Springbrook National Park (Queensland

Springbrook National Park is a world heritage listed area (declared in 1994) 100km south west of Brisbane. It covers an area of almost 3 000 hectares along the border with NSW.

The first part of this national park was formed in 1937 (then Warrie National Park) and in 1990 became part of Springbrook National Park. The Kalibal Aboriginal people originally lived in this area.

The park is set in an extremely wet part of southern Queensland, resulting in a large number of mountain streams and waterfalls, with deep gorges and valleys, and spectacular cliffs. The area is covered with subtropical rainforest, with ferns and palms throughout. There are also areas of Antartic Beech forest.

The area is known to have Albert's Lyrebirds, Brush Turkeys, Bower Birds and numerous other species of birds. There are also Koalas, Sugar Gliders, Possums, Goannas and Carpet Pythons among a large number of animal species in the park.

Travel to Springbrook is along the Pacific Highway until Mudgeeraba is reached. The area of the park known as Natural Bridge is reached off the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road.

CAMPING:

Camping on the Sprinbrook Plateau is at the Gwongorella Picnic Area. There are tables, toilets and BBQs provided.

WALKING:

Springbrook Plateau:

Springbrook Plateau is the largest area of the park, with the highlight being the 106m Purling Brook Falls. A viewing platform is located above the falls near Gwongorella Picnic Area. There is also a 4km walk to the base of the falls, which is a must for those who can achieve it. The walk is best done in a clockwise direction which allows the descent of the 450 stairs into the gorge and a much easier ascent from the gorge. You also pass Tanninaba Falls on Camp Creek. There is also a 2km return walk to the Waringa Pool which is joined to the Purling Brook Falls Circuit track. This extension follows the creek downstream to until Waringa Pool is reached. Return is by backtracking to the Purling Brook Falls Circuit track.

There are also two shorter walks to viewing platforms on either side of Purling Brook Falls (200m and 600m return).

The 17km Warrie Circuit takes you to such attractions as Rainbow, Poondahra Goomoolahra, Kadjagooma and Ngarri-dhum Falls, and the Meeting of the Waters. The walk is 20km if you add The Pinnacle to it. This is an all day walk for the very fit. The walk starts at Canyon Lookout car park in an anti-clockwise direction. The walk's first major site is Rainbow Falls, then Goomoolahra Falls, an un-named waterfall, The Pinnacle, Ngarri-dhum Falls, Kadjagooma Falls, Meeting of the Waters, Gooroolba Falls, Poonyahra Falls and Blackfellow Falls, before returning to the car park at Canyon Lookout.

The visitors centre is worth a visit with several displays set up for visitors to view, including a Queensland Buckwagon.

The 4km Twin Falls Circuit begins at the Tallabana Picnic Area and leads past and behind Twin Falls and Blackfellow Falls. The walk can also be begun at the Canyon Lookout car park.

At the Goomoolahra Picnic Area there is a short walk to a waterfall and the Goomoolahra Lookout.

The Best of All Lookout provides a short walk to the lookout through areas of Antartic Beech forest.

Bilbrough Lookout is a 3km return walk from the Goomoolahra car park. The walk begins by walking back along the road for a 100m and the sign pointing to Bilborough Lookout is located.

Mount Cougal:

The Mount Cougal section of the park is reached by taking the Currumbin Creek Road to its end.

From the car park a short walk leads to the Cougals Cascades and the Mountain Pool. This is an easy 1.6km return walk.The track follows Currumbin Creek before a viewing platform is located. The Mountain Pool viewing platform is a short way further along the track.

A challenging 10km return walk can be gained via the Garden of Eden Road at Tomewin. This walk will take you to the top of both the eastern and western peaks of Mt Cougal. Note this is an unmarked track which begins by climbing over a gate.

Natural Bridge:

Natural Bridge is named after the cavern that formed at the base of Cave Creek Falls collapsed, leaving a natural bridge at the front of the falls. This area is reached via the Circuit Track which leads to the base of the falls. The Natural Bridge area also has glow worms. It is best followed in a clockwise direction. The circuit is a very easy 10 minutes or so return walk.

NOTE: To view larger pictures of the area simply click on the photo you wish to view.

ABOVE: Brush Turkey

ABOVE: Part of the walk

ABOVE: Cave Creek

ABOVE: Ferns

ABOVE: Natural Bridge

ABOVE: Cave Creek

ABOVE: Natural Bridge

ABOVE: Lizard

SPRINGBROOK TRIP: APRIL 30 to MAY 3, 2004:

This trip was planned during the day on which I actually left. It had been in my mind for the previous week or so to head off to Queensland one weekend in the near future. It sort of all just fell together for this particular weekend.

For the journey I rented a Nissan Pulsar from Budget Hamilton for $179.00 for the weekend, with unlimited kilometres.

Friday April 30, 2004:

In this first day of the trip I travelled from Newcastle to Port Macquarie. This was just a straight drive to the motel that I usually book into on journeys up the highway when I just need somewhere to sleep for the night. The motel is the Major Innes Motel ($55.00).

Saturday May 1, 2004:

I left early for the journey further north and eventually reached Nerang in Queensland where I decided to head for Springbrook National Park. The park is the hinterland area of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

After arriving at Springbrook I decided to visit Natural Bridge, Wunburra Lookout, Purling Brook Falls and the visitors centre, before heading to the Lodge for the night I ate out at

Springbrook
National Park

WHAT'S ON THIS PAGE:

INTRODUCTION

CAMPING:

WALKING:

Springbrook Plateau:

Mount Cougal:

Natural Bridge:

SPRINGBROOK TRIP: APRIL 30 to MAY 3, 2004:

Friday April 30, 2004:

Saturday May 1, 2004:

MAPS:

ACCOMMODATION AND RESOURCE LINKS: