Purling Brook Falls

Springbrook National Park, Queensland, Australia

About Purling Brook Falls


Hiking Distance: 4km circuit
Suggested Time: 2-2.5 hours

Date first visited: 2008-05-10
Date last visited: 2022-07-06

Waterfall Latitude: -28.18974
Waterfall Longitude: 153.27106

Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Purling Brook Falls (I’ve also seen it spelled as Purlingbrook Falls) was perhaps the most reknown of the waterfalls in Springbrook National Park.

We knew from the pre-trip research (prior to our May 2008 visit) that this was one of Queensland’s taller waterfalls as it would dive some 100m off an escarpment into a well-forested base.

Purling_Brook_Falls_096_07052022 - Purling Brook Falls
Purling Brook Falls

The cliff-diving aspect of the falls made this one really stand out as the falls pretty much didn’t make any contact to its cliffs throughout almost all of its entire plunge.

Apparently, we weren’t the only ones who looked forward to coming here because we noticed it seemed to get many visitors (both for our first time here in May 2008 and even more visitors during my early July 2022 visit).

I’d imagine that the close proximity of the Gold Coast Hinterland to the populated Gold Coast itself had a lot to do with Purling Brook Falls’ popularity.

Experiencing Purling Brook Falls

My experiences with Purling Brook Falls consisted of doing half of a 4km circuit track on our first visit in May 2008 and finishing the entire circuit track in early July 2022.

Purling_Brook_Falls_024_05092008 - Looking back at Purling Brook Falls as we took the trail descending to its base
Looking back at Purling Brook Falls as we took the trail descending to its base

The reason why half the loop track was closed on our first visit was due to a rock slide that forced the authorities to stop allowing the route to go behind the waterfall and continue on the other side.

When I came back 14 years after that first visit, I learned that they re-routed the trail, which included a new suspension bridge traversing Purling Brook right in front of the waterfall.

So that re-enabled the ability to complete the 4km Purling Brook Circuit, which I took advantage of on my second time here, and I’ll describe in detail below.

Trail Description – Walking Along The Escarpment

From the car park by the Gwongorella Picnic Area (see directions below), I walked to the right towards the actual trailhead for the Purling Brook Circuit.

Purling_Brook_Falls_015_07052022 - Approaching a sign translating a series of Aboriginal words into English near a trail junction at the beginning and end of the 4km Purling Brook Circuit
Approaching a sign translating a series of Aboriginal words into English near a trail junction at the beginning and end of the 4km Purling Brook Circuit

After about 100m, I reached a trail junction next to a sign translating a bunch of Aboriginal words into English.

This trail junction marked the start and end of the Purling Brook Circuit, and like the Natural Bridge Circuit, the authorities want you to do this circuit in a clockwise manner.

That way you’re less likely to run into other hikers going in the opposite direction, especially when it gets busier, and thus it feels like a less busier and more pleasurable hiking experience.

So keeping to the left to do the Purling Brook Circuit in the recommended clockwise direction, after another 100m the trail then arrived at an overlook of the Purling Brook Falls.

Purling_Brook_Falls_026_07052022 - Looking back at the lookout providing a sideways glimpse of the Purling Brook Falls, but as you can see on my early July 2022 visit, clouds rolled in quickly and obscured the view
Looking back at the lookout providing a sideways glimpse of the Purling Brook Falls, but as you can see on my early July 2022 visit, clouds rolled in quickly and obscured the view

At this vantage point, I was able to watch the waterfall make its dramatic plunge over the tall escarpment that I was standing upon.

Unfortunately during my early July 2022 visit, there was some bad weather so the clouds quickly obscured the views after I had only a few minutes to enjoy it.

Beyond the lookout, the trail followed the cliffs away from the Purling Brook Falls and headed towards the Camp Creek (called Kuralboo Creek on another one of my maps).

At about 500m from the lookout, there was a bridge crossing Camp Creek just upstream from the brink of the Tanninaba Falls.

Purling_Brook_005_iPhone_07062022 - Expansive view from the brink of Tanninaba Falls in the early part of the Purling Brook Circuit
Expansive view from the brink of Tanninaba Falls in the early part of the Purling Brook Circuit

There was also a nice view of the expansive panorama overlooking the brink of the Tanninaba Falls towards the lush rainforest below.

This bridge pretty much marked the end of the relatively flat part of the walk along the escarpment edge as the next part would descend steeply into the gorge below.

Trail Description – Descending to the base of Purling Brook Falls

After crossing the bridge over Camp Creek above Tanninaba Falls, track continued to lead us away from the falls while eventually making its way deeper into the lush rainforest via a few switchbacks plus some steps.

As the track bent back towards the base of Purling Brook Falls, we then noticed the hidden Tanninaba Falls itself.

Purling_Brook_Falls_075_07052022 - Looking up at Tanninaba Falls looking impressive after being aided by persistent La Nina rains during my early July 2022 visit.  When I first came here in May 2008, I could hear the waterfall but not see it
Looking up at Tanninaba Falls looking impressive after being aided by persistent La Nina rains during my early July 2022 visit. When I first came here in May 2008, I could hear the waterfall but not see it

On our first visit in May 2008, we were able to hear the Tanninaba Falls, but we couldn’t really see it.

However, when I came back in early July 2022, there had been a lot of La Nina rains for the entire week so I was actually able to witness and even document the Tanninaba Falls with more impressive flow.

Continuing downhill beyond the Tanninaba Falls, the track eventually led us right to the base of the impressive Purling Brook Falls.

From here, I was able to see where the trail used to go behind the waterfall though it was now blocked off.

Purling_Brook_Falls_101_07052022 - Looking at the full height of Purling Brook Falls from a viewpoint right in front of its base
Looking at the full height of Purling Brook Falls from a viewpoint right in front of its base

Meanwhile, I also noticed that like many of Australia’s waterfalls, there were hints of basalt columns suggesting the volcanic origins of the area.

While the waterfall had a light and wispy flow during our May 2008 visit (leading me to believe it might not perform well deep into the Dry Season), it had a much more rigorous flow during my early July 2022 visit.

So I’d imagine that Purling Brook Falls tends to have its highest flow during the Wet Season likely between January and March.

Trail Description – Completing The Purling Brook Circuit

When Julie and I first came to the Purling Brook Falls in May 2008, we were actually able to go beneath the large overhang giving rise to the waterfall’s plunging characteristic.

Purling_Brook_Falls_055_05092008 - Julie standing on the trail going around the base of Purling Brook Falls
Julie standing on the trail going around the base of Purling Brook Falls

In fact, we were even able to pretty much go behind the towering waterfall though we couldn’t go all the way to the other side due to a landslide.

When I came back to do this hike in early July 2022, the track was re-routed to a viewpoint in front of the foot of the Purling Brook Falls while also presenting a junction with the Warringa Pool Track.

However, there was also a newly-built suspension bridge that went over Purling Brook to the other side so I could continue doing the 4km Purling Brook Circuit.

This bridge was officially opened in March 10, 2015, and it was named the John Stacey Suspension Bridge in memory of the late ranger who was a builder and lived in the Springbrook Plateau.

Purling_Brook_Falls_111_07052022 - The John Stacey Suspension Bridge was only opened in 2015, which was definitely not available when we first came here in May 2008
The John Stacey Suspension Bridge was only opened in 2015, which was definitely not available when we first came here in May 2008

Once on the other side of the suspension bridge, the track promptly ascended steeply up stone steps and past the other side of the old trail that is now blocked off.

The circuit track would continue climbing up a series of switchbacks in lush rainforest scenery for pretty much the next 2km.

Most of this portion of the walk didn’t yield any more views of the Purling Brook Falls.

So it made sense why doing the walk in a clockwise manner pretty much made this ascent at the end when you’re already a bit scenery fatigued, I reckon.

Purling_Brook_Falls_021_05092008 - Context of Purling Brook Falls from its brink showing the vertical cliffs it plunged off of
Context of Purling Brook Falls from its brink showing the vertical cliffs it plunged off of

Eventually, the Purling Brook Circuit Track reached a signed trail junction near a bridge by Purling Brook.

At this point, I took the path on the right to go right to the brink of the Purling Brook Falls where there was a commanding view of the panorama of the lush rainforest below.

This would be the last view of the waterfall on the Purling Brook Circuit Walk, and I pretty much followed the remainder of the circuit track 250m to the familiar trail junction where I had started the circuit.

Overall, the Purling Brook Circuit Walk took me a little over 2 hours, including all the pauses and picture-taking along the way.

Authorities

Purling Brook Falls resides in the Springbrook National Park near the Gold Coast, Queensland. It is administered by the State of Queensland Department of Environment and Science. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, visit their website.

Purling_Brook_Falls_001_07052022 - Looking towards the signed trailhead at the end of the car park for the Purling Brook Circuit Track as seen in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_005_07052022 - Closer look at the signed trailhead leading me to the Purling Brook Circuit Walk during my visit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_007_07052022 - I wasn't alone when I started the Purling Brook Circuit Walk during my visit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_013_07052022 - Noticing a big hollowed out fallen tree besides the Purling Brook Circuit Track early on in my visit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_019_07052022 - Following the Purling Brook Circuit Track as I followed it in a clockwise manner heading towards the first lookout during my visit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_021_07052022 - Descending towards the first lookout of the Purling Brook Falls while doing the Purling Brook Circuit Walk in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_023_07052022 - Getting my glimpse in at Purling Brook Falls before the clouds came in with a vengeance and didn't let go during my visit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_028_07052022 - Continuing beyond the first lookout as the Purling Brook Circuit Track followed along the escarpment during my visit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_030_07052022 - Continuing to follow more rainforest scenery atop the escarpment as part of the Purling Brook Circuit Walk early on in my visit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_037_07052022 - Looking out towards the panorama as seen from near the top of the Tanninaba Falls early on in the Purling Brook Circuit Track in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_044_07052022 - Looking across the bridge over Camp Creek above the brink of Tanninaba Falls as seen in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_046_07052022 - Looking from the bridge over the brink of Tanninaba Falls as seen in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_049_07052022 - Partial look at the brink of Tanninaba Falls after having crossed the bridge over Camp Creek during my visit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_051_07052022 - The Purling Brook Circuit descending after having crossed Camp Creek during my visit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_052_07052022 - Looking back at the steps that I descended to get deeper into the gorge on the way to the bottom of Purling Brook Falls during my visit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_055_07052022 - Continuing the descent deeper into the gorge en route to the base of both Tanninaba Falls and Purling Brook Falls in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_057_07052022 - Still descending deeper below the escarpment towards both the bottoms of Tanninaba and Purling Brook Falls in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_061_07052022 - Still descending deeper towards the bottom of the escarpment en route to the base of Tanninaba and Purling Brook Falls in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_064_07052022 - Still continuing the deep descent to the bottom of the escarpment en route to the base of Tanninaba and Purling Brook Falls as seen in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_067_07052022 - Finally the steep descent flattened out as it skirted the escarpment base amidst monsoonal rainforest scenery in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_070_07052022 - Approaching the bottom of Tanninaba Falls where there were a handful of people already here during my visit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_072_07052022 - Partial view of Tanninaba Falls actually appearing above the surface during my early July 2022 visit unlike in May 2008
Purling_Brook_Falls_079_07052022 - Looking up towards the top of Tanninaba Falls appearing above the surface as seen from its base in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_080_07052022 - Looking back towards the top of Tanninaba Falls as I was crossing past its base in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_087_07052022 - Looking towards the cracks at the bottom concealing the rest of the Tanninaba Falls that couldn't be seen above the surface in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_091_07052022 - Continuing through the rainforest scenery beyond Tanninaba Falls and heading towards Purling Brook Falls in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_097_07052022 - Looking back at the context of the rock steps descending towards the lookout at the foot of Purling Brook Falls as well as the continuation of a trail towards the Waringa Pool as seen in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_098_07052022 - Looking up at Purling Brook Falls bending against a gentle breeze as seen in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_103_07052022 - Another look towards Purling Brook Falls between trees during my visit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_104_07052022 - Looking down at the stepped trail going closer to the open air lookout right at the foot of Purling Brook Falls as well as the continuation of the Purling Brook Circuit Track as seen in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_106_07052022 - Looking right up against the rain at Purling Brook Falls shortly before going across the suspension bridge in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_108_07052022 - The Purling Brook Circuit now approaching a suspension bridge over Purling Brook as seen in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_110_07052022 - Approaching the new suspension bridge enabling me to continue the Purling Brook Circuit Track in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_015_iPhone_07062022 - Looking towards Purling Brook Falls from the suspension bridge over Purling Brook in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_114_07052022 - Looking towards the Purling Brook Falls after having crossed the suspension bridge on the Purling Brook Circuit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_119_07052022 - Ascending steps as it briefly approaching Purling Brook Falls before turning away at another switchback as seen in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_124_07052022 - Now on the switchbacking ascending trail making up the second half of the Purling Brook Circuit Track as I experienced it in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_130_07052022 - Going past this huge fallen log adjacent to the Purling Brook Circuit Track in the latter half of my excursion in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_133_07052022 - Still continuing up the switchbacking track on the latter half of the Purling Brook Circuit as experienced in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_134_07052022 - Looking back at one of the switchbacks on the way up the Purling Brook Circuit's second half in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_141_07052022 - The second half of the Purling Brook Circuit ascending steps besides some big trees as seen in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_149_07052022 - Rising back up towards the remnant storm clouds that had been dumping rain on me most of the morning of my Purling Brook Falls experience in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_155_07052022 - Surprised that the sun was finally breaking through as I was ascending the second half of the Purling Brook Circuit in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_160_07052022 - Finally arriving at some upper cascades on Purling Brook as I had nearly completed the 4km loop walk, but I'm now about to take a detour to the brink of the Purling Brook Falls in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_163_07052022 - Looking down over the brink of Purling Brook Falls with a tiny bridge down at the lower right of this photo taken in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_167_07052022 - Looking back at the context of the lookout area by the brink of Purling Brook Falls as seen in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_020_iPhone_07062022 - Looking down at the lookout and suspension bridge from the lookout situated by the brink of Purling Brook Falls in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_024_iPhone_07062022 - Looking over the brink of Purling Brook Falls with people and the suspension bridge looking really tiny in this early July 2022 photo, which illustrates just how tall the Purling Brook Falls is
Purling_Brook_Falls_174_07052022 - Crossing over a bridge spanning Purling Brook well upstream of the main waterfall as I was wrapping up on my 4km Purling Brook Circuit Walk in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_180_07052022 - Returning to the Aboriginal sign translating a bunch of Aboriginal words into English as seen in early July 2022
Purling_Brook_Falls_015_05092008 - Panoramic view of the rainforest looking downstream from the top of Purling Brook Falls during our first visit in May 2008
Purling_Brook_Falls_018_05092008 - Looking towards the Purling Brook Falls from the other side of its top in May 2008
Purling_Brook_Falls_030_05092008 - Looking down at Purling Brook Falls from the walking track leading to its base as of May 2008
Purling_Brook_Falls_033_05092008 - On the track to the base of Purling Brook Falls during our visit in May 2008
Purling_Brook_Falls_034_05092008 - Julie continuing on the track to the base of Purling Brook Falls as it continued descending into the rainforest during our May 2008 visit
Purling_Brook_Falls_035_05092008 - Looking up at the unusual Tanninaba Falls, which we could hear but couldn't really see during our May 2008 visit
Purling_Brook_Falls_015_jx_05092008 - Walking besides some interesting fig trees within the rainforest as we made our way to the base of Purling Brook Falls during our May 2008 visit
Purling_Brook_Falls_037_05092008 - Julie approaching the base of Purling Brook Falls on our May 2008 visit
Purling_Brook_Falls_042_05092008 - Looking up at the Purling Brook Falls from its base in May 2008
Purling_Brook_Falls_069_05092008 - Looking across the base of Purling Brook Falls towards the landslide that prevented further progress on the walking circuit during our visit in May 2008
Purling_Brook_Falls_072_05092008 - As we were walking back to the car, we noticed more buttressed fig trees like this one during our May 2008 visit
Purling_Brook_Falls_075_05092008 - Looking over the top of Tanninaba Falls during our May 2008 visit as we were heading back the way we came in
Purling_Brook_Falls_076_05092008 - Looking down at the context of Purling Brook Falls when the clouds started showing up during our May 2008 visit


Since we tend to do our Gold Coast Hinterland excursions while basing ourselves in Surfers Paradise, I’ll just describe the route from there.

Now there are actually many ways you can go to get to this waterfall from the general Gold Coast area, but I’m going to describe the way we tend to do it since the other ones may be closed (as it was when I did my visit in July 2022).

Purling_Brook_Falls_182_07052022 - Looking back at the car park from the signed trailhead for the Purling Brook Circuit Walk as seen in early July 2022
Looking back at the car park from the signed trailhead for the Purling Brook Circuit Walk as seen in early July 2022

Starting from the Esplanade in Surfer’s Paradise, we’d drive north 750m on the Esplanade before turning left onto Ocean Ave then making a right turn onto Gold Coast Hwy (State Route 2) 220m later.

Next, we’d follow the Gold Coast Hwy for about 2.5km before turning left onto Queen Street (State Route 20).

From there, we’d drive on State Route 20 for about 13.4km going through the suburb of Nerang, where the route will eventually become the State Route 90 before splitting off with State Route 97.

Keeping left to stay on State Route 97 (Nerang-Murwillumbah Road), we’d then drive another 26km before turning left onto Pine Creek Road.

Drive_to_Purling_Brook_019_iPhone_07062022 - On the drive between to Purling Brook Falls, there was this interesting split in the road where each direction were actually one-way as the road split around a cliff
On the drive between to Purling Brook Falls, there was this interesting split in the road where each direction were actually one-way as the road split around a cliff

After another 7km on Pine Creek Road, it will reach a three-way junction where we’d then turn right onto Springbrook Road (State Route 99).

Then, in about 5km, we’d turn left onto Forestry Road (there should be a sign pointing the way to Purling Brook Falls here).

After about 400m, the looping car park for Purling Brook Falls will be up ahead (again, it’s well-signposted).

By the way, if you’re coming from the nearby Natural Bridge (also part of Springbrook National Park), you’ll want to backtrack on the Nerah-Murwillumbah Road (State Route 97) for about 15km to the Pine Creek Road turnoff.

Purling_Brook_Falls_183_07052022 - Over the years, Purling Brook Falls has become quite popular, and thus it isn't surprising that its car park also tends to fill up pretty quickly
Over the years, Purling Brook Falls has become quite popular, and thus it isn’t surprising that its car park also tends to fill up pretty quickly

Then, you can follow the directions as above to get to the Purling Brook Falls car park.

This 28km drive would take about a half-hour.

For context, Gold Coast was 78km (about an hour drive) south of Brisbane and 94km (over an hour drive) north of Byron Bay.

Something worth reiterating is that given how much real estate the Gold Coast covers, perhaps the best accommodations for tourists would be at Surfers Paradise, which is a touristy area by the beach.

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View of the falls from the first lookout in the clockwise Purling Brook Circuit, but clouds definitely rolled in by the end


Slow top down sweep with 360 panning of Tanninaba Falls with above surface flow


Bottom up sweep of the falls from the lookout at the bottom before the new swinging bridge


Sweep from the lookout near the brink of the main waterfall showing the swinging bridge and lookout below as well as some of the panorama


Fixated on the falls from the top


Fixated on the falls from an overlook letting you see the entire thing


Bottom up sweep from the base of the falls to its top. Notice the basalt columns behind the falls.


Right to left sweep from behind the falls.

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Tagged with: springbrook, national park, gold coast, brisbane, hinterland, tanninaba falls, purlingbrook, queensland, australia, waterfall



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Purlingbrook Falls, Gold Coast, Australia in flood Feb 2012 June 3, 2012 5:44 am by Alan Maxwell - I took this shot after heavy floods on the Springbrook plateau in the gold coast hinterland. The power and sound of the falls was amazing. ...Read More
Have a swim (Purling Brook Falls) March 3, 2012 11:36 pm by Jeremy Nicholls - Just letting everyone know that after you walk under the falls (or just before depending which way you walked) there is an amazing swimming hole with its own little waterfall that you can jump off. There is a path the whole way and is a beautiful walk ...Read More
Purlingbrook Falls April 7, 2009 11:38 am by Chris L - I just wanted to add a shot I took of Purlingbrook Falls after recent heavy rain. Also, "Purlingbrook" is actually one word in the name of the falls, and two words (Purling Brook) in the name of the stream. I'm not sure who came up with that idea. The falls do generally flow year-round, although… ...Read More

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Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
Read More About Johnny | A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls.