Backyard Tourist: Discover Gold Coast’s waterfall waterslide — Cougal Cascades at Currumbin Valley

HIDDEN in the Gold Coast hinterland, this waterfall is a natural waterslide in a unique forest world. Step back in time this weekend and go check it out.

Swedish backpackers cool off at Cougal Cascades in the Currumbin Valley — Alice, Olin, Emma Johansson and Mathilds Lewinson. Pic by Luke Marsden.

WANT to take a walk back in time this weekend?

Cougal Cascades at Currumbin Valley will give you that experience.

As well as the millennia-old rainforests on our doorstep, one of the most beautiful — and accessible — GC tracks takes you deep into the city’s history.

But before you step into the past, make sure you enjoy the present as you take the incredibly scenic drive through Currumbin Valley, featuring a backdrop of rolling hills and impressive cliffs, to the Cougal Cascades.

The Cascades track is an easy 1.6km return bitumen path which follows Currumbin Creek alongside a series of rock pools and small waterfalls.

The falls at Currumbin Valley Photo by Bob Fairless

Located about 500m from the car park, Cougal Cascades is a waterfall that plunges down a short cliff face into an emerald green pool before it splits and continues into a larger pool.

Platforms are provided for viewing the cascades but plenty of visitors like to take it that extra step to have a dip in the fresh, cool water.

Some chill out just sitting along the rock face, while adventurers prefer using it as a natural waterslide in this unique forest world.

There are no paths down to the pools so wear suitable shoes for a bit of climbing/steep walking. And be sure to bring a towel if you can’t wait for warmer weather — you want to make sure you finish the trek.

Like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, treasure awaits at the turning point of the path — the historic saw mill.

Operating from 1945 until 1951, the mill was used to increase timber production during the post-war housing boom. A bench saw and V8 diesel engine were used at the mill, which was eventually closed due to a spate of flooding and cyclonic weather. Some things never change, right?

The disused sawmill at Currumbin Valley Photo by Bob Fairless

While you’re there … do:

Heading home, turn onto Tomewin Mountain Road and stop at Freeman Lookout.

Named after a banana pioneer of the early 1900s, this lookout on the Queensland side was the site of the banana flying fox — the transportation mode of the day to haul bananas up the steep mountain slopes for transport to the markets.

Tomewin Mountain Rd, Currumbin Valley

The lookout provides spectacular views over the Currumbin Valley and Border Ranges — spot Mount Cougal, Boyd’s Butte and the sheer walls of Mt. Durran.

You can also see Springbrook plateau in the background and the ocean to the east. Literally picture perfect.

Eat and Drink:

Founded by banana pioneer Arthur Freeman in 1915, Freeman’s Organic Farm has been run by four generations of the family.

Today Bill Freeman, in partnership with his wife Lesley, and their son David, are your hosts — offering you the chance to literally pick your own produce.

The Freeman banana farm in Currumbin Valley has been running for nearly 100 years. The family also run the Freeman's Fruit Stall on Tomewin Mountain. Picture by Scott Fletcher

For those who prefer a little more service, be sure to visit the farm cafe, which offers a range of deliciously cooked organic food served straight from the farm to you.

Live music from local musicians is a highlight on Sundays — as well as that amazing valley view.

Discover:

The path to Cougal Cascades might be paved, but that doesn’t mean you’re not in the wild. Birdlife is booming in the mornings with kookaburras and whipbirds saluting the sun, while the forest is also home to the world’s largest skink — the land mullet.

The egernia major can grow up to two feet long and can be mistaken for a snake … with legs. This shy guy is likely to run if he spots you and it’s best not to give chase — he emits a pungent, fishy odour when he feels threatened.

Coast Critters:

We’re really keen to showcase your pictures of weird and wonderful sights you see while you’re exploring the Gold Coast’s backyard.

Just look at this cute, fuzzy little spider sent in by dbyrnephotography.wordpress.com.

The cute and furry spider

Send your photos to [e-mail]