Twin Falls

Springbrook National Park, Queensland, Australia

About Twin Falls


Hiking Distance: about 2.6km round trip
Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes

Date first visited: 2022-07-06
Date last visited: 2022-07-06

Waterfall Latitude: -28.22433
Waterfall Longitude: 153.27408

Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Twin Falls is one of many waterfalls on Springbrook Mountain where you have to hike down beneath the cliff tops to truly experience its hidden surprises.

In this instance, I went on the shortest hike that I could find to experience it given that I had time constraints when I visited it in July 2022.

Twin_Falls_119_07052022 - Twin Falls in Springbrook National Park
Twin Falls in Springbrook National Park

As you can see in the photo above, it was well worth singling out this waterfall excursion (out of the many to choose from) in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

After all, the waterfall is true to its name as it featured a side-by-side 40m plunge that actually lets you go behind it!

Furthermore, the hike that I ended up doing packed quite a punch as it also featured other hidden waterfalls as well as an intriguing rock cave.

There are also options to extend this hike to take in other waterfalls (such as the 4km Twin Falls Circuit and 14km Warrie Circuit), and I’m keen on coming back here to experience more of them.

Twin_Falls_005_iPhone_07062022 - This tall rock cave was one of the highlights of doing the short loop walk to the Twin Falls in Springbrook National Park
This tall rock cave was one of the highlights of doing the short loop walk to the Twin Falls in Springbrook National Park

Therefore, it probably didn’t come as a surprise that this seemed to be one of the more popular walks (actually most Springbrook hikes can be busy considering it’s only an hour drive from the Gold Coast).

And so getting an early start or avoiding the weekends would be a good idea, especially since parking is quite limited.

Anyways, I’ll run through a trailside description of how I experienced Twin Falls that only does the bare minimum necessary to get the most of a visit in a short amount of time.

Putting some numbers behind how I did the “Twin Falls Short Circuit”, my GPS logs suggested that I had hiked about 2.6km, which can take anywhere between 60-90 minutes.

Experiencing The Twin Falls Short Circuit

Twin_Falls_003_07052022 - I started my Twin Falls 'Short Circuit' from the Tallanbana Picnic Area
I started my Twin Falls ‘Short Circuit’ from the Tallanbana Picnic Area

I managed to do this short hike by starting from the Tallanbana Picnic Area (see directions below), where there were limited parking spaces.

From there, I descended through the picnic area and onto a descending and well-marked track through a familiar lush rainforest that benefits from the high rainfall that Springbrook Mountain tends to draw.

After around 400m, I reached a bridge crossing over Boy-Ull Creek, which happened to be just upstream from Twin Falls so it couldn’t be seen.

So continuing on with the trail, it hugged ledges while providing glimpses of another waterfall, which I believe fell on Rush Creek.

Twin_Falls_026_07052022 - Looking towards another waterfall that I think is on Rush Creek after passing over the bridge spanning Boy-Ull Creek
Looking towards another waterfall that I think is on Rush Creek after passing over the bridge spanning Boy-Ull Creek

After about 800m from the Tallanbana Picnic Area (or about 400m past the bridge over Boy-Ull Creek), I reached a trail junction.

At this point, I descended to the left to continue towards Twin Falls whereas the other path continued on the much longer Warrie Circuit.

The path went down a pair of very narrow concrete switchbacks with railings to hold onto if the path gets wet and slippery.

At the bottom of these switchbacks, there was a surprise waterfall that actually spilled next to the trail as well as another cascading waterfall (both of these falls almost made me mistaken them for Twin Falls).

Twin_Falls_150_07052022 - Looking back at a surprise waterfall that actually spilled onto the trail at times during my July 2022 visit (which happened after several straight days of relentless La Nina rains)
Looking back at a surprise waterfall that actually spilled onto the trail at times during my July 2022 visit (which happened after several straight days of relentless La Nina rains)

Going past the falls that was adjacent to the trail, the path then went beneath a jumble of wedged boulders making it almost seem like I was passing through tunnels and narrows.

After this boulder jumble section, the track then went to another signed fork, where both paths went to the Twin Falls though the upper path went through a rock cave.

Taking the path on the left, it briefly climbed before entering a very tall and elongated cave (which was really more like a large rock leaning against a cliff).

Beyond the cave, the path then followed a ledge that went behind the Twin Falls as it eventually curled to a bridge at the mouth of its plunge pool.

Twin_Falls_097_07052022 - Looking back at the Twin Falls and a bridge at the base of the plunge pool after having gone behind it on the short circuit track that involved going through a rock cave
Looking back at the Twin Falls and a bridge at the base of the plunge pool after having gone behind it on the short circuit track that involved going through a rock cave

Along the way, I also noticed another surprise waterfall that appeared to be on a temporary creek so perhaps it just benefitted from the La Nina rains during my visit.

At this point, I had the option to continue the Twin Falls Circuit, but because I was short on time, I opted to go back via the other short loop (the one that avoided the rock cave).

Then, I went back the way I came, where I ultimately got back to the car park after about 70 minutes away from the car (though I was a bit hasty because we had a tour to catch that day).

I’m sure given an opportunity to come back here, I’ll be keen on finishing the entire Twin Falls Circuit.

Twin_Falls_009_iPhone_07062022 - Pano mode look at the entirety of the plunge pool area and surroundings in front of the Twin Falls in Springbrook National Park
Pano mode look at the entirety of the plunge pool area and surroundings in front of the Twin Falls in Springbrook National Park

Heck, I might even try the Warrie Circuit to see what the bottom of Goomoolahra Falls is like.

Authorities

Twin 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.

Twin_Falls_004_07052022 - The Tallanbana Picnic Area went by these picnic shelters on the way to the Twin Falls Circuit Track
Twin_Falls_008_07052022 - Descending the well-marked and established track connecting the Tallanbana Picnic Area with the Twin Falls Circuit
Twin_Falls_009_07052022 - The Looking up at some interesting flower or plant growing out of another tree by the Twin Falls Circuit Track
Twin_Falls_013_07052022 - Continuing down the well-marked track leading to the Twin Falls Circuit Track
Twin_Falls_016_07052022 - Walking underneath a leaning tree that looked like it will eventually finish falling over and become an obstacle on the Twin Falls Circuit Track
Twin_Falls_017_07052022 - Looking over the brink of Twin Falls from a bridge over Boy-Ull Creek
Twin_Falls_034_07052022 - Continuing along the ledge track beyond the Boy-Ull Creek Crossing as I descended towards the Twin Falls Circuit Track
Twin_Falls_035_07052022 - Descending narrow concrete switchbacks as the track descended the escarpment and started to go to the bottoms of the waterfalls that I had heard but not really seen up to this point
Twin_Falls_042_07052022 - Looking back at a hidden waterfall that spilled right onto the Twin Falls Circuit at times during my July 2022 visit
Twin_Falls_044_07052022 - Looking back at a rock-wedge tunnel on the Twin Falls Circuit Track during my July 2022 visit
Twin_Falls_047_07052022 - Squeezing my way through this narrow between fallen boulders on the Twin Falls Circuit Track
Twin_Falls_053_07052022 - Descending more switchbacks on the way down to the Twin Falls
Twin_Falls_055_07052022 - Looking up towards another hidden waterfall that was flowing well during my visit in July 2022
Twin_Falls_059_07052022 - Rare sun breaking through to the Twin Falls Circuit Track during my July 2022 visit, which had been persistently rainy for almost the entire time we were in Queensland
Twin_Falls_064_07052022 - Signed split in the trail where the path ascending on the left went up to a rock cave en route to Twin Falls, while the other path went right to the plunge pool of the Twin Falls
Twin_Falls_066_07052022 - Looking back at another cascade spilling beneath the Twin Falls Track
Twin_Falls_072_07052022 - Looking ahead at the split in the Twin Falls Circuit from the upper fork that went to the rock cave
Twin_Falls_075_07052022 - Following the upper path with the rainforest backdrop shortly before reaching the tall rock cave on the way to Twin Falls
Twin_Falls_077_07052022 - One guy about to go into the tall rock cave en route to the Twin Falls
Twin_Falls_079_07052022 - A closer look at the entrance to the rock cave on the way to the Twin Falls
Twin_Falls_081_07052022 - Inside the rock cave, which was really more like a 'tunnel' formed by huge boulders or cliffs that were leaning on each other
Twin_Falls_082_07052022 - Looking back at one entrance of the 'rock cave' that I went through to get to the Twin Falls
Twin_Falls_084_07052022 - After emerging from the rock cave, the path continued to cling to a ledge as it made its final approach to the backside of the Twin Falls
Twin_Falls_087_07052022 - Finally starting to get my first glimpse of the Twin Falls on the way to the waterfall's backside
Twin_Falls_089_07052022 - Looking back at the profile of a healthy-flowing Twin Falls (aided by the La Nina rains during my July 2022 visit) after having gone behind it
Twin_Falls_090_07052022 - Looking up at another surprise waterfall almost opposite the Twin Falls though I wonder if this was more ephemeral and only aided by the La Nina rains during my July 2022 visit
Twin_Falls_093_07052022 - Getting further away from the Twin Falls to see more of a separation between its segments
Twin_Falls_103_07052022 - More angled frontal look at the top of Twin Falls as I got further away on the short circuit track
Twin_Falls_111_07052022 - Direct frontal look at the Twin Falls with some people for a sense of scale
Twin_Falls_121_07052022 - After having my fill of the Twin Falls, it was time to head back to the Tallanbana Picnic Area
Twin_Falls_126_07052022 - Outside of the rock cave, as I made my return, I noticed there were more overhangs and leaning rocks that gave rise to that rock cave by the Twin Falls in the first place
Twin_Falls_130_07052022 - Looking up towards what I think is the exterior wall of the rock cave that I had passed through on the way to Twin Falls earlier on
Twin_Falls_131_07052022 - Another look up towards the exterior of the rock cave near Twin Falls as seen on the way back
Twin_Falls_136_07052022 - Getting to enjoy the rainforest scenery on the way back from Twin Falls after doing the short circuit
Twin_Falls_147_07052022 - Another look at the surprise hidden waterfall near the ascent back up the escarpment on the way back to the Tallanbana Picnic Area
Twin_Falls_149_07052022 - Going back towards the rock squeeze area on the way back up to the Tallanbana Picnic Area
Twin_Falls_153_07052022 - The sun starting to persist more as I was making my way back to the Tallanbana Picnic Area
Twin_Falls_155_07052022 - After going past the Boy-Ull Creek bridge again, I had to do the final ascent back through the Tallanbana Picnic Area to regain the car
Twin_Falls_157_07052022 - Continuing the final ascent through the Tallanbana Picnic Area to regain the car and end my short circuit excursion of the Twin Falls in July 2022


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).

Drive_to_Purling_Brook_019_iPhone_07062022 - On the drive to the Tallanbana Picnic Area, 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 to the Tallanbana Picnic Area, there was this interesting split in the road where each direction were actually one-way as the road split around a cliff

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.

Twin_Falls_002_07052022 - The car park for the Tallanbana Picnic Area, which is where I started the short circuit walk taking in Twin Falls
The car park for the Tallanbana Picnic Area, which is where I started the short circuit walk taking in Twin Falls

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, we’d drive about 9km towards the signed Tallanbana Picnic Area on the left (note there is limited parking here).

Overall, this drive would take around an hour (possibly more depending on traffic and the traffic lights).

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

Twin_Falls_001_07052022 - Looking back at the other end of the limited spaced car park area for the Tallanbana Picnic Area
Looking back at the other end of the limited spaced car park area for the Tallanbana Picnic Area

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.

Find A Place To Stay



Booking.com

Checking out a side waterfall that spills onto the Twin Falls Trail with some wedged boulders above


Long video showing both sides to Twin Falls as well as its back side


Back and forth sweep starting with profile view of Twin Falls before panning to side waterfall and then finally panning back


Direct look at Twin Falls with slow and deliberate top down sweeps


Checking out the base of Twin Falls as seen from the bridge across from it

Related Top 10 Lists

No Posts Found

Trip Planning Resources


Nearby Accommodations




Booking.com


Tagged with: springbrook, gold coast, hinterland, tallanbana, twin falls circuit, warrie circuit, boy-ull creek, rush creek, rock cave, queensland, surfers paradise



Visitor Comments:

Got something you'd like to share or say to keep the conversation going? Feel free to leave a comment below...

No users have replied to the content on this page


Share your thoughts about what you've read on this page

You must be logged in to submit content. Refresh this page after you have logged in.

Visitor Reviews of this Waterfall:

If you have a waterfall story or write-up that you'd like to share, feel free to click the button below and fill out the form...

Twin Falls April 7, 2009 11:04 am by Chris L - There are many waterfalls at Springbrook National Park in Southern Queensland, but if I had to pick a favourite it would have to be Twin Falls, a 40 metre drop on the Eastern side of the escarpment. The two waterfalls then cascade further down the mountain, as can be seen to good effect from Canyon… ...Read More

Have you been to a waterfall? Submit a write-up/review and share your experiences or impressions

Review A Waterfall

Nearest Waterfalls

The Waterfaller Newsletter

The Waterfaller Newsletter is where we curate the wealth of information on the World of Waterfalls website and deliver it to you in bite-sized chunks in your email inbox. You'll also get exclusive content like...

  • Waterfall Wednesdays
  • Insider Tips
  • User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month
  • and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls


How To Build A Profitable Travel Blog In 4 Steps

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.