Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook
A 4 km Grade 3 circuit into the gorge below Purling Brook Falls. Partly closed until 2028, but the western lookout and base of the falls are open.
Researched from official sources, not yet walked by us Last checked 12 November 2026
Partly closed from 2 November 2026 for an upgrade program (planned to finish February 2028). The causeway above the falls and the eastern lookout are closed, so walk out and back from Gwongorella. Official alert
At a glance
- Distance
- 4 km circuit
- Time
- About 2 hours (full circuit, when reopened)
- Grade
- 3 of 5
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Fees
- No entry fee
- Start
- Gwongorella picnic area and car park, Springbrook plateau
- Best time
- Year-round. Best flow a few days after rain. Remote walks nearby are best April to September.
- Facilities
- Gwongorella picnic area and car park are open. Settlement day-use area (including its toilets) is closed during the upgrade.
- Track grade
- Grade 3 (some experience, short steep hills)
Purling Brook Falls drops off the Springbrook plateau into a rainforest gorge. The usual circuit crosses above the falls, descends to a suspension bridge at the base and climbs back out.
What’s open right now
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service started an upgrade program on 2 November 2026. It’s planned to run until 15 February 2028, weather permitting. Until then:
- Closed: the pedestrian causeway above the waterfall, the eastern lookout, and the Settlement day-use area (including its toilets).
- Open: Gwongorella picnic area and car park, the main western lookout, the suspension bridge at the base of the falls, and the Warringa Pool track.
- How to walk it for now: go down from Gwongorella to the base and bridge, then return the same way. It’s no longer a loop.
Read the full park alert before you go. Closures can change.
The walk (when the full circuit reopens)
The track starts in open eucalypt forest of New England ash, with lepidozamia cycads, hakeas and wildflowers. It then drops into the gorge to view the falls from below. After the suspension bridge, it’s a steady climb back to the picnic area. QPWS says the circuit is easier clockwise.
Add Warringa Pool: from near the base of the falls, the Warringa Pool track follows Little Nerang Creek downstream for 1 km. It adds about 2 km and 40 minutes return. The boulders are slippery even when dry.
Safety
- Sheer cliffs and waterfalls. Keep to the track and supervise children.
- Restricted access areas at the top and base of the falls are off-limits at all times. Penalties apply.
- After heavy rain, parts of the track and Warringa Pool can close, and creeks rise fast.
- Sections overlap the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk (arrow markers). Don’t follow the Great Walk arrows unless you’re equipped for it. The Springbrook section between Gwongorella and Settlement is closed anyway.
Leave No Trace here
- This creek feeds the Hinze Dam catchment. No soap, sunscreen or repellent in the water.
- Clean your boots at the pathogen station before and after.
- Stay off the closed causeway. Barriers are there for your safety and for the construction crews.
We're planning small-group guided walks in the Gold Coast hinterland. Register your interest.
Sources
- QPWS Springbrook National Park walking tracks
- QPWS park alert 27185: Purling Brook Falls circuit works
Conditions change. Always check official park alerts on the day you walk.