Planning your next weekend escape? From easily accessible swimming holes to remote rainforest cascades, we’ve found the 10 best Gold Coast waterfalls for you to visit.
Connecting to nature is a great way to becoming more conscious of your environmental footprint. We’ve visited beautiful waterfalls in Grenada, Jamaica and Guatemala, and seeing plastic pollution in these remote places is a strong reminder to leave no trace.
We’ve listed eco travel tips in this guide, as well as local attractions to check out around each waterfall.
Table of Contents
1. Purling Brook Falls
A must-do for anyone looking to explore the Gold Coast Waterfalls is Purling Brook Falls. Not only is it an amazing lookout over a true Australian bush landscape, but it also has a beautiful sitting area at the top of the falls with a series of small swimming holes and a big hike to the bottom for those interested in taking the plunge.
It is also the highest falls in the area at 109m (358ft). Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforests, the whole area is truly stunning.
Where is Purling Brook Falls located?
Purling Brook Falls is very easy to access. It is located right next to the small suburban area on Springbrook Mountain. You can drive into the car park area just off the main Springbrook Mountain road.
Note: There is no public transport to the national park, so you will need to arrange transport by car.
How to access Purling Brook Falls waterfall
- The top of the falls and lookout point is a 500m (1,600ft) walk from the car park along a pathway.
- The bottom of the falls is a 4km (13,000ft) round trip. And you will need to go up and down 265 steps.
- A decent level of fitness is required
- Note that it is a relatively low water volume waterfall, so not a whole lot of water comes down at the bottom (usually)
Unique Features
What makes Purling Brook a unique Gold Coast Waterfall?
- The views are amazing. Over the waterfall and surrounding bush/rainforest you can see the faint hint of the Gold Coast skyscrapers
- It’s a beautiful setting in the national park
- You can walk under the waterfall at the bottom
- There is another small waterfall at the bottom of the falls within walking distance (Warringa Pools)
- There are toilet and BBQ facilities by the top of the falls
- No Entry Fee
Other Attractions Nearby
- There is a great Fudge Shop nearby the falls that is well worth checking out for its unique flavours!
Best places to stay near Springbrook
If you’re looking for places to stay in close proximity to Purlingbrook Falls, there are some unique rentals nearby.
Luxury Rainforest Apartment
This luxurious two-bedroom apartment is located near Purling Brook Falls. On the deck, observe birds and take in the treetop views. You may also unwind with a bottle of wine beside the fire pit and outdoor lounging area. Each room has a king bed, and the apartment boasts a full kitchen and a gorgeous living room with expansive windows overlooking the forest.
2. Curtis Falls
This little gem is tucked in behind the cute town of Mt Tamborine. But once you enter the waterfall area, you wouldn’t know that you are so close to anything. It is a little rainforest oasis.
The short walk through the rainforest and the amazing thin palms (scattered through the rainforest) are almost as attraction worthy as the falls themselves. The best time to visit is after a rain or series of rainstorms (when the waterfall is really flowing!).
Where is Curtis Falls located?
Situated in the middle of Mt Tambourine. These falls are seemingly between two main roads. However, once you walk into the park area, you quickly forget that you are so close to civilization.
How to access Curtis Falls waterfall
- There is a parking area on Dapsang Drive
- From the carpark it is a relatively mild walk around 10 minutes to the falls
Unique Features
What makes Curtis Falls unique?
- There is a great little cafe by the entrance to the national park to grab some food on the way in or out
- Amazing tall, thin palm trees cover the rainforest floor and make the walk feel very tropical
- You can hear and see a lot of local birds including the Lyre Bird
- No entry fee
Other Attractions Nearby
The Fortitude Brewing Co. is a local mountain brewery with a great atmosphere for those looking to try a local beer.
Best place to stay near Curtis Falls
The Polish Place, Mount Tamborine
3. Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge (also referred to as the natural arch), is located within the Springbrook National Park. It’s one of the most unique Gold Coast Waterfalls as it has a natural archway with a waterfall flowing down through it.
In the middle of a natural rainforest setting, the walking trail takes you inside a cave. This is the base of the natural bridge waterfall. The water is flowing down through a gap in the cave top.
It is a beautiful place to relax and even see glow worms at night time!
Where is Natural Bridge located?
Situated on Nerang Murwillumbah Road and Bakers Road, the Natural Bridge is roughly an hour’s drive from Surfers Paradise.
It’s a great spot to tie into a visit to Purling Brook Falls.
How to access the Natural Bridge?
- The Natural Bridge carpark is approximately a 10-minute easy walk from the falls
- You can also access a walking track that loops around the top of the falls. Here you can look down through the hole in the ground where the water falls into a beautiful green pool
Unique Features
What makes The Natural Bridge unique?
- It is quite remote so there is a real sense of being out in the wild
- The waterfall through the cave is really an amazing sight to see
- Glowworms cover the cave walls and are visible at night time
- There are toilet facilities
- No entry fee
Other Attractions Nearby
Natural Bridge Organics is an organic farm with amazing fresh produce approx 5 minutes drive from the Natural Bridge carpark.
They’re only open on Thursdays and Saturdays for visitors.
4. Coomera Falls
Coomera Falls may be one of the lushest looking Gold Coast hinterland waterfalls. It is set in a thick, green rainforest where moss seems to grow from everywhere.
It is a great hike for those who want to get out into nature for a while. The round trip from top to bottom takes around 5 hours and is 18km (60k ft).
It is a great walk for those interested in nature photography or just observing. With lots of little flowing creek offshoots.
Where is Coomera Falls located?
The point of access or walking trail is located at Binna Burra, just beyond the lodge and campgrounds.
You don’t have to be staying at the site to do the walk as the carpark and falls are free to access as part of the Lamington National Park.
How to access Coomera Falls waterfall
- If you are staying at Binna Burra Lodge or Campsite you can walk direct from here.
- Otherwise, park in the designated public carpark
- The entrance is located at the top of the carpark
- Follow the walking trail and note that after heavy rains the track can become quite slippery
Gold Coast Waterfall Unique Feature
What makes Coomera Falls unique?
- This is a waterfall for those who like to hike. It is a decent walk to the falls so be prepared
- Being so remote brings with it the unique beauty of peace and quiet as there are relatively low levels of foot traffic visiting the site
- Completely surrounded by thick, green rainforest
Other Attractions Nearby
Rosin’s Lookout is a great place to stop nearby and get a sweeping view of the bushland and valley. You might get lucky and be able to watch hang-gliders takeoff from this spot and fly their way down to grassy paddocks.
5. Morans Falls
One of the Gold Coast waterfalls with an amazing viewing platform (not the swimming kind of waterfall).
It takes around an hour walking which is just enough to feel like you’ve accomplished something, but not enough to make it too overwhelming.
This is a great walk/lookout in the O’Reilly’s/Lamington National Park area.
Where is Morans Falls located?
In the O’Reilly’s Area in Lamington National Park. You can walk from the carpark which takes around 1-hour roundtrip.
How to access Moran Falls
- It is a well-marked track from the O’Reilly’s carpark and will take around 1 hour round trip of relatively mild walking conditions
Unique Feature
- It is a great waterfall lookout if you are visiting O’Reilly’s area as it is not too far away so that you can do a couple of the natural attractions there in the one day
Other Attractions Nearby
The Treetop Walkway is a must-do for those visiting O’Reilly’s. You can walk and in some areas climb up a ladder to get the most amazing views from actual treetops!
6. Lip Falls (Denham Falls Beechmont)
One of our personal favourite Gold Coast Waterfalls.
It’s not necessarily the biggest waterfall. But it has a great feeling about it. There are also three waterfalls within walking (hiking over the rocks) distance of each other.
At this fall you can laze on a sunny rock and swim under (behind) the waterfall or explore up and down the creek to the other two spots. There are rarely people here throughout the week so you can have it to yourself.
Please note this waterfall is currently closed until further notice.
Where are Lip Falls Located?
Located in Lower Beechmont, these falls are seemingly in the middle of a small suburban area.
How to access Lip Falls
- There is a small grassy area by the google map pin. This is the entrance to the falls.
- Once you start walking into the grassy area you will see a sign to the falls and there is a little trail that follows behind the back of some other homes
- This trail goes right to the main swimming area
Unique Features
- It is a great spot to relax in the sun as it is quite exposed from above (not much tree overhang) with great flat rocks
- You can swim behind the waterfall
- It’s a great place to explore (relatively easy to follow the creek up to another larger waterfall)
Other Attractions Nearby
The Headmasters Kitchen is a nice, restored building that serves great coffee and has views out into the surrounding valleys.
7. Cedar Creek Falls
This Gold Coast waterfall is not so much a “waterfall” as it is a series of small rocky pools. It is fairly exposed (not much tree cover) though has plenty of nice flat rocks to sit on in between taking a dip.
It is a good spot for small kids to swim and is much more Australian bush that some of the other rainforest waterfall areas.
Where is Cedar Creek Falls?
Cedar Creek Falls is on Mount Tambourine is close to the Tambourine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk.
How to access Cedar Creek Falls
- There is a short pathway from the carpark to the first set of rock pools (around 5-minute walk)
Unique Features
- It is a popular weekend spot for young families as the series of shallow rock pools are great for splashing around in
- It is also a great picnic areas as there are tables and public toilets for use
Other Attractions Nearby
Witches Falls Winery is a great local favourite on Mt Tambourine. They have an amazing array of locally produced wine, a small vineyard area which you can wander through and some really knowledgeable staff.
8. Elabana Falls
Elabana Falls is a beautiful and lush cascading waterfall in the middle of the rainforest.
It’s a 1.7km (1 mile) track (one way) that takes you through some of South East Queensland’s most untouched forest. This is a great place to spend some time in nature and get a long exposure shot of one of the most beautiful Gold Coast waterfalls!
Where are Elabana Falls?
Deep in the Lamington National Park by the border of QLD and NSW.
How to access Elabana Falls
- Located on The Box Forest Track in Lamington National Park it is approx 1.7km walk to get to the falls. The Walking trails from the park entrance are well signed, however, you can pick up a free park trail map from the park office by the carpark.
Unique Features
- It is a cascading fall which not only looks great in person but makes amazing photo opportunities for those with a long exposure setting on your camera
Other Attractions Nearby
Stop in Canungra. It’s a little, sleepy town on the way to the national park but there are some great little shops and an organic Bulk Food store called In the Raw.
9. Cougal Cascades
This local favourite is tucked up the back of the Currumbin Valley. Who doesn’t love a cascading waterfall that you can swim in?
It is easy to access via a pathway and has a couple of spots that you can jump into the water. Be careful, as people have seriously injured themselves jumping here. Be sure to do so only if you know where to go (see another person do it) and the conditions are right.
Where are the Cougal Cascades?
Right up the end of the Currumbin Creek road.
How to access Cougal Cascades
- A short walk from the carpark there is a very nice and easy to walk on the pathway
- You will walk past a lookout spot where you can see the falls and surrounding swimming pools
- The walk to the falls takes around 10 minutes each way
Gold Coast Waterfall Unique Feature
- These cascading falls are a great place to swim and jump (just be careful as there are shallow rocks under the water in some areas!)
Other Attractions Nearby
Freemans Organic Farm is a great place to see how real food is grown. They do farm tours and have a great little cafe that serves amazing food and coffee.
10. Twin Falls
This iconic “twin” fall is two waterfalls dropping from a great height right next to each other.
It is best after some rain as it can get a little dried up during the dry season. There is a nice sized swimming hole and it a great place to hangout (which many people do on the weekends!).
Where is Twin Falls?
Situated towards the end of Springbrook Road.
How to access Twin Falls
- From the carpark, it is an approx 2.5km (1.5mile) one way fairly easy walk (5km round trip)
Unique Features
- The double waterfalls are beautiful to see after a decent rain or during the wet season
- A great place to swim and take a picnic
Other Attractions Nearby
The Canyon Lookout close to the falls is a great place to take in the serenity on a clear day (some days the low lying fog can cover the view).
Gold Coast Waterfalls You Can Swim In
There are so many amazing Gold Coast Waterfalls. But not all of them you can swim in. We’ve counted swimming as the ability to get fully emerged and not be worried about hitting rocks underwater (ie. not a little Rockpool to splash in)
Here are the ones on our list (plus a couple of bonus ones that you can actually swim in).
- Purling Brook Falls – you can swim at the bottom of the falls themselves. It is cold water and, though is a fairly deep pool to get inside of
- Lip Falls/Denham Falls Beechmont – these are our favourite natural for swimming as it deep and big enough to spread out in (often by yourself if you go through the week). Please note these are currently closed to the public.
- Cougal Cascades – one of the main attracting points of these Gold Coast Falls are their swimming pools. It is a local getaway when the beaches are busy or closed!
- Twin Falls – this is a great spot to swim, especially during the wet season when the water level is high and the falls are in full force.
Killarney glen waterfalls, the iconic “heart shaped waterhole” is permanently closed after a drowning in 2016.
Bonus Fall – Joalah Lower Creek Circuit
At the bottom of the Curtis Falls trail. This is 2.4km return loop that is fairly easy to walk. There are some small rock pools surrounded by forest that are often very quiet.
How To Be Prepared for your Gold Coast Waterfall Adventure
Most of the waterfalls mentioned in this post are within national parks. These are often remote areas and subject to wet weather influence. Heavy rains can cause flooding and damage to walking trails.
A good idea before you set out to any of the national parks in the destination Gold Coast area, is to check the Park Alerts on the government website. They have up to date information on any trails that are closed or waterfalls that are in a dangerous state.
Be an eco traveller
Eco travel is a popular term that is becoming more and more mainstream. While it often refers to vacationing (maybe the Gold Coast Waterfalls are something you’re visiting while on vacation), but it also relevant to any kind of exploration.
This Ultimate Guide To Eco Travel covers everything you’ll need to know about exploring the Gold Coast’s beautiful national parks in the most sustainable way possible.
It covers things like:
- Having the right kind of reusable gear (eco travel products) to reduce single use plastic waste and pollution
- Using natural insect repellant to reduce your chemical influence on the natural surroundings
- Ways to avoid negative interactions with wildlife
>> Click here to check out our Online Eco Store for more eco friendly ideas and Australian Zero Waste Products.
Gold Coast Places to Eat Green
Trying the amazing plant-based restaurants is one of the ‘green’ things to do on the Gold Coast. There are vegan Californian style restaurants, plant based Japanese, and instagrammable clean smoothie bowls. Here are the 10 best Gold Coast Vegan Restaurants!
Gold Coast Eco Accommodation
Nightfall is a unique glamping experience. With a carbon footprint that is close to zero, the founders are committed to minimizing their impact on the surrounding environment. They have on-site waste-water treatment, solar power, as well as waste minimisation through reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery with composting.
Alternatively staying in an Airbnb can be a more sustainable option than standard hotels, as they generally use less energy, water and produce less waste. Here are some great Coolangatta, Airbnb Gold Coast and Brisbane Airbnb stays for you to choose from. Alternatively, you could stay in one of these beautiful Byron Bay Airbnbs.
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Aaron is one of the co-founders of The Dharma Trails. His background in marine eco tourism and writing have blended together to create the eco travel platform read by users around the world.
