Who doesn’t love a waterfall? They are popular among all Australians and you can find them dotted all around the Gold Coast. I have seen a lot of them on our travels up north and I have hand-picked some of my favourites to give you a little waterfall inspiration so you can plan your next trip to chase waterfalls instead of lining up at theme parks.
From the most scenic waterfall in Australia at Morans Falls to the most unique waterfall at Natural Bridge, the Gold Coast is surrounded by some of the best waterfalls I’ve seen. Pack your hiking shoes and swimmers and let’s go have an adventure!
1. Morans Falls
Distance: 4.4km return
Time: 1.5 hours
Rating: Grade 3
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams
Possibly the most beautiful waterfall in Australia, the 80 metre tall Morans Falls features a picturesque infinity pool with spectacular views over Morans Creek Gorge. Located alongside O’reillys Rainforest Retreat at Lamington National Park, this short walk will guide you through a subtropical rainforest featuring twisted vines, gentle streams and bird’s nest ferns. Take in the sweeping vistas at Morans Clearing before heading to the lookout for the best views over the Albert River valley towards Mount Barney.
2. Curtis Falls
Distance: 1km return
Time: 45 minutes
Rating: Grade 3
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams
One of the nicest Tamborine National Park waterfalls when flowing well, Curtis Falls is about the journey as well as the destination, because the hike to reach it is shaded and beautiful. Embark on the enchanting walk through wet eucalypt forest beneath towering flooded gums and into cool and lush rainforest. Look for basking turtles on fallen logs and stop to marvel at the intricate strangler fig which are dotted across this national park.
3. Natural Bridge
Distance: 1.6km return
Time: 45 minutes
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams
Natural Bridge is located in Springbrook National Park and is part of the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. This section of ancient rainforest features a picturesque rock formation, formed by the force of the waterfall over a basalt cave. Enjoy a peaceful stroll down the circuit track in a clockwise direction to gain access to the cave and look out for hoop pines which are living relics of the Jurassic Age- about 180 million years ago! At night the cave comes alive with the tiny green lights of thousands of glow-worms!
4. Purling Brook Falls
Distance: 4km return
Time: 1.5 hours
Rating: Grade 3
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams
Purling Brook Falls likely features on the wish list of every nature lover that is planning to visit the Gold Coast. One of the most popular attractions in Springbrook National Park, this 108-metre-tall single drop waterfall is certainly a sight to behold. Starting at the picnic area, pass through an open eucalypt forest of New England ash before descending down the 265 stairs to the base of the falls. If you’re feeling up to it, take the 2km detour on the Warringa Pool track to discover a gorgeous swimming hole.
5. Coomera Falls
Distance: 10km return
Time: 7 hours
Rating: Grade 4
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams
Purling Brook Falls likely features on the wish list of every nature lover that is planning to visit the Gold Coast. One of the most popular attractions in Springbrook National Park, this 108-metre-tall single drop waterfall is certainly a sight to behold. Starting at the picnic area, pass through an open eucalypt forest of New England ash before descending down the 265 stairs to the base of the falls. If you’re feeling up to it, take the 2km detour on the Warringa Pool track to discover a gorgeous swimming hole.
6. Twin Falls
Distance: 4km return
Time: 3 hours
Rating: Grade 3
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams
Twin Falls is a spectacular year-round waterfall located in Springbrook National Park. This moderate 4km circuit trail takes you from the beautiful panoramic views at the top of the Springbrook Plateau to the mystical rainforest floor in the canyon below. Starting at the Canyon Lookout, the track takes you through rock clefts and tree ferns until you make it to the base of the falls where you can walk behind them. Remember to allow enough time to take in the mountain views and capture plenty of photos.
7. Cougal Cascades
Distance: 2.1km return
Time: 40 minutes
Rating: Grade 2
Access: Suitable for wheelchairs and prams
Cougal Cascades tumbles into a beautiful swimming hole in the middle of a dense rainforest. Hidden in the headwaters of Currumbin Valley, the gorgeous Cougal Cascades is a favourite among locals who visit to cool off during a hot summers day without the sand and salt of the sea. Starting at the Springbrook National Park carpark, the sealed and gently sloping 800m trail follows the cascades past gorgeous rainforest scenery and the remnants of a historic sawmill until you reach the viewing platform with magical views of Cougal Cascades. Follow the track down to the pools but take care as the rocks can be quite slippery.
8. Elabana Falls
Distance: 7km return
Time: 3 hours
Rating: Grade 4
Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs and prams
No visit to Lamington National Park would be complete without hiking down to the epic Elebana Falls. Located on the Box Forest circuit and near O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Elabana Falls is surrounded by awesome rainforest scenery and flows well for most of the year. To locate the falls, start walking on the border track and look out for signs directing you to Elebana Falls. About 1.6 km into the next section you come to Picnic Rock which is a great place to stop for lunch and look out for the Lamington Spiny Blue Crayfish. It’s only another 400 metres along the track until you’ll come across Elebana Falls and you are allowed to swim here but just take the usual precautions to stay safe.
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