Explore Purling Brook Falls in Springbrook National Park!
If you’re chasing one of the most iconic waterfalls in Southeast Queensland, Purling Brook Falls in Springbrook National Park should be at the very top of your list. This towering plunge waterfall, set among ancient Gondwana rainforest, is not only spectacular to see from the lookout above, but even more impressive when you hike down to the base.
The tricky part for many first-time visitors is figuring out how to plan their trip. Is the hike difficult? How long will it take? Can you swim at the bottom? And what about parking, facilities, or the best time of year to see the falls at their fullest?
As a 25 year local to the region and visited Purling Brook Falls many times, I can say it’s one of those rare spots that combines natural beauty and adventure. In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through how to get there, the walking track, and everything else you need to know before visiting Purling Brook Falls.
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How to Get to Purling Brook Falls Circuit?
It takes about 1.5 hours from Brisbane and about 1 hour from Surfers Paradise to get to Purling Brook Falls. It’s located in the Gold Coast Hinterland (use location Map details here), or Springbrook National Park.
By Car!
Overall, I think it’s easy to get there with you own vehicle, and on a Day trips leaving the Gold Coast and Brisbane. The roads have lots of twists and turns, so you’ll be travelling a bit slower through the region. But, overall, more convenient to get there in your own standard two-wheel drive vehicle.
➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE
Plus, there is an official car park near the start of the track with plenty of room to park. Along with Bathrooms and picnic tables for your convenience.
Using Organised tours!
If you don’t have your own vehicle or want to take the hassle out of driving to the falls yourself. Then, you have organised tour options available and these leave from both the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
➡ Compare Tours HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.
However, note that these tours will visit other sites in the Springbrook National Park and while some will visit the Lookout point to Purling Brook Falls, it might NOT include the actual circuit walk.
On the other hand, I find tours are really great to use for a local’s prospective about the region(especially if you’re not from Australia), and letting someone else cover all the logistics.
How long is the Circuit Track & Difficulty?
The Purling Brook Falls Circuit is a 4 kilometre round-trip (Loop Track) from the official car park. On Average, it should take about 2 hours to complete, give or take your group differences.
Please click to find the Circuit Map here.
This means, completing the walking track will vary from person to person. Including hiking experience, fitness, whether your travelling with children, or stopping to take as many photo’s like me!
It’s is one of those hidden gems tucked away in the lush rainforest of National Park. While it’s a grade 3 hike, the track is well-maintained, and it’s definitely worth it! The magnificent view of the waterfall cascading down into the waterhole and stream below provides an unbeatable reward throughout your journey.
After completing the track a couple times myself, I don’t think it’s that’s difficult to walk. That’s of course, if you have a moderate level of fitness and use to some sort of regular walking.
However, depending on who you ask, some may classify this hike as a bit of a challenge, since it includes a lot of (about 450) stairs.
The hike has some elevation, this includes walking down into the bottom of the valley and walking back up again. However, with the maintained track, almost anyone can do it with some preparation and effort. In the end, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views from the top and bottom if the falls!
You can walk in either direction, but my biggest tip would be walking CLOCKWISE. Ultimately, this means that you will be walking down the 450 stairs first (instead of up). Therefore, the way back up on the other side will be a gradual incline and NO stairs.
It’s a fantastic spot if you’re looking to take a dip in the water and cool off in the heat of summertime. But, access to the waterhole and swimming area is about halfway (2 km) along this circuit track.
If you’ve got time, why don’t you detour on the Warringa Pool track, which leads downstream from the base of the falls. You’ll add another 2 kilometres to the walk and need to allow another 40 minutes to return. But, it’s less a less crowded spot for swimming.
Best time to visit?
There are both pros and cons to visiting Purling Brook Falls, but you can generally visit at any time of year. Early mornings are the busiest, but it’s a large track and you won’t find too many people while walking around.
It’s the rainy season in the Summer from December to March, so the falls will be at their best. However, the downside to lots of water flowing, could be that the Circuit track could be washed out and closed for maintenance.
I have visited the falls around this time and generally there is a gate stopping you from completing the track, but you can still get to the lookout points. (more on that below)
The winter season from June to August is a more comfortable time to walk, with less humidity and rain. However, the downside to this is a less prominent waterfall, plus it’s very cold water and you’re less likely to swim.
Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!
Two Lookouts For Purling Brook Falls?
If you didn’t know, you don’t need to complete the entire 4 kilometre hike to see the waterfall.
In fact, walking about 400 metres, either left or right from the start, will bring you to two different lookout points.
1 – Walking to the left of the “T” junction will have you looking at the falls from a distance.
2 – Taking a right turn at the “T” junction will have you walk over the falls and to a lookout point beside the waterfall.
What can you see walking around?
The impressive Purling Brook waterfall is a lofty 100–106 metres (328–348 ft) high. Its stunning view makes for brilliant photo opportunities as visitors can admire the falls from various lookouts within walking distance of each other.
Make sure to bring your cameras, as it never fails to mesmerize you with its sheer beauty!
Visitors to the falls can encounter a diverse range of flora and fauna, each contributing to the area’s unique biodiversity. Some of these include:
Fauna:
- Birds: The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to species such as the Paradise Riflebird, known for its striking plumage and elaborate courtship dance, and the Green Catbird, which mimics the mewing of a cat. You might also spot the Wompoo Fruit Dove, with its distinctive call and the elusive Sooty Owl.
- Mammals: The dense rainforest is home to the charming Pademelon, a small marsupial similar to a tiny kangaroo. Visitors may also encounter the Short-eared Brushtail Possum and the rare Spotted-tailed Quoll, a carnivorous marsupial native to Australia.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: The park’s moist environment is ideal for amphibians like the Cascade Tree Frog and the Tusked Frog. Reptile enthusiasts can look out for Leaf-Tailed Geckos, well-camouflaged against the bark and leaves.
- Insects and Other Invertebrates: Vibrant butterflies like the Richmond Birdwing and various beetles add colour to the undergrowth.
Flora:
- Hoop Pines: These ancient conifers, often referred to as ‘living dinosaurs,’ are remnants from the Jurassic period and dominate the skyline with their towering presence.
- Strangler Figs and Eucalypts: These trees provide essential habitats for the park’s wildlife, with their dense canopies offering shelter and food sources.
- Rainforest Canopy: The lush canopy supports a wide array of epiphytes, ferns, and mosses.
About the Springbrook National Park
The Springbrook National Park is a protected National Park and it’s roughly 180 million years old. The 6,197-hectare (15,310-acre) park is part of the Volcano Group of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Gondwana Rainforests of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia.
In 2009, as part of the Q150 celebrations, it was announced as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for its role as a “Natural attraction.”
With its lush greenery, abundant wildlife, scenic vistas, and natural attractions, the Park offers outdoor experiences for visitors. This includes more of my favourite places like Natural Bridge waterfall & walking trail.
Other Walks in the area
- Canyon lookout – Grade 1 – 30m
- Buliya-buliya jagun (Land of many little birds boardwalk) – Grade 2 – 100m
- Goomoolahra Falls lookout track – Grade 1 – 250m
- Boojerahla lookout track – Grade 2 – 450m
- Best of All lookout track – Grade 2 – 600m
- Warringa Pool track – Grade 3 – 6km
- Twin Falls Circuit – Grade 3 – 4km
- Warrie circuit – Grade 4 – 14km
- Natural Bridge circuit – Grade 2 – 1km ( Or find Glow Worms in the cave)
- Cascades track – Grade 2 – 800m
- Girraween National Park walking trails
Wrap up!
Thanks for reading this blog post today on the Purling Brook Falls Circuit in the Springbrook National Park. I hope I’ve provided everything you need to know, where it is, how to get there and all the information you were looking for.
However, If you’re still researching, please get more updated Gold Coast post HERE for planning and inspiration.
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