Despite being renowned for its beaches, the Gold Coast also serves up some of the best natural highlights that can only be truly appreciated on foot.
From the coast to the hinterland, this is your guide to the top 5 family-friendly bushwalks to give you some great ideas for your next Gold Coast getaway.
1. Natural Arch
Nestled in Springbrook National Park is one of the Gold Coast’s finest natural gems, Natural Arch. Formed by the force of the water on the basalt rock, the waterfall now falls into the heart of a cave that also houses of the region’s most spectacular colonies of glow worms. The cave is easily accessible and is just a 1km return trip amongst the stunning fauna and is worth a visit during the day and the evening.
Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park, QLD 4211
© Photo courtesy of Gold Coast Tourism
2. Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
Featuring forest floor trails, 300 metres of steel bridges amongst the canopy and a 40 metre cantilever bridge, this is one of the most exciting and unique ways to experience the Gold Coast hinterland. Just 1.5km in length, the entire circuit takes 45 minutes at a leisurely pace and offers picture perfect views of Tamborine Mountain from 30 metres above the creek and rainforest below.
333 Geissmann Drive, Mt Tamborine, QLD 4272
© Photo courtesy of Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
3. Burleigh Headland
Get the best of both worlds on the Burleigh Headland walk, from rainforest one minute to world class views of our iconic coastline the next. This walk is a favourite for both locals and visitors, enticing them with some of the best coastal views on offer. Take the 2.3km return rainforest track or the 1.3km Oceanway walk to Tumgun lookout and uncover sweeping views of the southern Gold Coast as far as the eye can see.
Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads, QLD 4220
© Photo courtesy of Gold Coast Tourism
4. Curtis Falls
Embark on an enchanting 1.1km walk through Tamborine Mountain’s towering gums and wet eucalypt forests to Curtis Falls, a raging curtain of water that plummets into the pool below. You will not only be captivated by the falls, but may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of basking turtles and even the local platypus as they play in the pool below.
Dapsang Drive, Eagle Heights, QLD 4271
© Photo courtesy of Gold Coast Tourism
5. Cougal Cascades
The journey to the Cougal Cascades is just as breathtaking as the destination. At the end of the scenic Currumbin Creek Road in Currumbin Valley is one of the Gold Coast’s most beautiful waterfalls. Situated in Springbrook National Park, take a short 1.6km bushwalk amongst the cool mountain air to the cascading falls. This walk is suitable for all ages and with a wide bitumen path, makes for easy wheelchair access.
End Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley, QLD 4223
© Photo courtesy of Connecting Southern Gold Coast
