Lamington and Springbrook National Park - rainforest idyll in the Gold Coast hinterland
Table of Contents
To help you plan, I have compiled the highlights and information about the idyllic Lamington National Park and Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland of Australia in this article.
Not far from the lively beach paradise of the Gold Coast, picturesque waterfalls and a heavenly rainforest idyll await you among the hills of the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park are tranquil counterparts to the energetic atmosphere in this popular city on Australia’s east coast. They are two of the top sights in the Gold Coast area!
In about an hour’s drive, you can reach the Springbrook Plateau – at a considerable altitude of 1000 metres – with the Best of All Lookout, which is well worth seeing. You have a fantastic view of the green, mottled, hilly landscape from there. In good weather, you can even see as far as the coast on the horizon. Picturesque waterfalls await you, as does the famous Natural Bridge! It is the top highlight in Springbrook National Park.
The sights of both national parks are spread over several locations, so you can also explore the Gold Coast hinterland extensively by car when visiting both parks, including exciting winding roads!
The Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park, home to Australia’s largest subtropical primeval forest, lies at 935 metres and can be reached via tight hairpin bends. The drive is worth it! Ancient trees of the UNESCO World Heritage Site’ Australia’s Gondwana Rainforests’ await you: spectacular views and fairytale waterfalls included!
Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park: Information on locations
The sights in Springbrook National Park are divided into 4 locations, which can be reached separately by vehicle.
In this article, I would like to focus on two of these sites, as they preserve beautiful sights and can be visited relatively quickly. These sites are the Springbrook Section (also called ‘Purling Brook – Springbrook’ on the National Park map) and the Natural Bridge Section. They are about 30 kilometres (driving distance) apart. Both sites are well worth a visit.
Entrance fee
free of charge
Opening hours
all year round
Special feature: The park may be closed after extreme weather, e.g., due to road flooding. Most of the rain falls between December & March.
Find out here under ‘Park Alerts’ whether the national park is open or closed.
You can also find out which roads are closed or open in Queensland online here or call the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads information hotline: 131940 (from Australia).
Time planning
For the highlights only: ½ day
with more time: at least 1 day
Highlights at the Springbrook and Natural Bridge Section in Springbrook National Park
Purling Brook Falls Lookout (Springbrook Section)
On the way towards the Best of All Lookout at Springbrook Plateau, you first reach the picturesque Purling Brook Falls. Depending on the weather, the falls plunge into the gorge with greater or lesser force. You can reach the viewing platform from the car park. It gives you a perfect view of the waterfalls. Enjoy and marvel at this must-see!
Best of All Lookout (Springbrook Section)
At an altitude of 1000 metres, a spectacular view of the Gold Coast Hinterland – mottled in various shades of green – and its historic rainforest awaits you in good weather. It’s the Best of All Lookout – a fantastic must-do. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for cloudless, sunny skies. Then you’ll most likely be able to see the coast.
Natural Bridge (Natural Bridge Section)
The absolute top attraction in Springbrook National Park is the Natural Bridge. You may have already seen a photo or two of it. Apart from the Natural Bridge being a truly fantastic photo motif, this beautiful place—especially live and in colour—is simply magical!
A short circular walk takes you to this natural wonder, where you can spot some glowworms in the cave. The extra journey to this highlight in Springbrook National Park is well worth it and should be included in your plans when visiting the area!
- Bakers Rd, Natural Bridge QLD 4211
Lamington National Park (Green Mountains Section)
Lamington National Park: Information on locations
Lamington National Park is divided into two locations. I will only discuss the Green Mountains Section below, as I recommend it for an excursion and consider it more worth seeing.
The Green Mountains Section can be reached via a narrow, scenic winding road. You should, therefore, allow some time for the journey. From the Gold Coast directly, as well as from the Natural Bridge or the Best of All Lookout in Springbrook National Park, it will take you around 1 ½ – 2 hours to drive to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, where all the hikes at this location start.
Entrance fee
free of charge
Opening hours
all year round
Timetable
only for the highlights: ½ day (if you choose one track: either Python Rock or Morans Falls)
with more time: at least 1 day
- Bakers Rd, Natural Bridge QLD 4211
Booyong Walk with Tree Top Walk
The Booyong Walk has an exciting surprise in store for you. This short, fascinating trail leads right into the heart of the dense rainforest. For all visitors to the Green Mountains Section with the O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat, it is a great way – short and varied – to explore the rainforest and its metre-high fig trees. A special climbing experience is included.
Be curious to see what awaits you! I’m curious to see if you’ll take on the challenge, and, as always, I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments.
- 3582 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra QLD 4275
Python Rock Track to Python Rock Lookout
The relatively easy hike to Python Rock rewards you with a marvellous view at the trail’s end. You will overlook Morans Falls and the so-called ‘Lost World‘. The rainforest’s jungle-green trees and the Gold Coast hinterland rolling hills await you.
This place is particularly beautiful at sunset. If you still have strength and energy afterwards, we recommend the hike to Morans Falls, right down here.
- O'Reilly Queensland 4275, Australia
Morans Falls Track to Morans Falls Lookout
The hike to Morans Falls is an easy, not-too-long walk with super-beautiful viewpoints and the picturesque Morans Falls as the crowning glory. The path to the pretty waterfall leads right through the historic Gondwana rainforest in Lamington National Park, past ancient and fascinating trees.
Have fun in the mystical, idyllic rainforest of the Green Mountains!
ke to Python Rock rewards you with a marvellous view at the trail’s end. You will overlook Morans Falls and the so-called ‘Lost World‘. The rainforest’s jungle-green trees and the Gold Coast hinterland rolling hills await you.
This place is particularly beautiful at sunset. If you still have strength and energy afterwards, we recommend the hike to Morans Falls, right down here.
- 3582 Lamington National Park Rd, O'Reilly QLD 4275
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