Backyard Tourist: Take a trip to Gold Coast’s ‘Best of All Lookout’ at Springbrook

IF you go calling yourself the Best of All Lookout, you really better deliver. And with views from the Hinterland across the Pacific Ocean and down to Byron, this is one sightseeing superstar.

The ‘Best of All’ lookout is certainly one of the Gold Coast’s best

IF you go calling yourself the Best of All Lookout, you really better deliver.

And with views from the heart of the Hinterland spread out to the Pacific Ocean and down to Byron Bay, this is one sightseeing superstar.

Okay, you can get similar views if you hike Mount Warning or Mount Cougal, but that’s what really makes this lookout the Best of All … it’s a cruisy 300m stroll from your car to nature’s jackpot.

If you break a sweat, it’s from excitement rather than exertion.

DISCOVER COAST’S NATURAL WATERSLIDE

The view from "Best of All Lookout' Springbrook Photo by Bob Fairless

From the Lookout you can even look down on the twin peaks of the Cougals, with Mount Warning to the right. If you care to make gestures towards those distantly scrabbling up the mountainside and perhaps hear the echoing cries as you call out ‘Suckers!’ to the valley below, that’s entirely your decision.

Meanwhile, don’t forget to enjoy the brief but beautiful walk to the Lookout’s climax.

The 600m roundtrip paved walk journeys through ancient Antarctic beech forest; a remnant link to our past cooler climate.

Rain dumps on the hinterland — taken from the ‘Best of All Lookout’. Photo: Samantha Schull.

WHY YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT TWIN FALLS CIRCUIT

This little pocket of Nothofagus moorei is one of our last remaining links with the ancient forests of Gondwana.

Nothofagus forests were once widespread across the continent and provided a home for animals that have long since disappeared from our landscape.

Allow 30 minutes to complete this easy walk.

The walk up and back is gorgeous.

In the wake of damage from ex-Cyclone Debbie, access to Springbrook is via Pine Creek Road.

Once you’re on the mountain, Best of All Lookout is on your right after Purlingbrook Falls. Turn right onto Repeater Station Road and follow it to the end.

Bush walkers treated to breath taking views at The Best of All Lookout at Springbrook. Photo: Luke Marsden.

EAT AND DRINK:

If the view from the Best of All Lookout isn’t sweet enough, top off your Springbrook stop with some fudge.

Appropriately titled The Fudge Shop, the family business makes all the fudge fresh daily, right in their mountaintop shop. Flavours range from the simple and standard like caramel and vanilla, to the wild chilli Snake Bite.

And then there’s the alcoholic varieties — why not sample the Orgasmic mix of Baileys and Cointreau. There’s also a range of rainforest treats for sale — soaps, jams, locally sourced honey and popular lemon myrtle products.

The Fudge shop owner Toni Bunting with some of the delicious treats.

DISCOVER:

And now for something completely different … Sure, there’s loads of adorable wildlife like pademelons or lyrebirds to look out for, but why not solve a local legend while you’re at it. That’s right, the Springbrook Yowie. The big, hairy, reclusive, apelike creatures are rumoured to roam the Coast’s hinterland, with Springbrook the favoured habitat, according to Gold Coast Yowie hunter Dean Harrison.

Just remember, if you see anything even remotely resembling this big-footed beast, take a picture! And then send it to me. Perfect for #coastcritters.

Yowie spotter Dean Harrison.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO:

If you have the time, take the long way home on scenic route 98 and make a day of it.

Just be aware that Tomewin Mountain Road is super popular with cyclists who love the hill climbs — and the daredevil downhill routes — so be careful, particularly on weekends.

This route takes you through parts of beautiful Northern NSW and then back to Queensland through our own Gold Coast Hinterland and the Numinbah Valley. With this drive, no one will be asking ‘are we there yet?’ since getting home is actually half the fun.

COAST CRITTERS:

We’re keen to showcase your pictures of sights you see on the Coast. Check out this divine dragonfly sent in by dbyrnephotography.wordpress.com. Send your photos to [e-mail]

This cool dragonfly was spotted on the Coast.