Backyard Tourist: Apple Tree Park at Springbrook a hidden gem for tranquility on Gold Coast

THE Gold Coast’s rainforests are one of our best kept secrets and recently I learned about this hidden gem. You could even bring your dog with you.

Apple Tree Park.

THE Gold Coast’s rainforests are one of our best kept secrets, mainly because so much of our tourism is beach focused.

For example, I learned about Apple Tree Park at Springbrook for the first time this week.

Yes, I’d been to Purlingbrook Falls before. No, I didn’t know there was a massive walk so close by.

Apple Tree Park, Springbrook. Picture: City of Gold Coast

Or I had conveniently forgotten. (See last week’s story about the best local walk for lazy people.)

In any case, this little gem is truly somewhere to get away from it all and just soak up our amazing greenery.

Fresh air, birds twittering and if you’re lucky, cicadas singing. Keep an eye out for wallabies pottering around and kookaburras resting in the trees as well.

Apple Tree Park, Springbrook. Picture: City of Gold Coast

Just a few kilometres from the Pine Creek and Springbrook Road intersection, the park not only connects to the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk which is 54 kilometres long, it also has a few shorter trails for those wanting to stretch their legs or maintain their fitness.

For the more adventurous, one of the trails will connect you with Woonoongoora Walkers camp. It’s a 1.9km trek and can be steep.

Apple Tree Park within Springbrook Conservation Area.

Oh, and there are also 900 steps to tackle but you are rewarded with great views so it’s worth it, right?

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But if you just want to relax and meander about, the humble park has some barbecue facilities, a picnic shelter, taps and toilets as well.

If you do decide to go for a wander on one of the shorter trails, remember it’s not a round trip and you will need to take the same route back to your car.

Happy walking!

DISCOVER

Springbrook’s Best of All Lookout.

WE’RE staying scenic today and Springbrook’s Best of All Lookout, located conveniently close to Apple Tree Park, is pretty awesome.

This lookout will stun you with its wide open space, with mountains edging your vision.

In the distance, you can eventually spot the ocean on the horizon, the mountains changing from hills into flatter expanses of land before high rises take over.

One of the best things about this wonderful view is that it’s so easy to access.

It’s only a short walk from the car park. Add it to your must-see list.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Looking up to the top of Purlingbrook Falls. Picture: Destination Gold Coast

A VISIT to Purlingbrook Falls while you’re checking out Apple Tree Park is a no-brainer.

Even if you’ve been there before, there’s always something new to spot.

I’m always amazed at the difference a bit of rain makes. If there’s been a fair bit, expect to see big volumes of water cascading over the cliff.

The walk to the falls is also not too arduous and I love spotting bearded dragons rustling through the undergrowth to sit proudly on a warm rock.

Don’t forget your camera.

EAT AND DRINK

Owner of Dancing Waters Cafe Ms Anastasia Theodore. Picture Mike Batterham

DANCING Waters Cafe at Springbrook is one of those cute, wholesome cafes for which the mountain is known.

Expect to find food for everyone, from vegans to coeliacs to those who enjoy a little more meat.

The food is seasonal and freshly made, so grab a cup of coffee while you wait. You might even spot some rainbow lorikeets perched on the balcony railings.

Foodies can chow down on a mountain mince toastie, Numinbah nachoes, fluffy scones, apple and raspberry crumbles, upside down cake or wraps.

The cafe is open from 10.30am to 2.30pm Wednesday to Monday. On weekends the cafe is open an hour longer.