Over
thousands of years, water and volcanic activity have carved a spectacular
landscape of cliffs, gorges and waterfalls around the Springbrook Plateau
just behind the Gold Coast. Almost 3000ha of rainforest, open forest and montane
heath are protected in Springbrook National Park. Picturesque creeks, tumbling
waterfalls and panoramic views make Springbrook one of the state’s most
popular parks.
More
than 100 bird species live in the park and rare and threatened animals like
the Richmond birdwing rely on Springbrook’s forests for their survival.
Ten percent of the plants are only found locally.
Springbrook
is part of a chain of mountains and forest remnants on both sides of the Queensland/New
South Wales border known as the “Scenic Rim”. These forests are
protected in the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves World Heritage Area.
Springbrook is a refreshingly cool retreat from the summer heat. The park’s
picnic areas and walking tracks are very popular.
Take
a scenic drive to Springbrook and enjoy spectacular views over the Gold Coast
and hinterland. Go for a short walk or simply relax in the bush.
Find
a perfect picnic spot at Goomoolahra, Tallanbana or Gwongorella. You might
see brush-turkeys, satin bowerbirds, noisy miners and crimson rosellas. Toilets,
a shelter shed, picnic tables and barbecues are provided. Gwongorella has
electric barbecues. Boil the water for five minutes before drinking or take
your own water supply.
Enjoy
a bushwalk in the fresh mountain air. Look for logrunners in the rainforest
leaf litter or listen for the call of the Albert’s lyrebird. The Twin
Falls circuit is a great introduction to the park. See rainforest, open forest
and montane heath, waterfalls and scenic views on this short walk.
You
can bush camp at Purling Brook Falls. Campsites are limited and bookings are
essential. The campground has very basic facilities (no showers or bins) and
is unsuitable for caravans. Bush camping is not allowed in the park.
Discover
the plateau’s fascinating past and the present-day forests at the Springbrook
Information Centre. The centre is housed in a 1911 schoolhouse.
Choose from graded tracks between 700m and 17km. The Purling Brook Falls circuit
is the most popular walk.
Location
Springbrook
is 30km from Nerang or 42km from Mudgeeraba via the Springbrook plateau.
Further
Information
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service PO Box 15187 City East Q 4002