Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park

Nice drive up the hill and we were very lucky with parking this time (a small miracle). The walk itself is genuinely a walk in the park safe, easy, and very pleasant. You wander through bushland and straight past the base of a cracker of a waterfall. Yes, you can swim in the rock pool, sit under the falls, and just zone out with nature for a bit. The loop brings you right back to the car park, which we love because getting lost was not on today’s agenda. One leg is shorter than the other, so if you want to cut to the chase, take the short leg to the waterfall and head back the same way. Plenty of stairs on the short leg, but nothing too taxing even low fitness levels will cope. That said, if you don’t train your calves much (or have Asian ankles like me), do yourself a favour and plan an Epsom salt soak afterwards. I needed a rest day the next day 😅 A few lookouts along the way are perfect for a breather and some casual “I’m totally fine” moments. You can smash it out in about an hour, but allow 3hrs if you actually want to enjoy it longer if you stop for a swim or snack. We visited during a dry spell, so it wasn’t at its best and the photos barely scratch the surface anyway. After some decent rain, though, this place is the real deal. Timing really is everything.

Purling Brook Falls is an incredible natural attraction and definitely worth the visit. The waterfall is impressive, especially after rain, and the surrounding rainforest makes the whole area feel peaceful and untouched. The walking track and lookout points are well maintained, offering great views of the falls and the valley below. A beautiful spot to experience nature and one of the highlights of Springbrook National Park.

Quite a windy road to get there, but all sealed and easy. Takes about 40 minutes from mid Gold Coast. Such a lovely, easy, safe, bush walk, passing through the bottom of a spectacular waterfall. You can swim in the rock pool at the bottom if you like but best not to for preservation of the natural eco system. Then you continue on the parth which perfectly takes you straight back to the car park. One leg of journey is shorter than the other, so you can shorten the whole journey by choosing the short leg to get to waterfall, and returning by the same route. There are lots of stairs on the short leg, but they are not hard to negotiate even for low level fitness. Several look outs along the way. Takes about an hour if you don't stop and dawdle too much but allow 2 hrs so you can relax and enjoy the walk, or more if you stop for a swim and a snack at the bottom. My photos don't do it justice as we went after a bit of drought. Usually much more water going over the top. Always best after a bit of rain.

Lovely 4km hike. Fantastic views, trails filled with life and a great swimming spot if you dare to face the shivers. Lots of fallen trees on the trails that are carved back to ensure accessibility, I deeply appreciate how well the trails are cared for. On this hike you really do get it all, seeing the marvellous waterfall from below and above was captivating. Perfect track, I’ll be back!

Beautiful views, easy but not boring trail and wild forest. Day use area at the start of the trail is also quite nice and relaxing.