15 Best Waterfall Hikes Gold Coast: Ultimate Hinterland Guide

The 15 Best Waterfall Hikes near the Gold Coast

Think the Gold Coast is all about sun, surf, theme parks and golden sandy beaches? Step just half an hour inland into the lush, emerald canopy of the Gold Coast Hinterland, and you’ll find a completely different world. Carved over millions of years by ancient volcanic activity and dense subtropical rainforest, this sub-tropical paradise is home to some of South East Queensland's most extraordinary natural wonders.

Whether you’re chasing giant 100-metre drop waterfalls wrapped in mist, mystical cave-dwelling glow worms, or quiet freshwater rock pools for a post-hike swim, the region’s national parks — from Springbrook to Lamington and Tamborine Mountain — deliver endless adventure.

To help you hit the trail, we’ve rounded up the absolute best waterfall hikes on the Gold Coast, complete with track details, difficulty levels, and insider tips to tick these bucket-list trails off your list. Pack your boots and fill your water bottle—it’s time to go chasing waterfalls! Click through to each waterfall listed to see all the details and to save your favourites to your free Aussie Bucket List profile.

1 - Purlingbrook Falls

Walking trail: Grade 3 | 4km loop | 2-3 hour return

Spectacular waterfalls and cool ancient forests await you in the beautiful World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest of Springbrook National Park. On this beautiful circuit walk, in the Springbrook Plateau section of the park, pass through open eucalypt forest of New England ash, before descending into the gorge to view the falls from below. After crossing the suspension bridge a steady climb through forest brings the walker back to the picnic area. Look for ancient lepidozamias, colourful hakeas and dazzling wildflowers along the way to this stunning waterfall.

There are 265 steps on this walk and it's easier to walk in a clockwise direction. For visitor safety Purling Brook Falls has a restricted access area at the top and base of the waterfall. There are sheer cliffs and waterfalls so keep to the track. If you've got time, detour on the Warringa Pool track, which leads downstream from the base of the falls; you'll add another 2 kilometres to the walk and need to allow another 40 minutes to return. 

2 - Natural Bridge Falls

Walking trail: Grade 2 | 1km loop hike | 1 hour return

One of our favourite waterfall hikes on the Gold Coast, great for small kids as it's a nice easy, short trail that is super scenic! Swimming in the creek, including within the cave, and access to the creek bank is prohibited.

3 - Larapinta Falls

4 - Elabana Falls

Walking trail: 10.9km | grade 4 | 4 hours

These spectacular falls are located in Lamington National Park on the Gold Coast Hinterland. The falls are located along the Box Forest Circuit, starting from the Green Mountain trailhead at the end of Lamington National Park Road. 

There are numerous waterfalls along the way including Elabana Falls, Darragumai Falls, Box Log Falls and Yanbacoochie Falls. This park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, which is famed for its ongoing geological processes, evolutionary history, and diversity of rare, threatened and endemic species.

The circuit is 10.9km and is classed as a grade 4 walking track. QLD Parks advise to allow approximately 4 hours walking time for this walk.

Check the Queensland Government Parks & Forests website for alerts and the latest information on access, closures and conditions prior to heading out for your journey.

5 - Morans Falls

Walking trail: Grade 4 | 4.4km return hike | 1-2 hour return

Morans Falls track, Lamington National Park, starts near the park's information centre. Subtropical rainforest of booyongs, figs and brush box flank the track for the 140 metre stroll to the lookout over Morans Falls. An excellent view of Morans Falls and Morans Creek gorge can be seen from here. Plummeting 80 metres to the valley floor, Morans Falls fluctuates between a thunderous roar after rain, to a gentle trickle in the drier months. The falls are slowly working through the softer rock beneath, causing rockfalls and reshaping the cliff face—changes that are barely visible in our lifetime. Layers of ancient volcanic lava flows are also visible; the more resistant have formed small cliff-lines along the valley, and are best seen at the second lookout located at the end of the track. Stop for a picnic at the top of the falls.

Think back to a time when a bark hut stood here—the first mountain home of the O’Reilly brothers. This park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, famed for its ongoing geological processes, evolutionary history, and diversity (especially of rare, threatened and endemic species).

This walk is managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The map on their site only shows an indicative start point; the track route and end point are not shown, and the map cannot be used for navigation purposes. See the webs site for detailed maps and the latest park information. When you are in the park, read the signs at and near the start of the track.

6 - Gorge Falls

Walking trail: Located off trail off the Cream Track | 4.4km return hike | 2-3 hour return

The Cream Track is 5.3 kilometres long and runs from the heights of Springbrook Plateau to the lowlands of Tallebudgera Valley. Meandering past working cattle farms and banana plantations the track traverses through rainforest, creek crossings, wet and dry eucalypt forests.

This challenging track rewards walkers with views from the mountains to the coast. Challenge brings other benefits too - with fewer visitors, areas along the track remain largely undisturbed and have an abundance of wildlife.

Gorge Falls can be found approximately 2.2km along this track from the end of Tallebudgera Creek Road, however the falls are difficult to find. Going off the Cream Track is at your own risk and navigational preparation is recommended.

You will come to a fork in the track, with some steep steps up to the right (sign posts will guide you to go up the steps). To get to Gorge Falls, do not go up the steps, continue walking straight along the track. You will then get to a fork in the creek, take the creek to the left and continue to scramble over the rocks until you reach Gorge Falls. Allow at least 1.30 minutes to get to Gorge Falls. We found the way back is much quicker as you know where you are going on the way back.

7 - Toolona Falls

Walking trail - 17.4km loop | Grade 4 | 6 hours

These spectacular falls are located in Lamington National Park on the Gold Coast Hinterland. The falls are located along the Toolona Creek Circuit, starting from the Green Mountain trailhead at the end of Lamington National Park Road. 

There are numerous waterfalls along the way including Toolona Falls and Chalahn Falls. Enjoy spectacular views from Wanungara Lookout down to the Limpinwood Valley and out to Mount Warning. Keep your eye out for snakes! We saw 4 along this trail when hiking in summer. This hike feels very remote, there's not many others on the track and there is no mobile reception. Be prepared with plenty of water and snacks for your journey.

The circuit is 17.4km and is classed as a grade 4 walking track. QLD Parks advise to allow approximately 6 hours walking time for this walk.

8 - Box Log Falls

Walking trail: 10.9km | grade 4 | 4 hours

These spectacular falls are located in Lamington National Park on the Gold Coast Hinterland. The falls are located along the Box Forest Circuit, starting from the Green Mountain trailhead at the end of Lamington National Park Road. 

There are numerous waterfalls along the way including Elabana Falls, Darragumai Falls, Box Log Falls and Yanbacoochie Falls. This park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, which is famed for its ongoing geological processes, evolutionary history, and diversity of rare, threatened and endemic species.

The circuit is 10.9km and is classed as a grade 4 walking track. QLD Parks advise to allow approximately 4 hours walking time for this walk.

9 - Cougal Cascades

Walking trail: Grade 1 | 1.6km return hike | 1 hour return

Cougal Cascades is a must-see natural Aussie Bucket List attraction, and one of the best waterfalls on the Gold Coast Hinterland for swimming. Located just a 20 minute drive from the Gold Coast, this short hiking trail is definitely worth adding to your Aussie Bucket List. 

The 1.6km return walking trail follows the beautiful Currumbin Creek, where you will see and hear the beautiful water cascading over the rocks. The trail is sealed and suitable for prams and wheel chairs. To get down to the water does require some scrambling over the rocks, which can be quite slippery.

10 - Cedar Creek Falls

Walking trail: Moderate grade | 900m return hike | 30 min return

Cedar Creek Falls Lookout – a short and easy 500m return hike to the lookout.

This flat bitumen track from the car park to the lookout is suitable for strollers and assisted wheelchair access. The lookout at the end of the walk offers very nice views of the waterfalls, cascades and a series of rock pools popular with swimmers. This walking track is ideally suitable for the young, the elderly and the disabled, providing spectacular waterfall scenery within a very short walking distance.

Cedar Creek Falls Rock Pools - a 900m return hike from the Cedar Creek Falls lookout, allow about 30 to 40 minutes, moderate grade track with lots of stairs.

The walking track provides access to Cedar Creek and some of its spectacular cascades, waterfalls and rock pools. 

Please note that NO glass containers are allowed past the viewing platform, and observe the regulatory notices warning of slippery rocks, steep cliffs and “no go” areas close to the falls. 

11 - Twin Falls

Springbrook National Park has breathtaking lookouts, magnificent waterfalls, dense rainforest and ancient Antarctic beech trees. The park is part of Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area. Start the Twin Falls circuit at the Tallanbana picnic area or at the Canyon lookout. Pass behind two waterfalls, through rock clefts and among palms and tree ferns.

Signs along the way guide you through the different forest types. Keep an eye out for the smooth, pink bark of brush box trees that line the track. Similar brush box in other parts of the world heritage area have been radio-carbon dated at 1500 years, making these trees the oldest ever carbon-dated on Australia's mainland! Remember to allow enough time to take in the mountain views and get your fill of photos.

12 - Warrie Circuit

Walking trail: Grade 4 | 14km return hike | 5-6 hour return

Warrie Circuit is a must-do Aussie Bucket List hike loaded with waterfalls located in Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Start at Canyon lookout or Tallanbana Picnic Area. The longest and most interesting track on the plateau follows the base of The Canyon cliffs to Goomoolahra Falls before descending into the mossy green depths of the rainforest. The track (named with the Aboriginal word 'Warrie', meaning 'rushing water') crosses several creeks and gullies. The track reaches the 'Meeting of the Waters', where all watercourses draining The Canyon meet, then climbs up the western side of the gorge.

The moist and shady conditions at the base of Goomoolahra Falls provide an ideal habitat for the giant spear lilies Doryanthes palmeri. This succulent herb is one of only two members of the Doryanthiacea plant family, which is endemic to Australia. This is an absolutely gorgeous trail, full of waterfalls most of the way. Come prepared with snacks and water. There is no mobile reception so ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans prior to departing for this trail.

A little further south in Northern New South Wales, you will also find these gorgeous falls which are a great day trip from the Gold Coast:

13 - Boomerang Falls

Walking trail: 1.9km return hike | 1-2 hour return

Boomerang Falls in Whian Whian, New South Wales, Australia is a peaceful spot but can be dangerous due to steep drop-offs and unofficial paths. It takes around 15 minutes from the road to reach the top of the falls. To get to the base of the falls is completely off trail, quite dangerous and not recommended. 1.9km return is from the sign at the beginning of the trail to the top of the falls. 

14 - Selva Falls

Walking trail: Grade 3 | 6km return hike | 3-4 hour return

No mobile reception and very remote track. Come prepared with plenty of water and snacks for your journey. Ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans before departing for this hike.

If you love waterfalls and ancient rainforest, then you can’t go past Brindle Creek walking track located in the high country of Border Ranges National Park in Northern New South Wales. Following the creek line, this medium walk passes through unspoilt wilderness from Brindle Creek picnic area to Antarctic beech picnic area in the north-east of Border Ranges National Park, near Kyogle.

Passing the turn off to Helmholtzia loop, you’ll think you stumbled into a timeless rainforest wonderland. Here you’ll see huge hoop pines and massive ancient Antarctic beech trees whose trunks grow thick and hairy with lichens and fragrant ferns. Keep your eye out for the huge helmholtzia lillies that thrive in the damp moist air. This high mountain plateau is a cloud factory all year round and you could be enveloped in mist even in the middle of summer.

15 - Evans Falls

Walking trail: Grade 3 | 6km return hike | 3-4 hour return

Located along the trail to Selva Falls. There is no mobile reception and very remote track. Come prepared with plenty of water and snacks for your journey. Ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans before departing for this hike.

From quick family-friendly strolls beneath the canopy to thrilling full-day treks deep into World Heritage-listed rainforest, the Gold Coast Hinterland is unmatched when it comes to chasing waterfalls. Standing at the base of roaring cascades like Purling Brook or walking behind misty curtains of water on the Twin Falls Circuit offers a side of Queensland that stays with you long after your boots have dried out.

Before you head off on your trail adventure, remember to leave no trace, check local Queensland National Parks track alerts for road or trail closures, and hit the paths early to beat the crowds and catch the best morning light. And always ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans before departing for your journey, as many of these hiking trails have no phone reception and are very remote.