Swim, hike and snap pics for the ‘gram at the best waterfalls on the Gold Coast

Cougal Cascades: Mount Cougal forms part of Springbrook National Park and is closer than you think. Just drive straight to the end of Currumbin Valley and keep going past Camp Eden through to the car park. From here, take a leisurely stroll through the rainforest, and you’ll soon come across the popular Cougal Cascades and rock pools. If you keep following the track along the creek, you will also come across the remains of a 1940s sawmill – neat!

Natural Bridge: No list of waterfalls on the Gold Coast is complete without mentioning Natural Bridge in the Numinbah Valley’s Springbrook National Park. The hike itself is a simple 1-km circuit past lush greenery that will eventually lead you to the famous Natural Bridge falls. We recommend heading out later in the afternoon, as you may be lucky enough to see glow worms and fireflies once the sun goes down.

Purling Brook Falls: Also located in Springbrook National Park is one of the Gold Coast’s more dramatic waterfalls – Purling Brook Falls. The 4-km walking circuit will take most hikers around two hours, with a few steep ascents and a casual 256 steps thrown in along the way. Trust us when we say it is worth it, and your hard work will pay off when you come face-to-face with Purling Brook’s 300 feet plunge of cascading water into the gorge. Expect Eucalypt forests, plenty of wildlife and a refreshing spray from the falls during your trip.

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Curtis Falls: Located along Curtis Road on Mount Tamborine, Curtis Falls is part of Tamborine National Park. Take a walk through the lush rainforest before reaching the mesmerising waterfall. Get your iPhone ready – there will be plenty of shots worthy of your ‘gram.

Gorge Falls: This not-so-secret spot is nestled at the very end of Tallebudgera Valley. Google will take your car to a dead end, where you’ll need to jump out and start strolling along the track and over a few creek crossings. The 20-minute walk will take you through some breathtaking surroundings before you finish walking upstream to stare at the gorge-ous Gorge Falls.