Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park
A spectacular hinterland waterfall in Springbrook National Park, rated 4.8 from 2,500-plus reviews — one of the Gold Coast's great nature escapes.
Some links are affiliate links — if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our Spot Score or what we recommend.
Why it's worth checking out
Purling Brook Falls is one of the highlights of Springbrook National Park, holding a 4.8 on Google across more than 2,500 reviews. Up in the Gold Coast hinterland, it offers a dramatic change of scenery from the beaches — cool rainforest, deep valleys and a striking waterfall plunging from the escarpment.
The draw is the walking: a well-known circuit that takes you to lookouts over the falls and down through lush forest, with the sound of water and birdsong replacing the coastal bustle. It's a genuinely scenic outing that rewards a bit of effort, suited to anyone reasonably comfortable on bush tracks.
Its position in Springbrook makes it an easy pairing with the park's other natural attractions for a full day in the hinterland. Track conditions and water flow vary with the seasons, so check current park information directly and come prepared with sturdy shoes, water and sun protection.
Good to know
- The walk is located in Springbrook National Park, accessed via Forestry Road
- High visitor numbers mean parking can fill during peak times
- The area experiences substantial rainfall, which affects water flow and track conditions
Best for
Practical details
Opening hours
Closed- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- WednesdayToday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Closed
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 00:00 – 23:59
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 92
- Popularity
- 100
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Purling Brook Falls located?+
Purling Brook Falls is in Springbrook National Park on the Gold Coast hinterland, accessed via Forestry Road, Springbrook. The nearest suburb is Robina.
Is this walk suitable for photography?+
Yes, the falls are popular with photographers who come to capture the waterfall and surrounding forest scenery.
What is the main attraction of this walk?+
The main attraction is an exceptionally high waterfall set in native forest bushland, making it a scenic destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Nearby venues
Springbrook National Park
Large national park on the Gold Coast hinterland with rainforest walking tracks, waterfalls, and camping facilities.
Hardys Lookout
Lookouts in Robina, Gold Coast.
Wunburra Lookout
Lookouts in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast.
Springbrook National Park Canyon Lookout
Highly rated lookout walk in Springbrook National Park offering scenic views across the Gold Coast hinterland.
More parks in Gold Coast
Burleigh Head National Park
Coastal headland park with rainforest trails, ocean views and native wildlife on the Gold Coast.
Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park
A natural basalt bridge and cavern carved by cascading water, with a loop walk through rainforest where frogs and koalas inhabit the canopy.
Springbrook National Park
Large national park on the Gold Coast hinterland with rainforest walking tracks, waterfalls, and camping facilities.
Broadwater Parklands
A spacious waterfront park in Southport with a marine-themed water play area, BBQ facilities, and walking paths along Marine Parade.