Starting from the Gwongorella Picnic Area, Springbrook, this walk takes you on a circuit in the open eucalypt forest of Springbrook National Park, passing by the Purling Brook Falls from both the top and the bottom. The refreshing feeling of water gently spraying on your face on a summer day is unmatched, and that is exactly what you’re going to get here. Take in the scenery as you stand on the suspension bridge and watch the water gush down. The lookout at the top gives you a great view that almost feels hidden and cozy, away from the modern world. After the renovations that made it safer, this walk can make for a great family trip as it’s not too demanding. Just get some shoes with good grip to avoid slipping. This circuit walk is quite popular, so come at an unusual time to try and have the waterfall to yourself. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Gold Coast Springbrook Road, 99 and drive for another 640 m
Continue onto Franklin Drive, 99 and drive for another 23 km
Turn left onto Forestry Road and drive for another 410 m
Turn left and drive for another 110 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park of Gwongorella Picnic Area(75 metres northeast of Forestry Road-Kuralboo Street intersection), head towards the turquoise “Purling Brook Falls lookout 100 m” sign along the gravel/dirt path. Follow the said signage gently downhill as you pass by a “National park” sign to your left. After about 60 metres, continue straight at the intersection with the red Aboriginal Names and Meanings List nearby, passing by the green directional signpost to your right(clockwise). This is the easier direction of travel.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Purling Brook Falls Circuit.
There is a BBQ (about 80 m back from the start).
There is a picnic table (about 60 m back from the start).
Find the Toilet at the start.
After another 65 m continue straight, to head along Purling Brook Falls Circuit.
After another 100 m come to the viewpoint (9 m on your right).
After another 8 m head through/around the gate.
After another 350 m continue straight, to head along Purling Brook Falls Circuit.
Optional little side trip to viewpoint to your right.
After another 20 m come to the viewpoint (15 m on your right).
After another 5 m cross the bridge (about 6 m long)
After another 120 m cross the bridge (about 6 m long)
After another 760 m cross the bridge (about 6 m long)
After another 6 m pass the waterfall (10 m on your right).
After another 470 m (at the intersection of Purling Brook Falls Circuit & Warringa Pool Track) continue straight, to head along Purling Brook Falls Circuit.
Towards the suspension bridge.
After another 40 m head through/around the gate.
After another 165 m pass the "Purlingbrook Falls" (6 m on your right).
After another 65 m head through/around the gate.
After another 1.5 km cross the bridge (about 65 m long)
After another 130 m cross the bridge (about 55 m long)
After another 60 m head through/around the gate.
After another 40 m come to a gate.
The end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Purling Brook Falls Circuit
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
4 km
Time
1 h 30 min to 3 h 15 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)