The best waterfall hikes and walks in Tamborine National Park

Sandy Creek Circuit is a short rainforest walk in the Knoll section of Tamborine National Park, winding through lush subtropical forest to Cameron Falls and several scenic lookouts. It's a mostly shaded pathway under towering strangler figs, palms, and dense vegetation, with sections overlooking the surrounding valley toward the Scenic Rim and the coast in the distance. There are creek crossings, mossy rocks, and the sounds of flowing water create a lovely, peaceful atmosphere the entire way.

Cameron Falls Lookout is a small viewing platform with beautiful views of the cascade plunging through a steep, forested gorge. Reached by a short side track near the falls, the lookout also opens to sweeping views across surrounding valleys toward Mount Flinders and Brisbane in the distance. Surrounded by subtropical rainforest and sandstone escarpments, it’s a peaceful spot, especially picturesque after rain when the waterfall is flowing strongly.

Tamborine National Park is Queensland’s oldest national park, protecting pockets of subtropical rainforest, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes across Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast hinterland. Spread across several sections, the park includes walking tracks through ancient forest, creeks, rock formations, and lookouts with views toward the Scenic Rim, the Gold Coast, and surrounding valleys. Lush rainforest, birdlife, and the cool mountain scenery give the park a peaceful feel, despite its proximity to nearby towns and the coast.

Cedar Creek Falls drops over a basalt rock face into a series of rock pools below, forming one of the main features of this section of Tamborine National Park. The flow changes a lot depending on recent rainfall. At the base, the creek opens into clear pools surrounded by rock ledges, which can be used for swimming when conditions are safe.

A short walk from the car park brings you to Cedar Creek Falls lookout, where you’re looking straight across the gorge to the falls as they drop over the basalt rock face below. After rain, the water flow is much stronger, while in drier periods it can slow to a trickle, so timing does make a difference. The path to the lookout is paved and mostly level, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs with assistance. There are railings at the viewing area, but it’s still worth keeping back from the edges, especially when it’s wet.

The Cedar Creek section of Tamborine National Park is one of the most visited areas on the mountain, known for its open eucalypt forest, waterfall lookouts, and access down to the rock pools below. This is where you’ll find Cedar Creek Falls, with short, well-marked tracks leading to both the lookout and the creek itself. There’s no entry fee, and facilities here are more developed than other sections, with a large picnic area, tables, toilets, and a car park near the track entrance. Keep in mind, it can get busy, especially on weekends, and parking is limited. The area is open during the day only, with gates closed at night.

While visiting the Joalah Section of Tamborine National Park, if you want to see more dense jungle past the main Curtis Falls, continue your hike to Lower Creek Circuit. This loop is very well maintained, but it can stay slippery after rain. The lush forest is typically filled with the songs of birds, and keep your eyes peeled for more wildlife like koalas, pademelons, and the large land mullet skinks.

Curtis Falls is easily accessible from the parking area, and it's beautiful, too. The falls are a short 1.5-kilometer walk, and they plunge from a dark basalt rock ledge into a blue pool at the bottom. Swimming is not allowed here, as the area is home to sensitive glow worms and other freshwater animals. The best time to visit is after rainfall when the flow is stronger, though the creek usually runs year-round.