Updated June 9, 2022
Despite being renowned for its beaches, the Gold Coast also serves up some of the best natural highlights that can only be truly appreciated on foot.
From the coast to the hinterland, this is your guide to the top bushwalks to give you some great ideas for your next Gold Coast getaway.
1. Natural Bridge
Distance: 1km
Nestled in Springbrook National Park is one of the Gold Coast’s finest natural gems, Natural Arch. Formed by the force of the water on the basalt rock, the waterfall now falls into the heart of a cave that also houses of the region’s most spectacular colonies of glow worms. The cave is easily accessible and is just a 1km return trip amongst the stunning fauna and is worth a visit during the day and the evening.
Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park, QLD 4211
360º tour of the Natural Bridge
© Photo courtesy of Gold Coast Tourism
2. Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
Distance: 1.5km
Featuring forest floor trails, 300 metres of steel bridges amongst the canopy and a 40-metre cantilever bridge, this is one of the most exciting and unique ways to experience the Gold Coast hinterland. Just 1.5km in length, the entire circuit takes 45 minutes at a leisurely pace and offers picture-perfect views of Tamborine Mountain from 30 metres above the creek and rainforest below.
333 Geissmann Drive, Mt Tamborine, QLD 4272
© Photo courtesy of Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
3. Burleigh Headland
Distance: 2.3km return
Get the best of both worlds on the Burleigh Headland walk, from rainforest one minute to world-class views of our iconic coastline the next. This walk is a favourite for both locals and visitors, enticing them with some of the best coastal views on offer. Take the 2.3km return rainforest track or the 1.3km Oceanway walk to Tumgun lookout and uncover sweeping views of the southern Gold Coast as far as the eye can see.
Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads, QLD 4220
360º tour of Burleigh Head National Park
© Photo courtesy of Gold Coast Tourism
4. Curtis Falls
Distance: 1.1km
Embark on an enchanting 1.1km walk through Tamborine Mountain’s towering gums and wet eucalypt forests to Curtis Falls, a raging curtain of water that plummets into the pool below. You will not only be captivated by the falls, but may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of basking turtles and even the local platypus as they play in the pool below.
Dapsang Drive, Eagle Heights, QLD 4271
360º tour of Curtis Falls viewing platform
© Photo courtesy of Gold Coast Tourism
5. Cougal Cascades
Distance: 1.6km
The journey to the Cougal Cascades is just as breathtaking as the destination. At the end of the scenic Currumbin Creek Road in Currumbin Valley is one of the Gold Coast’s most beautiful waterfalls. Situated in Springbrook National Park, take a short 1.6km bushwalk amongst the cool mountain air to the cascading falls. This walk is suitable for all ages and with a wide bitumen path, makes for easy wheelchair access.
End Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley, QLD 4223
6. Moran Falls
Distance: 6.2km
The Morans Falls track starts near Lamington National Park’s information centre. Take a short stroll into the subtropical rainforest of booyongs, figs and brush box to the lookout, from where you will get an excellent view of Morans Falls and Morans Creek gorge. Plummeting 80 metres to the valley floor, Morans Falls fluctuates between a thunderous roar after rain, to a gentle trickle in the drier months.
Moran Creek Rd, Fairyland QLD 4413
© Photo by Stephen Waller @swaller4 via Instagram
7. Purling Brook Falls
Distance: 4km return
Spectacular waterfalls and cool ancient forests await you in the beautiful rainforest of Springbrook National Park. On this beautiful circuit walk, in the Springbrook Plateau section of the park, pass through open eucalypt forest, before descending into the gorge to view the falls from below. After crossing the suspension bridge a steady climb through the forest will bring you back to the picnic area, making this walk slightly more challenging. We recommend allowing for 2h of walking time.
Forestry Rd, Springbrook QLD 4213
360º tour of Purling Brook Falls
© Photo by @samuelyoung_ via Instagram
If you visit one of these Gold Coast bushwalks, don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram! @hello_goldcoast #SayHelloToGoodTimes
Check out our Gold Coast Hinterland blog post for fun things to do outside the city!
