Exploring Purling Brook Falls Springbrook National Park

So you want to explore Purling Brook Falls Springbrook National Park?

There is no shortage of things to do at Springbrook National Park! It’s located in Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia. From hiking, picnicking, visiting waterfalls, rainforest walks and spotting wildlife, it’s the perfect mix between the wild with modern amenities.

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Where is Purling Brook Falls Springbrook National Park?

Springbrook National Park is located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, approximately 45 kilometres (28 miles) southwest of the Gold Coast. Or it’s 100km (62 miles) south of Brisbane.

How can I get to Purling Brook Falls Springbrook National Park?

The driving distance may vary depending on your exact starting point in the Gold Coast, so use your Google Maps or navigation device to reduce any confusion and manage your time well.

The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour by car. There are tours that go to Springbrook National Park, but unfortunately, there is no public bus directly.

If you are visiting this may mean you have to hire a car for the day.

Springbrook National Park covers covers 6,558ha and is in four main sections so make sure that your transport allows you to see what you’ve planned out to see and do. Click HERE to visit the Springbrook National Park official site for maps and resources.

Alternatively, you can book tours that take care of everything for you from GetYourGuide.

Is Springbrook National Park free?

YES! Springbrook National Park is totally free to enter! If you are planning on camping then there is one area to camp and there are camping fees and you must make a booking before setting up camp.

However, if you are just there for a day trip to Springbrook National Park and to use the walking tracks and explore then it’s completely free!

Springbrook National Park Opening Hours

Springbrook National Park is open 24 hours. In saying that, if you visit at night or during dusk or dawn please bring headlamps or be cautious of your footings. Some trials might not be suitable to walk due to visibility.

About Purling Brook Falls in Springbrook National Park 

Purling Brook Falls is located in the Springbrook section of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area. The waterfall plunges approximately 109 meters (358 feet) from the cliff, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the Springbrook National Park.

How do I get to Purling Brook Falls?

You can get to Purling Brook Falls by taking the Purling Brook Falls Circuit track. This track is really well-maintained for walking and hiking. The circuit is a 4-kilometre loop that takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on how fast and fit you are, or maybe you are travelling with children.

What will I see on the Purling Brook Falls Circuit track?

Purling Brook Falls is surrounded by lush rainforest, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere. The falls are particularly impressive and powerful after rainfall when water flow is at its peak as with our visit.

Visitors may encounter various bird species, butterflies, and other wildlife along the walking track.
The area around Purling Brook Falls is rich in biodiversity, featuring a variety of plant and animal species native to the subtropical rainforest environment.

The walking track includes a suspension bridge that provides a close-up view of the falls and adds to the overall experience. There is also the Purling Brook Falls lookout which is a stunning sight.

Swimming at Purling Brook Falls Springbrook National Park

You can definitely take your swimming gear and jump in for a swim, which is what makes this experience so special. You may find the water is cold and that the rocks on your feet can be a little slippery. You can take wet shoes if this bothers you.

As with any swimming, safety is first. If you are going with children, make sure that children are supervised at all times. It’s recommended that you check the conditions before you go and plan any swimming at Purling Brook Falls.

Checking conditions

It’s important to check the conditions on a couple of different websites before you visit the park and decide to swim. At certain times of the year, there is heavy rainfall and sections get closed due to landslide risk and dangerous water conditions.

You should always respect the signs and directions of the park rangers to keep yourself and others safe at all times.

You can check on sites such as Alltrails or the official Queensland official National Park site.

Other tips for Purling Brook Falls at Springbrook National Park

Please note that there is an on-the-spot fine for littering at Springbrook National Park. Please take your rubbish with you or use the bins provided.

Keep your distance from wildlife. The animals are wild at Springbrook National Park and must be respected at all times.

We ourselves, when visiting, encountered a parent and young child chasing a baby snake on the hiking track for a photo and some entertainment. This is extremely dangerous and many people are not aware that young snakes can be more venomous than adult ones.

Regardless of what snake, animal, frog or insect you encounter, make sure to keep some distance and respect the animal’s natural habitat in which you are the visitor.

Make sure you slow your vehicle down in the car park and on roads in and out of Springbrook National Park. Many people and families, especially on weekends are visiting the park and not only are speed limits legally enforced, but ensure everyone’s safety.

If you found our blog helpful you can always head over to read some of our other top-ranked blogs including Number 1 Best Australian Bucket List Destination and 3 Top Things To Do in Hobart. Otherwise, we will see you on our social media.

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