The Gold Coast coastline is much adored. The city’s popular spots are by the beach: after all, surfing, sunbathing, events and parties, restaurants and cafes with ocean views are among favorite pastimes.
The Gold Coast coastline is not just synonymous with beaches. Its hinterlands are as enticing as the glistening surf. Less than an hour’s drive from the glitter and glamor of the beachside is a huge National Park that has ancients in its midst.
Springbrook National Park is one of Earth’s great gifts. With rich biodiversity and a unique collection of flora and fauna in Australia, the park boasts pristine forests that refresh and invigorate visitors.
Source: By Kgbo (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Waterfall
As part of the World Heritage listed Godwana Rainforests of Australia, it's only natural you'd expect to see some waterfalls. The most popular is Purling Brook Falls, a 106m Horsetail waterfall that provides some spectacular views after heavy rain. Other waterfalls include Twin Falls, Morans Falls and Goomoolahra Falls.
Source: By Rod LH (http://www.goldcoastinfo.net/photos/v/hinterland/) [CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
Natural Bridge
A sealed circuit track takes you through the forest, across Cave Creek and into the arched cave to witness the waterfall plunging from above. At night the cave is illuminated by thousands of glow-worms' tiny green lights. While glow-worms are visible year-round, their display is significantly reduced during the winter months. Interpretive signs along the circuit highlight the park's special features. The hoop pines Araucaria cunninghamii that emerge through the thick greenery of the surrounding rainforest are living relics of the Jurassic Age—the age of the conifers—about 180 million years ago. These pines are 'living dinosaurs'—they are among the most primitive of conifers.
Source: By Brizpom (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Lamington Spiny Crayfish
If you're lucky, you might spot one of these bad boys while you're walking. The Lamington Spiny Crayfish is unique to this part of the world and can vary in colour. The Spiny Crayfishes found in Springbrook are a vibrant blue colour.
Source: By Tatters ❀ from Brisbane, Australia (Lamington Blue Crayfish) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0) or CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Things to do
- Walking tracks
- Guided tours and walks
- Picnic and day-use areas
- Viewing wildlife
- Horseriding
How to get there?
By Road
The mountain is accessible via two sealed roads – one via Nerang and one via Mudgeeraba.
By Public Transport
There is no public transport to Springbrook Mountain.The nearest train station is at Robina. It connects to both the Brisbane domestic and international airports.
