Best Waterfalls on the Gold Coast: Hidden Gems, Rainforest Walks & Swimming Spots

Beyond the beaches and buzzing coastal suburbs, the Gold Coast is home to some of Australia’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Hidden within ancient rainforests, dramatic gorges and lush national parks, these natural wonders are the perfect excuse to explore the Gold Coast Hinterland.

From the iconic Twin Falls and the towering Purling Brook Falls in Springbrook National Park to the serene beauty of Curtis Falls on Mount Tamborine, each waterfall offers its own unforgettable experience, whether that’s an easy rainforest stroll, a challenging hike, glow worms at dusk or a refreshing swim beneath cascading water. If you’re searching for the best waterfalls on the Gold Coast, this guide will take you to the region’s most spectacular spots worth adding to your next Hinterland adventure.

Twin Falls

Located in the wilderness of Springbrook National Park, Twin Falls Circuit is arguably one of the best short walks in Australia. It’s one of those special places where the power and beauty of nature does something to your nervous system. 

The 4km trail leads from along the clifftops down into the gorge below, through fern-filled rainforests and behind an enormous horseshoe shaped waterfall. At one stage, you pass through a narrow, rocky chasm with a large boulder lodged above. 

Curtis Falls

This popular waterfall is found in the gorgeous Mount Tamborine region of the Gold Coast hinterland, making it the perfect pit stop on a day trip visiting local distilleries and breweries, Gallery Walk and natural attractions.

Curtis Falls is accessed via a short and easy 1km return walk through sub-tropical rainforest to this stunning spot although there is some steps and uneven terrain. If you walk quietly and keep your eyes open you’re likely to spot some local wildlife like lizards, wallabies, koalas, bird life and turtles sunning themselves in the creek. The track emerges from the bush to reveal a lush grotto and serene, shady pool where you can take in the beauty from the viewing platform.   

Purling Brook Falls

Purling Brook Falls (picutre in main image) is a horsetail waterfall located in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Gondwana Rainforest of Springbrook National Park. It's one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the region, plunging 300 feet into a gorge. The walking circuit to the base of the falls is a 4km return trip that will take approximately two hours. It’s certainly not a stroll – there are some steep ascents and 265 steps on the way. It’s less gruelling if you walk the circuit in a clockwise direction.

It’s a stunning walk through Gondwana and Eucalypt forests teeming with wildlife, down into the gorge, where you can enjoy fantastic views of the falls from below and cool down in the refreshing spray.Swimming is prohibited at the base of the Purling Brook Falls, but if you've got time, detour on the Warringa Pool track, which leads downstream from the base of the falls. It will add another 2 kilometres (approx. 40 mins return) to your hike but a dip in the cool fresh water swimming hole will be well worth it on a hot day.

For those who want to enjoy the view without the hike, there's a viewing platform a short walk from the car park where you can enjoy the vistas across thickly forested gorges and cliffs, and watch the water falling from above.

Natural Bridge

One of the most incredible sights to see on the Gold Coast is Natural Bridge in the Numinbah Valley. There is an easy 1km circuit takes you above, below and around the beautiful spot (walk it in a clockwise direction). The best time to go is in the late afternoon so you can stay until the sun has gone down and see the incredible glow worms as they light up the cave with their ethereal glow, and if you’re lucky the fireflies too.

Cedar Creek Falls

Another magical Gold Coast waterfall that’s well worth exploring is Cedar Creek Falls in Mount Tamborine. A 1.4km walking track follows the creek as it cascades down an open canyon into a series of crystal clear rock pools. This is one waterfall you can swim at and with plenty of shade and scenery along the creek, it’s a very popular spot in summer for picnics. A dip in cold, clear water will make you feel instantly rejuvenated on a hot day. 

Cougal Cascades

Cougal Cascades is 20km inland from Currumbin Beach - just follow Currumbin Creek Road all the way to the end. From the car park, a sealed 1.6km walking track winds through the subtropical rainforest alongside a freshwater creek that culminates in a cascade of water down a flat rock face into a spectacular swimming hole. You can admire the cascades from the viewing platform or boulder hop down the creek bed to reach the water. Go carefully as the rocks can be slippery and there's no phone reception here. The largest pool at the base of the falls is good for swimming or you can follow the creek to explore numerous smaller swimming holes upstream.

Morans Falls

Morans Falls is a great place to sit, relax and watch the sun set. This place, while still in the Lamington National Park, is in the Green Mountain section. Getting to Morans Falls is a rather easy 4.6km return walk, and the entrance to the track is just down the main road from the peaceful O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

Elabana Falls

This waterfall is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Lamington National Park. It is an 8km return trip making up part of the Box Forest Circuit. If you’re feeling up to it, walk a little further to take in the beautiful serenity of Box Log Falls.

Box Log Falls

Box Log Falls is one of many waterfalls you will pass along the Box Forest Circuit, which starts from the O’Reilly’s Carpark. The Circuit is a 10.6km hike so come prepared with good walking shoes, water and supplies – but rest assured, it is well worth the effort.

Mirror Falls

Some of the most spectacular waterfalls on the Gold Coast are found along the Albert River Circuit which starts at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. At 20.6km long it's an advenced hike, but the enchanting sight of the falls including the stunning Mirror Falls make it all worthwhile and the untouched terrain you travel through will fill you with wonder.

Tips for Visiting Gold Coast Waterfalls

Walking in these places is a privilege. Treat the natural world as precious, because it is. Practice minimal impact bushwalking. Stick to the marked trails and take any rubbish with you.

Be prepared - wear sturdy shoes, bring water with you and check the weather forecast.

Swimming is prohibited at many of these waterfalls including Natural Bridge, Curtis Falls and Purling Brook Falls in order to protect the delicate ecosystem and colonies of creatures like glow worms, microbats and platypus. 

Check Queensland Parks and Forests website for up to date information on each hike or walking circuit. Some tracks may be temporarily closed due to flooding or storm damage. 

Depending on recent rainfall, these waterfalls could be lazy trickle or roaring torrents. Rocks and terrain around waterfalls and cliff edges may be very slippery - act with caution and stay back from steep drops.

All these beautiful places are on Yugumbeh Country - learn more about the ancient culture of our First Nations people and their continuing connection with the land here.

Want to discover more magical spots in nature? Explore These 6 Hidden Swimming Holes & Rock Pools.