The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Bally Mountain Conservation Area Nature Refuge

Springbrook National Park covers approximately 6,725 hectares (about 67 km²) and is a protected area in Queensland’s Gold Coast hinterland, forming part of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. It features a diverse landscape of subtropical and temperate rainforests, eucalypt forests, cliffs, and more than a dozen waterfalls sculpted by the ancient Tweed volcano. The park is known for its scenic lookouts, high rainfall environment, and network of walking tracks across four main sections.

The Cream Track is a long and challenging historic walking route from Tallebudgera Valley to the Springbrook Plateau, following a former dairy transport path. This section leading to the falls is a shaded rainforest path with several creek crossings and uneven terrain, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear, as you'll likely get your feet wet on the way. After the third crossing, a short climb leads to a junction with a few constructed steps on the main track, and a narrower path to the left that continues to follow the creek upstream to reach Gorge Falls.

Gorge Falls is a hidden gem, accessible via a rough side path that splits off from the Cream Track. The waterfall flows into a narrow, shaded pool surrounded by lush rainforest and steep, rocky cliffs, creating a more intimate and secluded atmosphere than many of the park's more famous waterfalls. Its remote setting contributes to its tranquillity and rugged charm, attracting mostly experienced walkers who are familiar with the route.

Warringa Pool is a deep, clear swimming hole along Little Nerang Creek, surrounded by dense rainforest. One of the few places in the park where swimming is permitted, the pool is fed by a small cascade at its upper end, with smooth rock edges and a more sheltered setting than the main falls. The name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning “cool place.” It’s reached via a short side track off the main circuit near the base of Purling Brook Falls. Getting to the pool involves uneven ground and rocky surfaces, which can be slippery, especially after rain. However, the pool is best visited after heavy rainfall.

The Purling Brook Falls Circuit is a Grade 3 loop that typically takes about two hours to complete from the Gwongorella picnic area. It descends through open eucalypt forest into a rainforest gorge, offering views of the falls from both the top and base, before crossing a suspension bridge and climbing back to the plateau. The track is well-formed but includes steep sections, steps and cliff-edge environments, so moderate fitness and care are recommended, especially for families walking with small children.

The John Stacey Suspension Bridge spans Little Nerang Creek below Purling Brook Falls, forming a key link in the walking circuit through the gorge. Opened in 2015, it provides elevated vantage points both upstream to the waterfall and downstream to smaller cascades while allowing visitors to avoid landslip-prone sections of the old track. The bridge and associated track upgrades were designed to improve safety and reconnect the circuit within the World Heritage-listed rainforest.

This lookout is a short walk from the Gwongorella Picnic Ground, providing an elevated vantage point near the top of the escarpment. From the platform, you can look across the gorge toward the waterfall as it plunges roughly 100 metres into the rainforest valley below, with views extending over the surrounding hinterland. It's one of the easiest ways to experience the scale of the falls without completing the full circuit walk.

Bring spare socks and a towel - the water in the pools are gorgeous