The Weekend Edition - Sleep In. Slow Down. Enjoy.

Waterfalls Gold Coast Waterfalls Gold Coast

Swim, hike and snap pics for the ‘gram at the best waterfalls on the Gold Coast



As temperatures begin to rise, most Brisbane and Gold Coast locals will gravitate toward the ocean. Don't get us wrong, we love the beach big time – though a little adventure and some hikes inland will also unlock a bevy of swimming holes and waterfalls that are just waiting to be explored. The next time you're craving a dip, why not strap on some boots, spend some time in nature and splash into one of the many beaut waterfalls within road-trip distance of the Gold Coast? Here are some that we recommend ticking off your list this spring and summer. 


Cougal Cascades: Mount Cougal forms part of Springbrook National Park and is closer than you think. Just drive straight to the end of Currumbin Valley and keep going past Camp Eden through to the car park. From here, take a leisurely stroll through the rainforest, and you’ll soon come across the popular Cougal Cascades and rock pools. If you keep following the track along the creek, you will also come across the remains of a 1940s sawmill – neat!

Natural Bridge: No list of waterfalls on the Gold Coast is complete without mentioning Natural Bridge in the Numinbah Valley’s Springbrook National Park. The hike itself is a simple 1-km circuit past lush greenery that will eventually lead you to the famous Natural Bridge falls. We recommend heading out later in the afternoon, as you may be lucky enough to see glow worms and fireflies once the sun goes down.

Purling Brook Falls: Also located in Springbrook National Park is one of the Gold Coast’s more dramatic waterfalls – Purling Brook Falls. The 4-km walking circuit will take most hikers around two hours, with a few steep ascents and a casual 256 steps thrown in along the way. Trust us when we say it is worth it, and your hard work will pay off when you come face-to-face with Purling Brook’s 300 feet plunge of cascading water into the gorge. Expect Eucalypt forests, plenty of wildlife and a refreshing spray from the falls during your trip.

Curtis Falls: Located along Curtis Road on Mount Tamborine, Curtis Falls is part of Tamborine National Park. Take a walk through the lush rainforest before reaching the mesmerising waterfall. Get your iPhone ready – there will be plenty of shots worthy of your ‘gram.

Gorge Falls: This not-so-secret spot is nestled at the very end of Tallebudgera Valley. Google will take your car to a dead end, where you’ll need to jump out and start strolling along the track and over a few creek crossings. The 20-minute walk will take you through some breathtaking surroundings before you finish walking upstream to stare at the gorge-ous Gorge Falls.

Waterfalls Gold Coast

Morans Falls: Located near the Green Mountains in Lamington National Park is Morans Falls. After following the walking track (about a 4.4-km return walk), wanderers will descend roughly 150 m through sub-tropical rainforests to find the base of the plunge waterfall. We recommend trekking a bit further to reach the top of the falls, where you can enjoy a majestic view of the sprawling landscape. While in the area, tick off another Gold Coast waterfall and check out Elabana Falls.

Minyon Falls: Just over the border in Northern New South Wales, Minyon Falls is a gem offering breathtaking coastal views, lush rainforests and a constant and refreshing cascade of water. The area features shady picnic spots, bush walks and wheelchair-accessible lookout areas, making it well worth the drive. We also highly recommend the trek down to the bottom of the falls, where a crystal clear swimming hole will serve as the perfect way to cool off.

Mirror Falls: The Albert River Circuit in Lamington National Park is home to some of the Gold Coast’s most magnificent waterfalls, including the spectacular Mirror Falls. Prepare for a full day hike, with the lush-but-lengthy trek running 21.8-km. Those ready to go hard on a day hike will be rewarded with Mirror Fall’s cooling embrace about halfway along the walk. Alternatively, you can pull up camp overnight and make it a two-day affair by staying at the Echo Point campsite.

Honourable mentionsQueen Mary FallsCoomera and Yarrabilgong FallsTwin Falls and Cedar Creek Falls.

Pals, please make sure you check the national parks websites for Queensland and New South Wales for any updates before heading out! Also, don’t forget to let a friend know where you’re headed and pack plenty of snacks and water to be safe. Have fun out there!

Image credits:
Header image 1 – Photo by Lochlainn Riordan on Unsplash
Header image 2 – Photo by Stuart Davies on Unsplash
Body image 2 – Photo by Lochlainn Riordan on Unsplash



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