Purling Brook Falls Waterfall
Tall rainforest waterfall in Springbrook National Park
Purling Brook Falls in Queensland's Springbrook National Park draws walkers to its lookout platforms and rainforest tracks; the cascade drops into a fern‑filled gorge and anchors day hikes and picnic stops in the hinterland.
Purling Brook Falls at a Glance#
Address: Springbrook National Park, Springbrook QLD 4213, Australia
Website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook
Hours: Daily sunrise-sunset
Admission: Free
About Purling Brook Falls#
Purling Brook Falls is a prominent waterfall in Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland of southeast Queensland. The falls and surrounding rainforest are part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage area.
There is a clearly formed lookout on the escarpment that gives a wide view over the waterfall and the valley below. Walking tracks lead from the car park and lookout into the rainforest and along the rim, with steep sections that descend toward the base of the falls. The site is valued for its rainforest vegetation, canyon scenery and birdlife rather than large visitor facilities.
The falls are a natural feature of the Springbrook plateau and have long been part of the area’s Aboriginal landscape and, more recently, protected as part of Springbrook National Park. Infrastructure for visitors - tracks, lookouts and signage - has been developed to give access while protecting the surrounding rainforest.
The falls sit within Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland of southeast Queensland, inland from the Gold Coast township and within driving distance of other Scenic Rim attractions.
- Viewing tip: Best views are from the main Purling Brook Falls lookout on the rim of the gorge; flows are strongest after heavy rain and in cooler months.
- Trail safety: Tracks descend into the rainforest and can be steep and slippery - wear good footwear and allow time for the return climb.
How to Get to Purling Brook Falls#
From Brisbane, drive south on the M1 toward the Gold Coast, then follow signs to Nerang and Springbrook (approx. 1.5-2 hours drive). The falls are a short walk from the main Springbrook carpark on Purling Brook Road.
Tips for Visiting Purling Brook Falls#
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the best light on the falls' horseshoe lip.
- Take the walking track to the bottom lookout (about 20-30 minutes each way) for the full vertical perspective - the upper platform only gives a partial view.
- Bring insect repellent and a waterproof layer: spray from the falls can be heavy and trails are often damp.
Best Time to Visit Purling Brook Falls#
Late autumn through spring provides comfortable walking temperatures and clearer skies; avoid heavy-rain days for safety.
Weather & Climate near Purling Brook Falls#
Purling Brook Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 7°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1852 mm/year), wettest in February.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 17° - 25° | 21° | 240 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 17° - 25° | 21° | 262 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 16° - 24° | 20° | 201 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 14° - 22° | 18° | 197 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 11° - 19° | 15° | 200 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 17° | 13° | 89 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 7° - 16° | 12° | 89 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 7° - 17° | 12° | 57 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 19° | 14° | 56 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 12° - 21° | 17° | 116 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 14° - 23° | 19° | 148 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 16° - 25° | 20° | 197 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
