Picnic at the Purling Brook Falls

Explore the Gold Coast Hinterland

The Australian Gold Coast has a reputation for sun, sand and surf, and it is these attributes that make it the favoured holiday destination in Australia. But there is much more to see, do and discover if you have a spirit for adventure. In fact Southeast Queensland has so much to offer and from your holiday apartment on the Gold Coast you will never be lost for things to do and places to see.

For those of us who live on the Gold Coast, the mountains to the west that form the backdrop to the city provide a wonderful opportunity to escape the coast, especially on hot sultry days, and explore the beautiful mountain scenery. So let us share with our readers some of our favourite places.

First trip to do is a slow meandering adventure to the point known as “Best of All Lookout”. But before we get there (and its well worth the trip) lets look at some of the points along the way. Head out towards Bonogin and take the road to Springbrook. The easiest trip is via Robina Town Centre taking Somerset Drive then turning on to the Gold Coast – Springbrook Road (Highway 99) near to Mudgeeraba. There are a couple of nice tearooms in the valley on the right-hand side of the room, should you feel like stopping for a hearty bush breakfast or a morning tea of scones and cream. Polly’s Country Kitchen is a favourite of ours and a place where you can sit on the veranda looking out over the Little Nerang Creek while you eat.
Somewhere along the road, at a seemingly indeterminable point, the road just becomes the Springbrook Road. Once you reach the ridge keep going and you will soon reach the Puddleducks Café – another recommended option for staving off hunger pains. Even if you don’t fancy a snack, the car park is a good place to stop while you walk back to admire the view from the nearby lookout. You can see right back to Surfers Paradise.
Keep driving for another few minutes through the tropical rainforest and you will reach Purling Brook Falls. This is a great place for a picnic on the lawns before walking down to view the spectacular falls. The more adventurous (and fit) can walk down to the bottom of the falls down 450 steps and along the track but most people use the lookouts on either side of the stream to view the cascade. If you take the full circuit you will need good walking shoes and if you want to avoid walking up those 450 steps, the best advice is to walk clockwise around the trail.

If you do make it to the bottom, you will have an even more breathtaking view. Many people say that the view is like something out of Jurassic Park. Palms and ferns are all around and framing the water flowing over the black cliffs.

When you return to the car park and need further refreshment, you will be pleased to know that the Dancing Waters Café is at the entrance and serves delicious light meals along with their drinks.

Purling Brook Falls are just the first stop on an adventure through the Scenic Rim. Next stop is the Best of All Lookout – and it lives up to its name. More about that next time!