The Gold Coast is blessed with nature escapes and here are ten stunning scenic trails in Springbrook, Lamington, Tamborine, and Burleigh Heads National Parks, plus the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area.
Links to maps and official sites are provided, please check on current conditions at the destination before travel.
Springbrook National Park
Warrie Circuit
One of the areas most scenic trails featuring multiple waterfalls including Blackfellow falls, Poondahara Falls, Poonyahra Falls, Gooroolba falls, Ngarri-dhum falls, Kadjagooma Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Goomoolahra Falls which are active after rainfall. The route includes lookouts and the chance to spot local wildlife.
Purling Brook Falls circuit
One of the busier tracks in the area includes eucalypt forest, suspension bridge, stunning lookouts, and the superb Purligbrook Falls. The starting point is at Gwongorella picnic area which features electric BBQ’s, picnic tables, and toilets.
Twin Falls Circuit
Featuring waterfalls and views to Surfers Paradise from the spectacular Canyon Lookout. The walk includes Twin Falls which offers a swimmable natural pool and at the other end of the trail, Blackfellow Falls which you can walk behind the waterfall.
Natural Bridge Circuit
One of the shorter trails on this list yet offering one of the areas star attractions, the Natural Bridge. Wander through lush tropical rainforest to the scenic bridge/waterfall/cave and also admire the glowworms which inhabit the cave.
Lamington National Park
Ships Stern circuit
The longest trail on this list takes you to Lower Ballunjui Falls, Nixon Creek, Ships Stern Range for a series of impressive lookouts, and Nagarigoon Falls.
Morans Falls track
Head through subtropical rainforest to the Morans Falls lookout for a spectacular view of the falls and Morans Clearing lookout for views over the Albert River.
Toolona Creek circuit
This long circuit includes a lot of waterfalls including Chalahn and Toolona falls, heads through the moist rainforest area of Taloona Gorge, and takes in the amazing views from Wanungara lookout.
Tamborine National Park
Witches Falls circuit
There are numerous short walking trails on the Tamborine Mountain (see the PDF map linked below for more) and Witches Falls circuit is one of the more popular ones offering a forest of banksia trees through to rainforest, seasonal lagoons, and the waterfall lookout (best after rain).
Burleigh Heads National Park
Burleigh Headland and Beach Trail Loop
This short and usually busy trail follows the coast for amazing ocean and beach views then heads through rainforest area of the headland which is loaded with wildlife.
Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area
Koala Track and Melaleuca Track
This flat track walk takes in the main tracks of the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area offering lots of lots of wildlife including birdlife, kangaroos and koalas.
