The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Springbrook National Park in Queensland, Australia

Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park dominates the skyline west of the Gold Coast and is a perfect place for travelers looking for a taste of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. It’s a rather small size and close proximity to Brisbane (100kms) and Gold Coast (30kms), so when it comes to day trips from Gold Coast or Brisbane, Springbrook National Park offers the perfect escape for nature lovers on a tight schedule.

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When to Go

It is possible to visit Springbrook National Park any time of the year, but if you want to see it in its best, visit between December – March. This time of year offers the most daylight hours, and temperatures that typically hover between 13-25 degrees Celsius.

Getting There

Springbrook National Park is located about 30k from the Gold Coast and about 100km from Brisbane. It’s best accessed by car although some travel agencies do run tours to the National Park from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Prices typically range from $100 AUD ($75 USD)- $165 AUD ($122 USD) per person for a full day tour.

Things to do in Springbrook National Park

So many options at Springbrook National Park! Where do you even start?
So many options! Where do you even start?
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There’s no shortage of things to do in Springbrook National Park, you just need to decide where you’re starting. 

Springbrook National Park is divided into 4 sections: Springbrook plateau, Mount Cougal, Natural Bridge, and Numinbah.

Springbrook Plateau 

Abundant in short walks and great views of the surroundings, this is the part of the park really worth exploring! Short walks through the rainforest will reward you with incredible views from the Wunburra lookout, Canyon lookout, Goomoolahra Falls lookout and Best of All lookout.

Along the Best of All Lookout track in Springbrook National Park
Along the Best of All Lookout track in Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park
Isn’t this scenery inspiring to paint?

At the time of our visit, the Warrie Circuit, the longest and most interesting track on the plateau, was closed. So we embarked on another one of the Springbrook National Park walks, a 4 km hike along the Twin Falls Springbrook Circuit.

Starting from the Tallanbana picnic area, the track passed through rocks, different forest types, palms and tree ferns, and eventually lead us to one of the biggest attractions of Springbrook National Park – the Twin Falls!

 
 
A curve in the Twin Falls path at Springbrook National Park
A curve in the Twin Falls path
The beautiful Twin Falls, Springbrook National Park
The beautiful Twin Falls, Springbrook National Park

The Twin Falls, Springbrook National Park  

Even in the middle of winter, the Twin Falls were beautiful. But those visiting in the Spring will likely find the Springbrook National Park waterfalls gushing down with a lot more force. The view is great and the rocks right in front of the falls, make it for a great place to take a break and admire the beauty of Springbrook National Park.

From here, you can turn around and head back down, or you can keep following the path that will take you behind the Springbrook National Park waterfalls and through rock splits to the end of the track at Canyon Lookout.

Behind the Twin Falls in Springbrook National Park
Behind the Twin Falls in Springbrook National Park.
 
View from the Canyon Lookout, Springbrook National Park
View from the Canyon Lookout, Springbrook National Park

The Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park

If the treks in the Springbrook Plateau don’t tire you out, head to the Natural Bridge Springbrook Section, a naturally formed arch over Cave Creek. This section is located along Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, about a 30 min drive from the Springbrook Plateau. But it definitely is worth the drive…

This is what Springbrook National Park is really famous for! During the day, admire the beautiful Natural Bridge Waterfall, either on your own or as part of a tour, if you’re in the mood for a more all-encompassing Springbrook National Park day trip. When the sun goes down, discover the Springbrook glow worms that live within it.

Natural Bridge Cave with Springbrook glow worms , Springbrook National Park
Natural Bridge Cave. Photo credit: Queensland National Parks

Springbrook Glow Worms

The Springbrook glow worms are a fly species, found only in Australia and New Zealand, that require dense rainforest cover and plenty of rainfall to survive. Glow-worm species in Australia were once plentiful, but today their existence is restricted to regions of rainforests and permanently wet caves, so the opportunity to see them is the perfect reason for a Springbrook day trip. These incredible creatures can only be seen after sunset, with the best displays typically occurring in the warmer wetter months, from December to March. 

You can experience the sight on your own, or if you’d like to make a day of it, you can sign up for a Springbrook National Park tour.

Glow-worms inside Natural Bridge Cave, Springbrook glow worms, springbrook national park
Glow-worms inside Natural Bridge Cave, Springbrook National Park. Photo credit: www.australiatravelcentre.com.au

If you only have 1 day to spare on your trip around Australia and are looking to get a taste for the Gondwana Rainforest Heritage Area, a Springbrook National Park day trip might be exactly what you are after.

Springbrook National Park Accommodation

Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat

The operators of Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat are passionate about minimizing their impact on the environment. Their beautiful eco property is set amongst the rainforest and adjoins to Springbrook National Park.

Springbrook National Park Beautiful cabin at Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat. Photo by Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat.
Beautiful cabin at Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat. Photo by Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat.

Springbrook Lyre Retreat

Springbrook Lyre Retreat offers modern, comfortable cabins. It is owned by the Australian Rainforest Conservation Society, and all profits go towards Springbrook rainforest restoration.

Springbrook National Park Cabin at Springbrook Lyre Lodge. Photo by Springbrook Lyre Lodge.
Cozy cabin at Springbrook Lyre Lodge. Photo by Springbrook Lyre Lodge.

Binna Burra Lodge

Binna Burra Lodge is located about an hours drive from Springbrook National Park but is a great base if you plan on exploring Lamington National Park as well. This beautiful lodge has a long list of eco-initiatives.

Springbrook National Park: Room with a view at Binna Burra Lodge. Photo by Binna Burra Lodge.
Room with a view at Binna Burra Lodge. Photo by Binna Burra Lodge.

Springbrook National Park Camping

The most eco-friendly way of experiencing Spring National Park is by getting amongst nature and camping in the park. Springbrook National Park camping is possible in the Settlement Camping area, and a night under the stars could be the perfect end to a Springbrook day trip.

Permits must be obtained in advance at ParksQ, and prices range from $6.35 AUD ($5 USD) – $25.40 AUD ($19 USD) depending on the time of year and which vehicle or camp space you will be occupying.

What other spots in Springbrook National Park would you recommend to visit?
 

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