Wanderyn
Springbrook National Park
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · AU

Springbrook National Park

Getting around: About an hour inland from Surfers Paradise into the Gold Coast hinterland; a car is necessary, with winding mountain roads on the approach.
Hours: Open during daylight hours year-round as a national park.

A World Heritage-listed rainforest plateau park known for waterfalls (Purling Brook Falls, Twin Falls), the Natural Bridge rock arch and glow worm cave, and sweeping lookouts back toward the Gold Coast coastline and hinterland. It's split across a few distinct sections, so it's worth picking a focus rather than trying to see everything in one visit.

The Natural Bridge glow worm walk is best done at dusk or after dark to actually see the glow worms, which makes it a slightly different logistics exercise than the daytime waterfall walks elsewhere in the park.

Springbrook National Park FAQs

What's the Natural Bridge glow worm cave?

A rock arch formation with a waterfall flowing through a cave beneath it, home to glow worms best seen after dark or at dusk.

Do I need to visit at night to see glow worms?

Yes, glow worms are only visible in darkness, so plan the Natural Bridge walk for dusk or evening if that's your goal.

How far is it from the coast?

About an hour's drive inland, on winding mountain roads.

What are the main walking trails?

Purling Brook Falls and Twin Falls circuits are popular waterfall walks; the park has several separate sections worth checking on a map beforehand.

Is it suitable for a family day trip?

Yes, though some trails are moderately strenuous — check trail difficulty before choosing a walk if travelling with young kids.

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