateau. To camp in the national park a permit is required and bookings must be made in advance. Fees apply. 

Camping is not available in the Numinbah section of the park and is no longer permitted at Gwongorella, near Purling Brook Falls.

Other accommodation

There are several privately run campgrounds, guesthouse, lodges and bed and breakfasts within a short distance of Springbrook National Park. For more information see the tourism information links below.

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Things to do

At any time of the year expect a cooler and often wetter environment when walking in Springbrook National Park, so bring warm clothes and a raincoat! Photo: Adam Creed, DERM

At any time of the year expect a cooler and often wetter environment when walking in Springbrook National Park, so bring warm clothes and a raincoat! Photo: Adam Creed, DERM

Take in the breath-taking views of Mt Warning from Best of All lookout. Photo: Dan Garnett, DERM

Take in the breath-taking views of Mt Warning from Best of All lookout. Photo: Dan Garnett, DERM

Springbrook National Park offers many opportunities for the visitor to explore and enjoy the natural surrounds:

Walking tracks

Springbrook National Park offers a wide range of walking opportunities ranging from 300 m to 54 km in length.

The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk can either start or finish at The Settlement camping area. If you are interested in undertaking this 54 km walk, please read the walk's details so you can better plan your Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk.

Springbrook National Park's walking tracks have been classified so you can select a walk that matches your bushwalking experience and fitness. This classification system is based on the Australian Standards. Take time to read the key to track standards before walking in the park.

Allow 15–20 minutes to walk 1 km. This time is calculated for people of average fitness and bushwalking experience and who are wearing correct footwear. If you are walking with young children or are an inexperienced bushwalker, allow more time to include rests and to return to your starting point.

Distances given are from the track entrance and return. Numinbah section has no marked walking tracks.

Springbrook National Park walking tracks:

Boogul yahnbelehla! Have a good walk! ( Yugambeh)

Key to track standards

The classification system is based on Australian Standards. Please note that while each track is classified according to its most difficult section, other sections may be of an easier level.

Class 1 walking track Class 1 track (Australian Standards)
Class 2 walking track Class 2 track (Australian Standards)
Class 3 walking track Class 3 track (Australian Standards)
Class 4 walking track Class 4 track (Australian Standards)

Walking tracks at a glance

Matching experience and expectations—to make your planning easier, simply match your expectations and experience with the most suitable track or trail.

 Track name Classification  Distance return  Platform lookout  Natural lookout 

Tracks accessed from Springbrook section, Springbrook National Park:
 Wunburra lookout  Class 2 walking track Class 2  30 m Yes -
 Canyon lookout  Class 1 walking track Class 1  30 m Yes -
 Goomoolahra Falls lookout track  Class 2 walking track Class 2  200 m Yes -
 Best of All lookout  Class 2 walking track Class 2  600 m Yes -
 Purling Brook Falls circuit  Class 3 walking track Class 3  4 km Yes -
 Twin Falls circuit  Class 3 walking track Class 3  4 km Yes -
 Warrie circuit  Class 4 walking track Class 4  17 km - Yes

Tracks accessed from Natural Bridge section, Springbrook National Park:
Natural Bridge circuit Class 2 walking track Class 2  1 km Yes -

Tracks accessed from Mount Cougal section, Springbrook National Park:
Cascades track Class 2 walking track Class 2  1.6 km Yes -

 

Walking tracks in Springbrook section

Several vantage points on the plateau provide extensive views of the surrounding ranges, foothills and the coastline. Constructed lookouts, providing safe viewing, are easily accessible via a short walk. Be aware that these lookouts are often shrouded by cloud, even when the weather is fine and sunny on the coast. For the best views, visit on clear, smoke-free days.

Before setting out, visit the national park information centre display, which is open between 8.00 am and 3.30 pm daily on weekdays. Please note that this centre is not staffed and if you need to contact a ranger please see contact details. Originally Springbrook's first schoolhouse, this quaint 1911 building is once again involved in education. The centre features wildlife and historical displays. Visit the plateau's montane heathland boardwalk and lookout 100 m from the centre's carpark. Public toilets are located beside the information centre.

Class 2 walking track Wunburra lookout (Class 2)
Class 1 walking track Canyon lookout (Class 1)
Class 2 walking track Goomoolahra Falls lookout track (Class 2)
Class 2 walking track Best of All lookout (Class 2)
Class 3 walking track Purling Brook Falls circuit (Class 3)

DANGER DANGER: Sheer cliffs and waterfalls. One slip could be fatal—serious injury or death may result from walking near the edge. Keep to the track. Supervise children closely.
Class 3 walking track Twin Falls circuit (Class 3)

DANGER DANGER: Sheer cliffs and waterfalls. One slip could be fatal—serious injury or death may result from walking near the edge. Keep to the track. Supervise children closely.

Class 4 walking track Warrie circuit (Class 4)

DANGER DANGER: Sheer cliffs and waterfalls. One slip could be fatal—serious injury or death may result from walking near the edge. Keep to the track. Supervise children closely.
Warrie circuit

Along the Warrie circuit. Photo: R. Ashdown, DERM

Walking in Natural Bridge section

The natural rock bridge, plunging waterfall and arched cave are surrounded by subtropical rainforest in the beautiful Numinbah Valley.

Nestled under the western ramparts of Springbrook plateau, the lush subtropical rainforest does not immediately disclose the cave and rock bridge for which the area has become famous. A display stand at the track entrance has maps and information about the park and its wildlife.

Part of Cave Creek within the Natural Bridge section of the national park is now a restricted access area—swimming is prohibited; penalties apply. Access is restricted to protect the glow-worms and the creek's sensitive ecosystem as well as to maximise visitor safety.

Nearby Bochow Park and Numinbah section are perfect for picnicking. Both areas feature a creek and are popular spots during summer.

Note: There is very poor mobile phone reception in this area.

Class 2 walking track Natural Bridge circuit (Class 2)
Explore by night

Glow-worms are sensitive to changes to their environment, so please follow some basic cave rules:

Walking in Mount Cougal section

At the headwaters of Currumbin Valley, the twin peaks of Mount Cougal give their name to this predominantly wilderness area of subtropical rainforest and rock-strewn creek beds. A display stand at the track entrance has maps and information about the park and its wildlife.

Note: There is very poor mobile phone reception in this area. The closest public phone is at Currumbin Rock Pools 6 km back along the Currumbin Road.

Cascades are scenic park features, but don't take risks with them! The creek contains submerged logs and rocks. Water depth is inconsistent and unpredictable. Because of moss and algae, rocks are slippery, even when they appear dry. Several people have died or suffered permanent spinal cord injuries after jumping or diving into the creek. Take notice of park signs.

Class 2 walking track Cascades track (Class 2)

DANGER DANGER: The creek contains submerged logs and rocks. Serious injury or death may result from jumping or diving in this water. Take care on rocks, as they may be slippery.

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Guided tours and walks

The Connect with Nature program offers a range of nature-based activities and events every season for adults, children and families in and around parks and forests throughout Brisbane, Western Scenic Rim and Gold Coast and hinterland.

A number of commercial operators conduct night tours to Natural Bridge section of Springbrook National Park to view the glow-worms. For more information see the tourism information links below.

The Connect with Nature schools program features environmental education activities run in Springbrook National Park. The program is designed to suit the school curriculum and gives students the opportunity to experience Queensland's natural environment and cultural heritage through ranger-guided activities.

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Picnic and day-use areas

There are several popular picnic areas here. No rubbish bins are provided in Springbrook National Park—please take your rubbish home with you.

Springbrook section

All creeks on the plateau abruptly become waterfalls

Creeks abruptly turn into waterfalls, making them spectacular but very dangerous features of the park. Photo: DERM

All picnic areas on the plateau have barbecues, toilets and sheltered picnic areas. Springbrook plateau can be cool and rainy at all times of the year so carry a raincoat and warm clothing. Cliffs and waterfalls are spectacular but dangerous features of the park. All creeks on the plateau abruptly become waterfalls.

Rocks are slippery, even when they appear dry. Keep to walking tracks and supervise children closely—wandering off tracks could be fatal.

The Settlement day-use area, Gwongorella and Goomoolahra picnic areas all have disable toilets; access may require assistance. Note: The Settlement car park and day-use area are grassed. Tallanbana picnic area is located just past the Canyon lookout. The Settlement day-use area, located opposite The Settlement camping area, features a large, flat grassed area suitable for large group activities. Please note that group activities that may interfere with general public use of the area will require a group activity permit (PDF, 84K)*.

Natural Bridge section

A limited number of picnic sites are available within a short distance from the walking track. Toilets and electric coin-operated barbecues are provided. Water is available for washing only—it is not suitable for drinking. Natural Bridge can be very crowded and alternative picnic sites are available at the Forest Park picnic area in Numinbah section and Bochow Park, a few kilometres to the north. Both areas feature a creek and are popular spots during summer.

Part of Cave Creek within the park has been declared a restricted access area. Access to the creek and creek bank is now prohibited.

A public telephone is available further north along the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road. Cafes are located south of the park.

If you are looking for a place to swim, visit Bochow Park, a Gold Coast City Council park, 4 km north of Natural Bridge or Forest Park picnic area 12.8 kilometres north of Natural Bridge for a swim. Both areas are located beside the Nerang River. Before entering the water please be aware that there are many hazards in natural waterways—serious injury or death can result from people diving or jumping into pools, lakes and rivers.

Mount Cougal section

Picnic tables and toilets are provided. Water is available for washing only—it is not suitable for drinking. No barbecues are provided.

Numinbah section

Barbecues, firewood, picnic tables, a shelter shed and toilets are provided at the Forest Park picnic area. Water is available for washing only—it is not suitable for drinking. Note: There is poor mobile phone reception in this area.

The picnic area also provides easy access to Nerang River. Please see staying safe for water safety in the park.

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Viewing wildlife

Subtropical rainforest, ancient Antarctic beech, hoop pines, eucalypt forest and montane heath habitats shelter an incredible variety of wildlife. More than 100 bird species live in the park. The elusive Albert's lyrebird, more often heard than seen, is part of an ancient, unique bird group that probably evolved when flowering plants began to dominate the landscape. In the winter months its vibrant composite call can be heard from the depths of the valleys. Springbrook provides an important refuge for this species of songbird.

The most frequently seen reptiles are prehistoric-looking lace monitors, glossy black skinks known as land mullets, and sleepy carpet pythons.

The abundance of water in the park has resulted in a diverse selection of water-dwelling animals. Frogs are the most vocal, blue spiny crayfish the most colourful and eels the most surprising. Orange-eyed treefrogs (Litoria chloris) and large, beige-coloured great barred-frogs (Mixophyes fasciolatus) are often seen on the tracks at night. You might even catch a glimpse of a platypus while visiting the Numinbah section.

Other rare and threatened animals such as the Richmond birdwing butterfly rely on Springbrook and Numinbah's forests for their survival.

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Things to know before you go

Wear sensible footwear as tracks can become wet and slippery. Photo: Adam Creed, DERM

Wear sensible footwear as tracks can become wet and slippery. Photo: Adam Creed, DERM

Be well prepared for your visit. Photo: Adam Creed, DERM

Be well prepared for your visit. Photo: Adam Creed, DERM

Be prepared for your visit to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time.

Essentials to bring

Be prepared and use sound judgment while visiting and walking in Springbrook National Park.

Opening hours

Springbrook National Park is open 24 hours a day. For your safety, walk in daylight hours only, unless viewing the glow-worms at Natural Bridge. For glow-worm night tours at Natural Bridge, see the tourist information links. If you intend viewing the glow-worms at night please ensure you follow the guidelines in staying safe.

Permits and fees

To camp in Springbrook National Park a camping permit is required and fees apply. Try to book and pay six to eight weeks in advance for public holidays. Bookings are accepted only when accompanied by the appropriate fee. If you wish to extend your stay, you must re-register. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite. Remember: camping fees must be lodged before camping overnight.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Springbrook National Park.

Climate and weather

At 900 m above sea level, Springbrook plateau can be quite cool even in summer—the plateau is consistently five degrees cooler than the adjacent lowland. The area averages more than 3000 mm of rain a year, most of which falls between December and March. It is advisable to carry a raincoat and warm clothing at all times of the year.

Winters are usually cold with frosty nights, temperatures dropping to a minimum of -4°C. Summers are warm to hot, especially on the exposed ridges, reaching 30°C or slightly above.

Natural Bridge and Mount Cougal are not so wet or cold. Natural Bridge's annual rainfall of 2500 mm falls during the hot, humid summer (maximum 38°C), while the winters are often clear and crisp (minimum 4°C). During summer's long, hot days Mount Cougal usually experiences afternoon thunderstorms (maximum 37°C). Winter mornings at the head of the valley can be brisk with occasional frosts (minimum 2°C).

Numinbah is slightly warmer than Natural Bridge; summers are hot and humid (maximum 36°C) while winters are clear and crisp with potential for frosts (minimum 4°C).

Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Be aware! During extreme weather events such as flooding, access to both Natural Bridge and Purling Brook on the Springbrook plateau may be closed. Please ensure you check the Park alert before you visit this park.

Fuel and supplies

General supplies, public telephones, meals and light refreshments are available on Springbrook plateau. A public telephone, cafes and petrol are available along the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road, 1 km north of Natural Bridge section. A public telephone and cafe are located about 2 km south of the Numinbah section. A public telephone and cafe are located east of Mount Cougal along the Currumbin Creek Road. For more information see the tourism information links below.

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Staying safe

All creeks on Springbrook plateau become waterfalls! Stay safe and keep on the tracks. Photo: Paul Candlin, DERM

All creeks on Springbrook plateau become waterfalls! Stay safe and keep on the tracks. Photo: Paul Candlin, DERM

To protect the environment and yourself, stay on the walking tracks and behind the fences at Natural Bridge. Photo: Dan Garnett, DERM

To protect the environment and yourself, stay on the walking tracks and behind the fences at Natural Bridge. Photo: Dan Garnett, DERM

Spinal cord injuries such as quadriplegia and paraplegia are some of the serious consequences of either jumping or diving into creeks. Drowning is the greatest threat to people who have injured their spines through jumping or diving into water. Take notice of the signs and remember; there is no cure for spinal cord injury—it’s with you for life.

Part of Cave Creek in the Natural Bridge section of the national park has been declared a restricted access area. Swimming in the creek and access to the creek bank is now prohibited. Penalties apply.

Please observe and obey signs.

For your safety

Thefts have occurred in this area. Car crime is a problem even here. Help us STOP this problem.

In an emergency

In case of accident or other emergency please:

The nearest hospitals are at Southport on the Gold Coast. Mobile phone coverage is not reliable, but you can often get a signal whenever you can see the Gold Coast.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

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Looking after the park

Remember to pack zip-lock bags so you can take your rubbish home. Photo: Adam Creed, DERM

Remember to pack zip-lock bags so you can take your rubbish home. Photo: Adam Creed, DERM

The natural beauty of Springbrook National Park attracts thousands of people to the area, but high visitor numbers create many pressures. Litter, erosion caused by shortcutting tracks, damage to vegetation and disturbance to wildlife all threaten nature's delicate balance.

You can help protect the park by observing these guidelines:

Planning a night visit to Natural Bridge? Be aware of the basic cave rules.

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

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Park management

Some Antarctic beech trees within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area are about 3000 years old! Photo courtesy of G. Threlfo

Some Antarctic beech trees within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area are about 3000 years old! Photo courtesy of G. Threlfo

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service manages Springbrook National Park under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and Austinville forest reserve trails under the Forestry Act 1959 to preserve and present their remarkable natural and cultural values in perpetuity.

Springbrook National Park's outstanding geological history, evolutionary significance and role in nature conservation are recognised through its inclusion in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. Management is in accordance with internationally recognised obligations under the World Heritage Convention.

A draft management plan for Springbrook National Park will be prepared in the future.

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Tourism information links

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.

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Further information

Contact us

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Last updated 14 November 2011

Springbrook National Park

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