Springbrook National Park
Posted by Anura Samara, 15 February 2016
A leisurely drive through the Gold Coast hinterland reveals some natural delights.
We had nearly a whole day on the Gold Coast before our flights home, so instead of spending more time on the coast itself we decided to hire a car to drive into the hinterland.
Best Of All Lookout
We headed for the aptly named Best of All Lookout as the most southerly point of our drive. Once we got there, I remembered that we had been before but can’t for the life of me remember when!
After a short walk through the rainforest, you arrive at the lookout at the top of a massive escarpment. From here, there are great views down into the valley below and then across to the coast and the northern NSW hinterland. We were lucky to have a clear day with only a light heat haze.
Purling Brook Falls
We then headed back to Purling Brook Falls. There’s a really well laid out circuit track that takes you across the top of the falls, down to the bottom of the falls, across the creek at the bottom and then up the other side. You literally get to see if from every angle.
From the top, the only view is of water disappearing over the edge – there’s no rushing rapids here. At the bottom, there’s a complete view of the falls and steps leading back up allow you to complete the circuit.
Natural Bridge
The last place I wanted to stop at was the Natural Bridge. I definitely knew that I haven’t been before so I was keen to get there before having to head back to the airport.
When you first head to the bottom of the trail, it’s hard to take in the bridge formation. But a short deviation of the main path leads you into an arched cave (ie. the inside of the ‘bridge’ where you can see the water from the falls above splashing through the opening of the bridge. You can get pretty close to the falls and it’s pretty impressive – the contrast between the dark cave and the light from the opening above, the noise of the water hitting the rocks below with some mist blowing back on us. This was definitely worth seeing.
Categories: Australia
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