Starting from Gwongorella Picnic Area, Springbrook, this walk takes you through the eucalypt forest to Warringa Pool and back, visiting the Purling Brook Falls along the way. Deep in the lush rainforest, this gorgeous waterhole has a remote and wild feel to it. No need to wait, jump in and cool off as you take in the beautiful scenery. Making your way to the pool, you’ll pass by the Purling Brook Falls twice(both from above and bottom). Don’t forget to stop on the suspension bridge at the bottom and watch the water gush down(and spray your face). Although it’s not as popular as Purling Brook Falls, you can come early to have a more secluded swimming session. Non-slip waterproof footwear is recommended. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn left onto The Link Way, 99 and drive for another 380 m
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Gold Coast Springbrook Road, 99 and drive for another 640 m
Continue onto Franklin Drive, 99 and drive for another 23 km
Turn left onto Forestry Road and drive for another 410 m
Turn left and drive for another 110 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park of Gwongorella Picnic Area(75 metres northeast of Forestry Road-Kuralboo Street intersection), head towards the turquoise “Purling Brook Falls lookout 100 m” sign along the gravel/dirt path. Follow the said signage gently downhill as you pass by a “National park” sign to your left. After about 60 metres, turn right at the intersection with the red Aboriginal Names and Meanings List nearby, passing by the green directional signpost to your left. Pass by the Purling Brook Falls(from above) to your left to continue along Warringa Pool from Gwongorella Picnic Area Track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Purling Brook Falls Circuit.
There is a BBQ (about 80 m back from the start).
There is a picnic table (about 60 m back from the start).
Find the Toilet at the start.
After another 65 m turn right, to head along Purling Brook Falls Circuit.
After another 160 m head through/around the gate.
Then cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
After another 15 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to a viewpoint near the Purling Brook Falls, for a close-up view. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn around when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 8 m (at the intersection of Purling Brook Falls Circuit & Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk) continue straight, to head along Purling Brook Falls Circuit.
After another 8 m head through/around the gate.
After another 1.8 km cross the John Stacey Suspension Bridge (about 30 m long)
After another 60 m (at the intersection of Purling Brook Falls Circuit & Warringa Pool Track) continue straight, to head along Warringa Pool Track.
Keep right.
After another 710 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
After another 305 m come to a waterfall.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 3.2 km to get back to the start.
This little side trip takes you to a viewpoint near the Purling Brook Falls, for a close-up view.
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Purling Brook Falls Circuit & Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk Start (a walking track).
After another 40 m come to "Purling Brook Falls Lookout".
About 15 m past the end is "Purlingbrook Falls".
Continue another 0 m to find Purling Brook Falls Lookout at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Warringa Pool from Gwongorella Picnic Area
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
6.3 km
Time
3 h to 5 h
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)