Complete Sightseeing Guide to Springbrook National Park: How to Enjoy Scenic Views and Nature on Foot

Springbrook National Park is a nature-rich tourist destination gaining attention for its enchanting Natural Bridge and the rare opportunity to observe glowworms. It features the world’s largest caldera landscape covered in forest, and beyond that, you can see the skyline of Gold Coast’s buildings in the distance. The park also has well-maintained trails that take you through scenic lookouts and waterfalls. In this guide, we’ll thoroughly explain the highlights of Springbrook National Park, how to explore it, how to access it, and tour information.

1. What is the World Natural Heritage Site "Springbrook National Park"?

Springbrook National Park is a vast natural park located inland from the Gold Coast. In 1994, it was inscribed as part of the World Natural Heritage site under the name "Gondwana Rainforests of Australia."

What is “Gondwana”? It refers to a supercontinent believed to have existed about 200 million years ago, comprising what are now Africa, the Indian subcontinent, South America, Australia, and Antarctica. The park was given this designation because it preserves environments from that era, making it a valuable natural heritage site.

Springbrook National Park is one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations, where visitors can spot colorful birds and feel the presence of ancient Earth. Its lush forest landscapes contrast vividly with the coastal scenery of the Gold Coast.

2. Attractions and Features of Springbrook National Park

Located about an hour’s drive from central Gold Coast, Springbrook National Park is a World Heritage-listed site where visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery including the mystical Natural Bridge, glowworms, and dynamic waterfalls. From scattered lookouts, you can admire the world's largest caldera formation, ancient Antarctic beech forests believed to be over 2,000 years old, and even the skyline and ocean of the Gold Coast, making it a popular destination.

The park is also known for its well-marked trails and accessible viewpoints. There are lookouts where you can enjoy the scenery with minimal walking, light walks and hikes to nearby spots, walking tracks for nature trails, and rugged mountain paths – all clearly labeled to help visitors choose the right course. Tourists appreciate how easy it is to navigate.

3. How to Explore Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park offers a wide variety of walking trails, ranging from flat, easy courses to advanced-level routes stretching up to 54 km.

On the official Springbrook National Park Walking Tracks website, each trail is graded from Level 1 to 4 according to difficulty, with distances listed.

[Grade 1] Flat and short. Wheelchair accessible!
[Grade 2] Suitable for light walks or mild hiking.
[Grade 3] Standard trekking course.
[Grade 4] Long distance, with steep slopes and rough terrain.

Among the popular tourist spots, the Canyon Lookout, which is Grade 1, offers everyone the chance to view the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. The Natural Bridge and Best of All Lookout are Grade 2, which are gentle walking courses even suitable for children. If you’d like a bit of a trek and want to enjoy forest bathing and waterfalls, the Grade 3 courses are highly recommended.

Why not explore the vast natural wonders of the Gondwana Rainforests at Springbrook National Park in your own preferred way — whether leisurely or actively?

4. Spectacular View ①: Natural Bridge [Grade 2]

When you think of Springbrook, this place always comes to mind! The Natural Bridge, formed by water erosion and weathering, draws attention with its waterfall that flows through a natural hole and the sunlight that beautifully shines through. It is the most popular tourist spot in Springbrook National Park.

Additionally, it's rumored to be the inspiration for the "flying stone" in the movie Castle in the Sky (Laputa). The fact that you can observe glowworms here adds even more to its appeal.

Access to Natural Bridge is about a 15-minute walk from the free parking lot. If you're visiting the Gold Coast, don’t miss this mystical experience—be sure to visit Natural Bridge!

◆ Glow Worm Viewing & Star Watching

Glow worms are rare insects that can only be found in certain parts of Australia and New Zealand. Although they are not classified as actual fireflies, they are called "glow worms" because they emit a bluish-white glow from the walls of caves.

The Natural Bridge is known as a treasure trove of glow worms, and the inside of the cave, illuminated by countless glowing insects, looks just like a starry sky! It feels like entering a mystical microcosm.

Step outside, and you’ll be treated to a view of the real, breathtaking night sky too!

You can join glow worm viewing tours offered by various companies from the Gold Coast, or drive there with a rental car. Why not visit the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park to see this spectacular fusion of caves, waterfalls, glow worms, and a sky full of stars you can't see in the city?

5. Scenic Spot ②: Canyon Lookout [Grade 1]

Canyon Lookout is a viewing spot where you can truly feel the grandeur of nature. It’s conveniently located along the road, making it easily accessible — another reason for its popularity. From Canyon Lookout, you can enjoy breathtaking views of attractions like Twin Falls, Rainbow Falls, and steep cliffs.

This is a top scenic spot in Springbrook where you can overlook the distant high-rise buildings of the Gold Coast, the ocean, and the densely packed subtropical rainforest all in one sweeping view!

6. Spectacular View ③: Best of All Lookout [Grade 2]

As the name suggests, the Best of All Lookout is the most scenic viewpoint in Springbrook. Located in the southernmost part of Springbrook National Park, this lookout offers sweeping views of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest caldera formation and Mount Warning.

A caldera is a large, round depression formed by volcanic activity, and from this lookout, you can witness the magnificent scenery shaped by these geological features. This spot also offers an exceptional view of both the caldera and Mount Warning—the first place in Australia to catch the morning sun—making it a truly breathtaking destination.

7. Scenic Spot ④: Purling Brook Falls [Grade 3]

Purling Brook Falls is an impressive waterfall with a drop of over 100 meters. It’s a popular spot often included in tours and is one of the must-visit attractions when going to Springbrook.

If you’re trekking, a clockwise route is recommended for an easier walk. Note that access is restricted at the top and bottom of the falls, so be sure to follow the signs and enjoy safely.

8. Spectacular View ⑤: Twin Falls [Grade 3]

The Twin Falls Circuit is a walking trail that can be completed in about two hours. Starting from the Canyon Lookout, the trail descends from the top of a sheer waterfall. It’s easier to walk the course in a counterclockwise direction.

What makes the Twin Falls Circuit special is the chance to walk between rock walls and enjoy unique scenery. As you descend along the varied course, you’ll pass under two waterfalls — the “Twin Falls”! You’ll enjoy an invigorating hike that stirs your sense of adventure and a forest bath full of negative ions.

◎ Access and Tour Information

Springbrook National Park is accessible by rental car or tour bus. It's a destination full of charm, distinct from the beautiful long beaches of the Gold Coast. Be sure to explore what Springbrook has to offer!

It’s conveniently located about one hour by car from the center of the Gold Coast. The parking area at Natural Bridge is equipped with restrooms and information signs, so you can visit with peace of mind even when driving a rental car.

Additionally, there are many available tours to Springbrook. Various companies offer night tours to see the glow worms, as well as trekking tours. Tours are especially recommended for those who prefer a hassle-free trip, as guides provide explanations and handle scheduling and transportation. Most tours also provide flashlights.

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Complete Sightseeing Guide to Springbrook National Park: How to Enjoy Scenic Views and Nature on Foot