A picturesque waterfall in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Where to Base Yourself for Waterfall Adventures
If your goal is to visit multiple South East Queensland waterfalls in one trip, I recommend staying in the Gold Coast (or even better, the Gold Coast Hinterland), as most of the best waterfalls are in this area. Brisbane is also a perfect central base to explore all the waterfalls on this list and other nearby attractions.
Good to know: All the waterfalls in this guide can be reached in a standard 2WD vehicle. Most waterfalls require a short walk to reach.
Best Time to See Waterfalls in Queensland
As with all Queensland waterfalls, these are best visited after decent and consistent rainfall. This region receives most of its annual rainfall totals in the late summer and autumn months (specifically January–May), although it is not uncommon to have rain in other months of the year too. I personally found May to be a great time to see all of the waterfalls with a steady flow.
Some waterfalls have larger catchment areas than others, so while one may be a trickle, another may still be flowing well. With this in mind, it’s worthwhile contacting the local relevant visitor centres for recent rainfall information to determine which waterfalls are worth visiting.
Must-See Waterfalls in South East QLD:
Twin Falls in the Gold Coast hinterland.
1. Twin Falls.
Twin Falls is a spectacular double waterfall in the Gold Coast hinterland. It is nestled in the spectacular rainforest of Springbrook National Park. Visitors can also access the Warrie Circuit (a strenuous 14km hike passing by many waterfalls) from here.
This waterfall is located approximately one hour from Surfers Paradise, or two hours from Brisbane.
To get to Twin Falls, park at the Tallanbana Picnic Area on Springbrook Road. From here there are multiple trails that lead to various lookouts at the top of the waterfall. You can also hike down to the base of the falls (and past multiple other waterfalls), along the moderate 4.2km Twin Falls Circuit Walk.
If you want to reach the base of the waterfalls as quickly as possible, I recommend sticking to the right at the first trail junction, and following the southern section of trail in an anti-clockwise direction to the falls - then retracing your steps back to the picnic area.
It is possible to walk behind and underneath the waterfall, or take a refreshing dip at the bottom too.
There are picnic and toilet facilities here near the car park, but nothing down at the waterfall, so carry out anything you take in.
2. Queen Mary Falls.
Queen Mary Falls is a powerful 40m single drop waterfall in the Southern Downs Region of QLD. You can admire the waterfall from a distance from a lookout, or get up close and feel the spray from the creek below.
This waterfall is approximately 2.5 hours from Surfers Paradise & Brisbane. It is located on Spring Creek Road in The Falls.
From the car park there are three trails, all of which link up eventually. If you only wish to visit the lookout above the falls, take either of the two easternmost trails. If you want to see the waterfall up close from the bottom, you can take any trail, but the westernmost one will get you to the bottom first. This 2.1km Queen Mary Falls Circuit is considered a moderate difficulty.
There are picnic and toilet facilities here near the car park, but nothing down at the waterfall, so carry out anything you take in.
Queen Mary Falls in South East Queensland
Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park.
3. Natural Bridge Falls
Natural Bridge is one of South East Queensland's most unique waterfalls. Here, water falls through an opening into a cave - which happens to be home to a large colony of glow worms. These glow worms light the cave walls after dark, which is truly a spectacular sight to see!
This waterfall is approximately one hour from Surfers Paradise, and two hours from Brisbane. It is located on Bakers Road in Natural Bridge. To get here, follow Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd through the Numinbah Valley and follow signs to Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park.
From the car park there is only one trail, and it is a one way path heading in a clockwise direction. The loop walk takes you through a beautiful patch of Gondwana Rainforest down to the creek-line, you then walk along the path upstream to the spectacular waterfall cave. Glow worms will start to appear approximately 30 minutes after the sun sets. Please obey signage regarding not smoking in the cave or shining lights at the glow worms - this is bad for them and will also ruin other visitors experience.
The entire loop walk is only about 1km long and is quite easy as far as hiking in Queensland goes.
The entire loop walk is only about 1km long and is quite easy as far as hiking in Queensland goes.
There are picnic and toilet facilities here near the car park, but nothing down at the waterfall, so carry out anything you take in.
4. Elabana Falls
Elabana Falls is one of Queensland's most picturesque waterfalls, located deep in the lush rainforests of Lamington National Park. This waterfall is in a canyon-like environment and getting there requires a lengthy hike - followed by a short but steep rock scramble. It is the most difficult to reach waterfall on this list, but your effort is rewarded!
To get there, park at the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park (O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat) just over 1.5 hours from Surfer's Paradise, or 2.5 hours Brisbane. The car park is at the end of Lamington National Park Road, which is very steep and winding.
Head east from the car park to the start of the Border Track, and then follow this until the junction of Box Forest Track. Continue down the Box Forest Circuit, following signs to Elabana Falls. I suggest keeping right and heading to Elabana Falls via Picnic Rock, and then retracing your steps (7.5km), unless you are feeling up for a longer hike along the creek, passing by many other waterfalls. The entire Box Forest Circuit is over 14km despite some sources stating it is 10km.
The descent to Elabana Falls is steep, I recommend having a map for this hike as multiple trails branch off in different directions and it is possible to get lost.
The descent to Elabana Falls is steep, I recommend having a map for this hike as multiple trails branch off in different directions and it is possible to get lost.
There are picnic and toilet facilities here near the car park, but nothing down at the waterfall, so carry out anything you take in.
Elabana Falls, Lamington National Park
5. Purling Brook Falls
Saving the best until last - Purling Brook Falls is a must-see waterfall in south east Queensland. This 100m single drop waterfall has a waterhole at the base. It is deep enough that you can swim at the bottom of this thundering waterfall (although the rock surrounding can be slippery!).
To get here, park in the car park at the end of Forestry Road, Springbrook, or The Springbrook Picnic Area off Carricks Road (Approx 1.5hrs from Brisbane - 1hr from Surfers Paradise). Both parking areas have picnic and toilet facilities, but there is nothing down at the waterfall, so carry out anything you take in. Pets are not permitted in this national park.
There are short trails from both car parks which eventually join up - taking you to two lookouts with great views of the waterfall. To reach the bottom you can embark on the 4km Purling Brook Falls Loop Hike.
Ascent from the base of Purling Brook Falls is quite steep, I recommend starting your hike early to avoid the heat and crowds!
Ascent from the base of Purling Brook Falls is quite steep, I recommend starting your hike early to avoid the heat and crowds!
Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park.
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Waterfall on the Warrie Circuit, Springbrook National Park.
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A spectacular waterfall in the Southern Highlands, NSW.
5 Must-See Waterfalls In The NSW Southern Highlands.
New South Wales has no shortage of spectacular waterfalls, and the Southern Highlands Region is home to some of the best. Spanning from west of Bundanoon, to Jamberoo in the east, and as far north as Campbelltown - the highlands boast some spectacular and diverse scenery. The 5 waterfalls listed in this guide are all only a short drive from the town of Robertson.
Read about them here.
Read about them here.
Important Notes:
- I recommend doing your own research and visiting the local visitor information centre for the most up to date information, as the conditions can vary from year-to-year.
- Get the most enjoyment out of your visit whilst staying safe. Prepare for natural hazards (such as weather conditions & wildlife encounters) and other outdoor risks. Only you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
- Wear suitable footwear and appropriate clothing to protect yourself during your planned activities.
- Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food, fuel and water for your journey. It is always recommended to let a responsible person know your plans and report back into them once you have finished.
- Stay on the marked trails and obey signage.
- Always look after and prioritise the environment. Take rubbish back out with you, or place in bins if provided. Lack of respect for the environment gets these places closed down and ruins other visitors' experience.
- Pets are prohibited in all of these locations, please leave your furry friends at home for these waterfall chasing adventures.