Gold Coast - Springbrook - Purling Brook Falls

If you really want to get rid of the concrete scenery, only half and hour west of Mudgeeraba in the center of the Gold Coast is the heritage listed Springbrook national park where you can enjoy the magnificent walks that surround the Purlingbrook Falls; the waterfall is the centerpiece for most visitors.  You can walk a few hundred meters to a viewing platform but by far the best views are had as you go along the walking track.

First view of the Purling Brook Falls waterfall along the walking track

The walks track along the valleys of the park and so are best done in comfortable walking shoes such as sandshoes.  The most popular walk is about 4km and is best taken in a clockwise direction.  You can walk right behind the waterfall.  If there has been a lot of rain, there may have been some rockslides that have closed sections of the walk but this is well signed at the top of the walk.  The beauty of this region is there are so many other choices; Natural Arch, Hinze Dam, Beechmont, Canungra, Best of all Lookout ...

Along the way. Water going over a waterfall.

Along the way. Vertical.

Monarch of the forest. Grand nature in Springbrook national park

To access this getaway, head to Mudgeeraba on the western fringe of the Gold Coast.  From here there are clear signs to Springbrook.  It is a scenic half an hour drive away; bitumen all the way.  There are all manner of cafes, museums and craft places along the route.  A large sign says you have reached Springbrook.  Once you reach the observatory, look to turn left.  There is ample parking, an area for the kids to run around a bit, barbecue and toilet facilities, and a cafe at the entrance. 


When you get out of the car you will notice the air is cooler than on the coast.  It feels fresh.  When you see the sign, go to the left path and follow the circuit.  Pace yourself.  It snakes along the valley, gradually working down and round to the base of the falls.  Sights and sounds along the way can disappear if you concentrate too much on the path, so make sure you stop to soak it all in.  It is awesome.  You can see the massive volcanic origins of this area all along the walk.  You wander amongst a staggering variety of vegetation and views; ancient plants, ancient geology.  When you reach the valley floor, you can extend the walk an extra 2km by taking the branch that leads out to the Waringa Pool and back.  Most just keep walking to the waterfall. 

Along the way.  Waterfalls, cliffs, rainforest

When the going is a bit steep, there are concrete steps, so footing is good all along the way.  There was no point where we felt we would slip over.  We saw kids in thongs doing the walk; even a fellow with bare feet.  Wouldn't recommend that footwear but there you go. 

A python enjoying a snooze in the sun

First glimpse of Purling Brook Falls

Nature's perfection

You can hear the falls long before you get there.  Then there it is; tumbling over 100m from a spot in the sky.  Down past trees, ferns and sheer volcanic cliffs; stunning.  Massively worth the walk.  More exciting is the walk behind the falls if the track is open; it usually is.  Rainbows appear and disappear at various points as you move around the base of the falls.

How's this for a magic scene?

Water falls from sky high cliffs at Purling Brook Falls

Enjoy being there.  Then head back up to the top.  We are not that fit and didn't have any trouble walking up to the top.  The track has been carefully planned so as many as possible can enjoy the experience.  There is a platform to take in the view from the top.  And ... you don't feel guilty indulging a bit at the cafe after burning up all that energy.  A wonderful, relaxing walk and beautiful destination. 



The hard bit about writing this story was choosing the photos to leave out.

The track behind the waterfall. Spectacular.

Gold Coast - Hinze Dam -Beechmont

Hinze Dam is the major water supply source for the Gold Coast.  It is a short drive, fewer than 30 km away.  It is easy to find the route via Mudgeeraba on the cental coast.  This is a great picnic spot, found so close to the Gold Coast strip.  It is a point of interest to visit along the way on a pleasant drive through the mountains.  There are many others.  We stopped at Hinze Dam for a look around and continued up along the ridge of Beechmont, towards  Canungra and looping back to the highway.  

On the way up to the dam you pass through forested scenery along the route with an occasional spring fed cascade splashing next to the bitumen.  A backdrop, refreshing and cool to drive in.  The way to the Dam is clearly signposted. 


Shady seat to look out over the lake



Spillway of Hinze Dam



Spillway with dam at 86%



Picnic spots, centre left and top right, below spillway



Observation area. Drinks and snacks available

On the way out from the Dam take the route to Beechmont.  It is magic scenery all along the way.  It ranges from closely treed mountains to open rolling pasture, green and lush.  You will pass higher up the range and drive past outlooks where you look down over the Dam.  Cruising along the ridge, we stopped to watch a couple of people fly model gliders.  We were amazed at how far and high the models could go.




A typical valley view near Beechmont



Pasture we drove past at Beechmont



Centre right is the silver streak of Purling Brook falls



Nature and plastic. Top left, eagle in flight, one of a pair; centre, model plane

This turned out to be an awesome Sunday Drive, somewhat unplanned as we had intended to go to the Dam and back.  The choice to go further via Beechmont was a bonus.  A good Sunday Drive turned great.

Gold Coast - Tamborine - Gallery Walk

For a special treat.   A short drive from the Gold Coast up to Tamborine has several pleasures.   Firstly the cooler air and roads lined with grassland which changes to rainforest as you get higher.   The country and mountain feel hits you early in the journey; you start to wind down soon after you leave the denseness of the Gold Coast coastal strip.   It is a amazing how quickly concrete city and dense population changes to lush verdant in so few kilometres.  For today's Sunday Drive we have chosen to take you to  'Gallery Walk' and the Mount Tamborine Brewery.


This Sunday Drive offers a huge mix of things to do: wine, beer and/or cheese tasting; hunting out weird wonderful souvenirs; a quiet coffee; dukkah tasting; browsing antique, jewelry, clothing and bric-a-brac stores; a long list for individual indulgences.  Scattered along the street are fairy, fudge, ice cream, book, and celtic stores; even places where you can get readings done.  There's just so much to see and do.


See the link on the right for directions.  Basically, you head north towards Brisbane and take exit 57 from the highway.  Directions are clearly posted.

When you arrive, you will be greeted by an avenue of treats. Shopfronts declaring all manner of tempting invitations to enter.  Parking is plentiful.  The hard part is knowing where to look first.



Scenery along the way

Gallery Walk

Architecture and goodies

Trees make a beautiful backdrop

As you wander through the scenery, you will find that several hours pass quickly.  Once inside you will be greeted by friendly local staff.  They are helpful, smiling and willing to stop and talk to you.  If you need information, just ask. You will be offered tastes, smells, instructions, history.  It all adds to the experience.  We asked one of the jewelry stores if we could photograph some of the items in the shop; all handmade with some spectacular settings and colors.



One of the fabulous diplays



Spectacular, hand-crafted  jewelry pieces



Champion dukkah sampler

Champion beer sampler

All that rummaging and foraging can make you hungry.  All tastes are catered for.  We walked to the end of the street to the Mount Tamborine Brewery which houses a cheese factory and a restaurant.  Lyn tried a bit of dukkah along the way.



Just a few of the tasty local cheeses

We had a feed and returned to the walk.  Just easy browsing.  What a fabulous way to spend a day.  A quick drive back down the mountain to the Gold Coast for a well-earned nanna nap.

Gold Coast - Tamborine - Tea & Niceties

For a special treat.  A short drive from the Gold Coast up to Tamborine has several pleasures.  Firstly the cooler air and roads lined with grassland which changes to rainforest as you get higher.  The country and mountain feel hits you early in the journey; you start to wind down soon after you leave the denseness of the Gold Coast coastal strip.  There are many interesting and exciting destinations that you could drive to on Tamborine.  For this Sunday Drive we have chosen 'Tea & Niceties'.  Find directions using the link on the right.  Basically, you head north towards Brisbane and take exit 57 from the highway.


We are taking you to 'Tea & Niceties' because it is a destination that can be enjoyed rain or shine.  Today it is rainy as I invite you along for High Tea.  Are you going stir crazy looking at four walls because it is raining, yet again?  Well this Sunday Drive will be just the right thing for you.  Take your wife, boyfriend, best group of buddies, or a special treat for granny.  You will be treated to High Tea at its finest.  Settings are elegant, service awesome.  You are barely aware of other patrons, such is the enjoyment.




Really makes you feel special

A beautiful setting. Leisure and pleasure



I was intrigued by the sugar cubes. Just that final caring touch.

How yum does this look?

It is easy to meander through a carefree couple of hours over tea, coffee and many temptations.  You may BYO if you want alcohol with your dining.  Settings are based on two people sharing. 
Bookings are essential. Thursday to Sunday sittings  phone: 07 5545 3645


You will return relaxed, knowing a bit more about your companion(s) after sharing such fineries and peaceful conversation over this meticulously planned experience.  Have a great day.

What a fun way to spend an afternoon