Top Things to do in Gold Coast
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The 8 Best National Parks in Gold Coast, Queensland
Discover the best top things to do in Gold Coast, Australia including Springbrook National Park, Natural Bridge, Les Rodgers Memorial Park, Tumgun Lookout, Burleigh Head National Park, Nerang National Park, Southern Moreton Bay Islands National Park, Nicoll Scrub National Park.
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1. Springbrook National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Reviewed By LeanneP188 - Cardiff, Australia
I spent a single day exploring this park and have set out what I was able to see in a single day and have suggested a timeline for anyone who is planning a similar day trip. The park is approx 1 hour from the Gold Coast. I was visiting at the end of October and set out about 8 am in a southwards direction towards Neranwood. The temperature in the park when I arrived about 9am was between 3 and 5 degrees cooler than the coast, so it was no hotter than 25 even though it was 28 on the coast. My first stop was the 'best of all' look out at the far end of the eastern ‘branch’ of the park. There is a 300m easy walk on a paved surface to the lookout which is spectacular. You can see Byron Bay from here on a clear day. Drive back along Repeater Station Road and turn right onto Springbrook Road and drive to the end which brings you to a picnic area and Goomoolahra falls. There is a 100 m walk to the falls, which are quite small, and the lookout, which gives you a view back towards the coast. From there drive back towards the Tallanbana picnic area. From here you can take the 90 min walk to the base of the twin falls. There is no view of these falls from anywhere except the base. You need to be quite sure footed as the path is largely unsealed and contains a number of sections of uneven steps. At the base of the falls is a pool which is swimmable but the base of the pool is quite rocky and entry and exit are not easy. Small children would need to be assisted in and out of the water. I’m in my 50s and while I walk regularly on level surfaces, the walk back up is challenging and I had to stop 3 or 4 times to have a few minutes rest. Even with the rests, I still made the return trip in the 90 minute time estimated. I then drove back along Springbrook Road and turned right onto Boy Ull Road which takes you directly to the Canyon lookout. From here you can view Purlingbrook falls from the top. You can walk to the base which would be a similar walk to the twin falls. If you are doing one or the other I think the twin falls walk is more worthwhile because you can't see those falls from anywhere but the base, and you can also swim at the base if you like. By this time it was approx 12.30. I had a packed lunch with me but there enough eateries around that you will be able to find something to suit you. I then drove to the Natural Bridge which is on the western arm of the park. This takes you through a steep descent into the Nunimbah valley which is green and lovely with the mountains behind it. There is a very nice park and picnic area running alongside the Nerang River which would be a good place for a late lunch. A little way past the park turn left onto Bakers Road which takes you to the Natural Bridge. I spent about half an hour here walking around the track that takes you to the bridge, which can be viewed from two sides. Note that despite the beautiful pictures of the water here, swimming is prohibited due to effects on the glowworm habitat. I drove back to the coast via the Nerang Murwillambah road which takes you past Advancetown Lake and the Hinze Dam, which is on the northern end of the lake. Turn right onto Advancetown Road to access the dam. This is worth having a look at if only (when the water levels are low) to snap a few photos of the whitened dead trees against the blue of the lake. This route brings you back to the coast from the northern end and I arrived about 4.30 pm.
2. Natural Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 865 reviews
Reviewed By bobjanh - Brisbane, Australia
Natural Bridge is well worth a visit: sealed road access all the way with a well made 2km circuit track from the car park down to the rock formation and back. A bit steep in places but easily doable if slow and steady: I would recommend doing clockwise to get the easier uphill direction on return. Be sure to look for the bat colony when you get to the bottom.
3. Les Rodgers Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By mdjohnst - Royal Wootton Bassett, United Kingdom
Just past Macintosh Island park is a wildlife sanctuary. Great if you like wildlife, great if you like picnics and generally great to visit for any reason.
4. Tumgun Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By RogerSabrina - Burleigh Heads, Australia
The Tumgum lookout is a nice and easy walk either from Burleigh Point or from the Tullebudgera Creek bridge. The walk through the national park forrest is beautiful and peaceful ad the view from the lookout is also nice.
5. Burleigh Head National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
Reviewed By 333Sally333 - Burleigh Heads, Australia
The national park at Burleigh Heads is a treasure...it over looks the the ocean and puts you in touch with wildlife and nature. There are 2 main walking tracks - the lower track is easy and only takes about 15 mins to reach the other end, which is the Tallebudgera creek bridge, which you can then go for a swim in the creek. The upper track is a bit more challenging and hilly but worth it for the views at the top. It also ends at the same place as the lower track. You can walk one way on the lower track and come back on the upper so you cover both tracks. There are lots of vantage points along the way to watch the surfers catch waves or watch boats go across the breakers into the creek. Many bush turkeys make their homes in the park as well as many lizards and i have also spotted an echidna - so amazing. Its a nice stroll up from the village of Burleigh. Many people use it as their running route.
