Roam Free with M&G

Escape to the hidden gem of Springbrook National Park for a long weekend adventure! Nestled in the Gold Coast hinterland, this paradise offers lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and amazing wildlife. Whether you love hiking, bird-watching, or just need some peace, Springbrook has it all. So, grab your gear, and let’s discover the beauty of this Queensland treasure together!

We kickstarted out break with a 2hr scenic drive down from Brisbane to our cute rainforest cabin. We stayed for 3 nights at the cozy Springbrook Mountain Chalets. When we arrived and checked in, the owner gave us a jar full of bird seed and told us to keep an eye out for feathery neighbours. Since we had plenty of time in the afternoon, we set off on the Natural Bridge Walk, which is a short and easy 1km circuit. The trail winds through lush rainforest to a natural stone arch known as the Natural Bridge, featuring a waterfall plunging from above. The cave is home to glow-worms, and the best time to see them is from December to March during the evening. If you’re patient, you’ll also view microbats flying around the roof of the cave – make sure not to use a flash or torch here, as you will disturb both the glow worms and the bats.

Our first night was very relaxing, it had rained a bit during the night which made the cabin quite cool, the blankets that are provided in the room really helped make the evening nice and extra cozy. Our first morning we woke up to find King parrots, Crimson rosellas, and cockatoos on our front porch. We grabbed our bird seed that we were given and spent some of the morning hand feeding the birds, it was such a treat to have these incredibly beautiful birds eat directly from our hands, watching them as they ate was such a fun experience.

Later that morning we made our way to Purling Brook Falls Walk which took us about 1hr 45min. The walk is a moderate (Grade 3) 4km circuit trail. The walk starts at Gwongorella Picnic Area, where you’ll find plenty of parking, picnic spots, and restrooms. It’s a good idea to set off early to avoid the crowds, and by taking the trail clockwise, you’ll get the fun part of descending the 450 steps rather than huffing and puffing your way up on the return. You’ll wander down into the gorge for an amazing view of the falls from below, cross a suspension bridge, and then enjoy a pleasant climb back up through the forest.

After we finished this walk we went on a little drive around the area and visited some of the popular lookouts: Best Of All Lookout, Gold Coast Lookout and Canyon Lookout. Of the three, I’d say the top choice is Best Of All Lookout (the name says it all). On your way to the viewing platform, you’ll pass by three ancient Antarctic beech trees. These trees have been recognized by the National Trusts of Australia and are listed on the Register of Significant Trees. They’re estimated to be over 2,000 years old.

After a delightful walk and exploring the lookouts, we headed back to our cabin just in time. As soon as we unpacked, the clouds rolled in, and it started to rain, making our cabin feel extra cozy with the cool temperatures. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

The next morning, we enjoyed a leisurely start, greeting the beautiful parrots again. Later that afternoon, we set off on a walk along the Twin Falls Trail. This walk quickly became my favourite. Despite the waterfall being rather small during our visit, I thoroughly enjoyed navigating through the rock clefts and admiring the large rock formations, while being sheltered by the lush green canopy of palm trees and ferns. I can only imagine how breathtaking the falls would be after a heavy rainfall. After finishing our walk, we stopped at Gauriemabah, a significant cultural site located near the old schoolhouse. You can also take a short walk along the Buliya-Buliya Jagun Boardwalk to reach the lookout and enjoy the surrounding rainforest.

After a full day exploring this beautiful part of Queensland, we made our way back to our cabin and enjoyed our last evening with a cooked meal and relaxing in the spa bath inside our cabin. Before heading to bed we had heard noises outside our balcony, went out to find mother possum and her joey eating the leftover bird seed.

Overall, our experience in Springbrook National Park was truly enchanting. The serene waterfalls, lush rainforests, and rich cultural heritage all contributed to the natural beauty and unique charm of this incredible destination.

If you’re seeking a place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create unforgettable memories, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Springbrook National Park. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a nature lover, this gem on the Gold Coast is sure to captivate your heart.

Until next time, continue to roam free and explore the wonders of our beautiful world.