Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park is a protected area on the Springbrook Plateau in southeast Queensland, Australia, recognised for its subtropical rainforest and distinctive rock and waterfall features. It forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage property.

The area was set aside for conservation in the 20th century as the ecological value of the plateau’s remnant Gondwanan rainforest became recognised; it was later incorporated into the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage listing. Management since then has focused on protecting native vegetation and visitor access to fragile sites.

Springbrook National Park lies inland from the Gold Coast in southeastern Queensland, on the Springbrook Plateau roughly within 1.5 to 2 hours driving distance south of Brisbane and a short drive from Gold Coast towns. The park sits on elevated terrain overlooking the coastal plain.

• World Heritage status: Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, protected for its remnant ancient subtropical rainforest and rare plant species.
• Best times to visit: Visit timings vary by feature - the Natural Bridge is most atmospheric at dusk when glow-worms are visible, while waterfalls are best after rain.

What to See #

• Natural Bridge: A natural basalt amphitheatre surrounding a cave where a waterfall forms a roofed bridge; the site is known for its glow-worm colony and short rainforest walk to the viewing area.
• Purling Brook Falls: A multi-tiered waterfall that drops over rainforest cliffs with a walking track that passes lookout platforms and a circuit through wet sclerophyll and subtropical rainforest.
• Lookouts and walking tracks: High cliff-top viewpoints and walking tracks across the Springbrook Plateau that look out over rainforest-clad valleys and the coastal plain toward the Gold Coast.