Backyard Tourist: Coomera Falls at Coomera Circuit, Binna Burra on the Gold Coast

This impressive waterfall is called Coomera Falls — but it’s nowhere near the Coast’s northern suburbs. To find this hidden gem it’s time to head deep into the Hinterland.

Waterfalls in Coomera, you ask?

That was my first thought too when I first heard the name — Coomera Falls.

Unfortunately, while it’s not a secretive waterfall tucked away in the northern suburbs, it is a good excuse to drive up the mountain to the evergreen rainforest that is Binna Burra.

Lamington National Park: Coomera Falls. Picture: Harrison Candlin

That’s the best thing about this spot, just when you think you’ve visited all the circuits, you realise there’s yet another track that needs exploring.

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This one, Coomera Circuit is for avid hikers though.

It’s a good 17.4km long and seven hours — so a fall day — is recommended to follow this circuit the way through.

70m Coomera Falls (L) and 165m Yarrabilgong Falls (R) drop into Coomera Gorge in Lamington National Park, 6km from Binna Burra Lodge.

Set in the Beechmont Range and Coomera Valley, walkers are immersed greenery, passing lots of small cascades and falls in the world heritage-listed park.

It can be a bit slippery, so mind your step. Though you might enjoy a little rock-hopping.

The first waterfall you hit is Coomera Falls, which is about 70m tall.

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Out on the Coomera Circuit. Picture: Bob Fairless

Later, there’s a great lookout which hangs over a gorge and where you can spot the looming waterfall Gwongorbulli Falls.

Keep an eye out for birdlife and of course, little wallabies silently padding through the bush.

As you wind your way across the Coomera River during the walk, keep an eye out for the ultra-rare blue and white spiny crayfish that live here.

And as always, keep your camera ready.

DISCOVER

Pictured at the Gold Coast War Museum at Mudgeeraba is Curator Bob Meehan OAM. Picture Mike Batterham

Perhaps best saved for a day with a little more time, the Gold Coast War Museum is a great little piece of history tucked away in the Hinterland.

Located in Mudgeeraba, visitors can view impressive collections of war memorabilia in an interesting history centre.

There’s a large helicopter and tank on display, as well as items carefully selected to be on show.

Next door, punters can view replica weapons at the Collector’s Armoury, while Skirmish HQ allows you to vent any sort of frustration through a good game of outdoor paintball.

Tickets to the museum cost $15, while skirmish starts at $49.

EAT AND DRINK

Yummy! Photo: Kit Wise

The View Cafe at Hinze Dam is a great little stop over for breakfast if you only plan to do a half-day of hiking at Binna Burra.

Situated right on the doorstep of Hinze Dam, the cafe offers beautiful views across the water and offers a solid menu with something for everyone.

For something a bit naughty, try their bacon and egg roll.

If you’re craving something green they have avocado on toast with basil pesto and roma tomatoes.

Lunch has a number of hearty meals, including your old favourites like a beef burger or fish and chips, or something more sophisticated, like a pulled pork sandwich or garlic prawn and mushroom spaghetti.

Open 7 days a week from 8am.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

The stunning blue of the Hinze Dam from Gold Coast timelapse Part 2. Photo: Tim Caraco

If you’ve decided on the View Cafe for a bite to eat and have a little spare time over, go for a relaxing stroll at Hinze Dam.

The structure originally cost $359m when it was constructed in 1976, before being raised another 15m in 1989.

Visitors to the spot can read more about its history at the visitor’s centre and later walk the dam wall, a 4km round trip.

My favourite part about the dam though are the ‘ghost trees’ that fringe the shallow parts of the dam, adding a line of grey to an otherwise green and blue landscape.

The dam is also popular with anglers thanks to a stable population of saratoga and bass fish for catch and release.