Purling Brook Falls is an iconic Gold Coast waterfall located in Springbrook National Park. It is a popular day trip from both Brisbane and Gold Coast as it is easily accessible and absolutely stunning.
Springbrook National Park is famous for incredible waterfalls and world heritage listed ancient Gondwana rainforest and Purling Brook Falls is no exception. At over 100m in height, the hike to the base of the falls and back is approximately 4km and is a very enjoyable walk through the rainforest.
Directions to Purling Brook Falls
The easiest way to get to Purling Brook Falls is to drive. My friend, Chris, and I left Brisbane about midday and we were back in Brisbane well before dark without feeling any rush to get back. If you don’t have access to a car, you can also get to Purling Brook Falls through numerous day tours.
To get here via car, put this location into Google Maps.
If you are heading out of Brisbane, travel south down the Pacific Motorway until you see Exit 69. Follow the directions through Nerang. You will drive through brilliant rainforest lined roads, worthy of a photo or two as well around the windy Advancetown Lake. On approach it will feel like you’re leaving the city behind.
There is plenty of parking at Purling Brook Falls. Once you leave your car, the walk is very well sign posted.
You’ll first reach a lookout that looks out over the top of Purling Brook Falls. We visited in November 2019 after an extensive period of little rain. In fact, as some of the photos will show, the Queensland section of the Australian bushfires had been nearby and the area was still full of smoke. However, we were in absolutely no danger at all.
Waterfall Walk
We took the clockwise path which lead us down the side of the cliff and to the base of Purling Brook Falls. While you need to have mobility, this path was very easy to walk and follow. There were a few steps and uneven slopes but it was a very easy and enjoyable walk.
When we got to the bottom of the cliff, there were lots of giant rocks off the side of the path.
We just followed the path until we reached the base of the waterfall. As said earlier there had been little rain so the falls were quite small. However, after periods of rain, the waterfall is very impressive. Even with the little falls, the scenery was amazing.
After stopping at the bottom of the falls, we continued along the path to head back up to the top. First over a very photogenically situated bridge.
The walk back up was enjoyable.
At the top, there was a lookout over the top of the waterfall. Which is a lot fuller after rain of course. However, the view from above over the rainforest was beautiful.
The golden afternoon light was beautiful on the way back to the car.
Remember to Bring
When you’re visiting this waterfall, don’t forget to bring sturdy shoes, swimmers and a camera!
If you are looking how to get to Purling Brook Falls, you may also be interested in reading:
- Things to do on the Gold Coast
- How to get to Moran Falls
- 7 places to go within 150km of Brisbane
- Your Scenic Rim One Day Itinerary: Things to do in the Scenic Rim
- How to get to Elabana Falls
- Should you stay at The Pink Hotel Coolangatta?
- Eating out with a view: Lunch at Q1 Skypoint
Happy exploring!
