10 Amazingly Scenic Trails in the Gold Coast’s National Parks and Reserves

by  in Top Ten

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.
 

Coombabah QLD 4216, Australia

Cedar Creek QLD 4207, Australia

Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia

Queensland, Australia

Old School Rd, Springbrook QLD 4213, Australia

 

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.
Info: Trail Info – Maps [PDF] – Alltrails Guide – Distance: 17 km return – Grade 4

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.
Info: Trail Info – Maps [PDF] – Alltrails Guide – Distance: 4 km return – Grade 3

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.
Info: Trail Info – Maps [PDF] – Alltrails Guide – Distance: 4 km return – Grade 3

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.
Info: Trail Info – Maps [PDF] – Alltrails Guide – Distance: 1 km return – Grade 2

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.
Info: Trail Info – Maps [PDF] – Alltrails Guide – Distance: 21 km return – Grade 4

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.
Info: Trail Info – Maps [PDF] – Alltrails Guide – Distance: 4.4km return – Grade 4

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.
Info: Trail Info – Maps [PDF] – Alltrails Guide – Distance: 17.4km return – Grade 4

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).
Info: Trail Info – Maps [PDF] – Alltrails Guide – Distance: 3.6 km return – Grade 3

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.
Info: Trail Info – Maps [PDF] – Alltrails Guide – Distance: 2.3 km return – Rated Moderate

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.
Info: Trail Info – Maps [PDF] – Alltrails Guide – Distance: 9.5 km return – Rated Moderate