Gold Coast’s best waterfalls are perfect to visit after city’s recent rain: Backyard Tourist

IF you thought the recent rain was a damper on your beach plans, think again. It’s the perfect thing to top up our water systems — and our waterfalls.

Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook, Gold Coast. Picture: Tynan Holmes @ty_holmsey

THANKS to recent storms that have passed over the region our waterfalls are well and truly flowing.

That makes the next few weeks a great time to visit the Coast’s waterfalls to see them in full force.

There’s not a lot more magical than seeing thousands of litres of water cascade over a sheer cliff in spectacular fashion, especially if it’s topped off with a rainbow.

Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook, Gold Coast. Picture: Peter and Denise Unger @4foottravellers

My favourite waterfall is Purling Brook Falls at Springbrook because of its easy access and relatively short walk.

It’s also pretty amazing that you can walk a winding trail across the creek feeding the 100m or so waterfall and then below it as well. That means double the beautiful pictures.

Elabana Falls, Lamington National Park, Gold Coast. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jason Charles Hill

And if you’re keen for a swim, simply wander over to Warringa Pool where you can go for a dip.

Cougal Cascades at Currumbin is also a firm favourite. – imagine dipping into an emerald lake with a series of small waterfalls.

Cougal Cascades. Pic from @kyanlazarus

Again, it’s an easy walk – only about 500m – from the car park before you find yourself immersed in tranquillity.

And lastly Elabana Falls at O’Reilly’s is a true jewel tucked away in a subtropical rainforest. These gorgeous waterfalls are mesmerising and a photographer’s dream with numerous falls snaking their way down to a rock pool.

While the walk to get there – and then back again of course – is a 7.6km round trip, it’s very much worth the effort.

Prepare appropriately for that trek including plenty of drinking water, solid footwear, and a hat – and don’t forget the camera.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE... DO

The treetop walk is 800m of suspended bridges through the O'Reilly's Rainforest and is free for the public to enjoy.

IF you’re heading to Elabana Falls, take an extra hour out to enjoy Tree Top Walk at O’Reilly’s.

A short walk from the restaurant, visitors just need to follow the Booyong Walk to the suspension bridges.

Soon you’ll be 16m above the forest floor taking in all the greenery and ancient trees.

The walk consists of nine suspension bridges and was the first created in the world.

If you’re a little more daring, take the extra steps up to a viewing platform, another 14 metres higher.

It’s a stunning experience and you’re social media accounts are going to love it.

DISCOVER

A Land Mullet in O'Reilly's. Pic Megan Cullen.

EVER heard of a land mullet?

No, it’s not a fish on land, although you could be forgiven thinking it’s a bit of an odd creature.

Basically, it’s a shiny black skink — and it’s big. The world’s largest skink actually.

The lizard grows up to 40cm long and there’s a pretty good chance you can see the skink at Springbrook if you’re nice and quiet.

You can also expect to see goannas, red-necked pademelons, pythons, crimson rosellas and lorikeets. If you’re lucky, you could even see a koala, so keep the noise down and your eyes open.

EAT AND DRINK

Black Sheep Espresso Baa. Picture Glenn Hampson

YOU won’t just be impressed by the puns at Coolangatta’s Black Sheep Espresso ‘Baa.’

You’ll also be impressed by their ‘men-ewe.’

This little cafe right in the heart of Coolangatta has great views of the beach.

You know, the gold in front of the green.

This place has the traditional bacon and egg rolls, acai bowls, avocado on toast and bacon and eggs.

But also something a little different, like French toast with banana and bacon, or zucchini corn fritters. They also take their coffee pretty seriously, so make sure you give it a go.