Springbrook National Park

Introducing Springbrook National Park

West of the Gold Coast, this 900m-high plateau dominates the skyline. Like the rest of the McPherson Range, it is remnant of a huge volcano that once centred on Mt Warning in NSW and erupted more than 20 million years ago.

The park is divided into three reserves, Springbrook Plateau, Natural Bridge and Mt Cougal, each with their own features and charms. The rugged landscape is shaped by gorges, cliffs and waterfalls and the vegetation is cool-temperate rainforest and eucalypt forest with closed canopy vines, strangler figs, palms and epiphytes. There are some excellent walking trails in all three sections, but particularly around the Springbrook Plateau.

The village of Springbrook itself is balanced right on the edge of the plateau and there are several places where you can get the giddy thrill of leaning right out over the edge, including Purling Brook Falls, Canyon Lookout and Best of All Lookout. The pathway to Best of All Lookout is home to several ancient Antarctic beech trees.

The beautiful Natural Bridge section, off the Nerang–Murwillumbah road, has a 1km walking circuit leading to a rock arch spanning a water-formed cave, which is home to a huge colony of glow-worms.

The ranger’s office and information centre (07-5533 5147; 87 Carrick’s Rd; variable hours) at Springbrook provides copies of a walking track leaflet for all three sections. You can pitch a tent at the newly established Settlement Campground (sites per person/family $4.50/18), which has 11 sites including four for caravans. There is no shade or showers here, but there is an electric barbecue. You need to book in advance through QPWS (13 13 04; www.epa.qld.gov.au).

English Gardens (07-5533 5244; 2832 Springbrook Rd; r $159-189) has two quaint cottages set amid a sprawling English-cum-Australian garden. There’s also a small café (mains $4-11; breakfast & lunch).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009