Springbrook National Park offers opportunities to explore impressive ancient rainforests, visit stunning waterfalls and admire spectacular views. The following hikes are suitable for families, with caution advised for younger children.
Purlingbrook Falls Circuit
(Forestry Road, Springbrook)
The Purling Brook Falls circuit offers spectacular views of the region, stunning waterfalls and a beautiful rainforest setting. The 4km return trail is best walked in a clockwise direction, leading firstly to the Western Lookout and crossing over Tanninaba Falls. The journey then descends into the gorge, along a dirt trail with several sections of stairs (265 in total).
At the base of Purling Brook Falls, visitors can divert along the Warringa Pool track or pause to admire the 100m waterfall flow into the rock pools. A suspension bridge crosses the water and the trail continues with a steady climb to the Eastern Lookout and back to the starting point.
Ample parking, toilets and picnic areas available for visitors.
Purlingbrook Falls
View from the Western Lookout
This circuit is approximately 4.5km return, traversing through 5 different types of forests and behind 4 sets of stunning waterfalls. Twin Falls Circuit is best accessed from Tallanbana Picnic Area. It is recommended to complete this track in an anti-clockwise direction, walking the steepest part downhill.
Families will encounter large boulders, rocky clefts and thick forests. Upon arrival at Twin Falls, hikers can walk in front of the waterfalls or select a path that winds behind the falls. The trail also winds behind Blackfellow Falls, in such close proximity that getting wet is inevitable.
The Tallanbana Picnic Area offers car parking, toilets and picnic facilities.
https://www.aussiebushwalking.com/qld/springbrook/twin-falls-circuit
Families can enjoy a very brief but exhilarating walk through the crisp cool rainforest of Springbrook National Park (350m walk from the carpark to the lookout).
The pram and wheelchair accessible path winds through very dark, misty forest featuring Antarctic Beech trees and a multitude of large, dark and smooth boulders. On a clear day, the lookout provides views of New South Wales, all the way to Byron Bay.
Car parking is provided but there are no amenities at this location.
Pathway towards the lookout
This track is approximately 1km return, consisting of sealed paths, rocky steps and wooden bridges. The Natural Bridge Circuit guides visitors through the cool rainforest and into an arched cave. A large platform provides opportunities to view a waterfall flowing through a hole in the rocky ceiling.
The waterfall can also be viewed from several sections further along the track. The arched cave is particularly spectacular in the evening with the bioluminescence produced by resident glow worms. The best displays can be seen during the wetter months (December to March).
Ample parking, toilets and a sheltered picnic is provided for convenience.
Waterfall flowing through cave roof
Entering the cave
