Girls’ Weekend: Springbrook, Gold Coast Hinterland

An age since going on a girls’ weekend away, what better way to spend some time together than at Springbrook in the peaceful Gold Coast Hinterland, near Brisbane?

Fancy going on a girls’ weekend away? Sure, why not…

Girls' weekend, Springbrook, Queensland, Australia

A surprise invitation with the promise (who needs promises?) of indulging in good food, wine, and glorious walks, the anticipation grows as the working week comes to a close and the fun weekend away begins.


Where is Springbrook?

Nestled in South East Queensland’s sub-tropical corner and in spitting distance from the New South Wales border, Springbrook is a major drawcard for tourists.

Springbrook, Queensland, Australia, Oceania

Springbrook National Park offers substantial preserved natural heritage dense rainforest, breathtaking lookouts, ancient Antarctic Beech trees, and on a clear day gorgeous coastal views.

Get in touch with nature while experiencing serenity across the park’s 2,720 hectares of which much is walkable. Including deep gorges, crystal-clear cascading waterfalls, and picturesque backdrops, the national park is alluring.


What to do?

Enjoy many glorious and gentle leisurely walks of only a couple of hundred metres. Or, if you feel invigorated while getting back to nature, try one of the more vigorous and longer treks from 2 to 14 kilometres – your choice. Walks are graded and you can check this link for grades and detailed information.

But what do girls do best on a girly weekend away?

Go for long walks of course and discuss life, the universe and everything (a great book by Douglas Adams, by the way). And, Springbrook National Park offers perfect extensive or short walks for you to explore and absorb.


Springbrook National Park

Following a couple of weeks of almost daily torrential rain – slight exaggeration but not far off – everywhere is either flooding or sodden. The weekend getaway isn’t much different with its wet and overcast grey days. It is winter, but winter in Queensland is typically dry.

Still, a weekend away it is and making the most of it is all that matters, so trekking we will go…

Purlingbrook Falls Circuit, Springbrook, Queensland, Australia
Ancient beauty

Purling Brook Falls circuit

Today isn’t great as the persistent drizzling rain and the cold aren’t helping but walk we shall and after last night’s food and wine, the girls need to earn the next coffee and cake break.

From the car park, this 4-kilometre round trip on foot is at an elevation of 598 metres, so not enough to get altitude sickness. As a Grade 3 walk, the brochure advises that some walking experience is recommended and ”tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps”.

Map: Queensland Parks And Wildlife Service

Purling Brook Falls Circuit, Springbrook, Queensland, Australia

Up for a challenge, we start on the walk. Judging by the carpark, this is a popular region and it doesn’t seem as though the rain and cold have dampened anyone’s spirits as the walking path is quite busy.

Signposts help to guide walkers on this picturesque circuit full of dense glossy vegetation and fluorescent green mossy rocks in this Eucalypt forest.

Purling Brook Falls Circuit, Springbrook, Queensland, Australia
Peaceful vista

Panoramas of the Purling Brook Falls follow the walk providing a stunning backdrop against the rugged cliff face.

Arriving at the lookout, disappointed, clouds shroud the ominous sky and nothing but a whiteout can be seen.

Lookout, Purling Brook Falls Circuit, Springbrook, Queensland, Australia
Lookout without a view

The brochure tells us that the best time to visit is on clear days for the best views, which is not today.

Lookout, Purling Brook Falls Circuit, Springbrook, Queensland, Australia
Impressive on a clear day!

The slippery walk back to the carpark for a spot of lunch provides pleasant forest snippets even though continual drips from the tree canopy swat us in the face and eyes. Nothing like clean fresh air to awaken the senses.

Purling Brook Falls Circuit, Springbrook, Queensland, Australia
Walk in the park

A little side-trip at the end of the day to the interesting tourist centre is worth the visit.

Purling Brook Falls Circuit, Springbrook, Queensland, Australia
Great for kids!

The tiny Springbrook State High School has long been moved from the national park and remains as a relic of the past.

Springbrook State School, Purling Brook Falls Circuit, Springbrook, Queensland, Australia
Child’s play

Where to indulge?

As the girls came prepared with an abundance of delicious food and beverages – much too much for a weekend away – enjoy only a couple of food stops in the national park.

Dancing Waters Cafe

At the end of the Purling Brook Falls circuit, stop at the quaint Dancing Waters Cafe for a bite to eat after your hard-earned trek. The chilly weather outside brings walkers into the cafe and the open fire in winter would be great but sadly, it isn’t lit today. Although the deck in warmer weather amongst the colourful birds and beautiful park is fabulous.

Local staff are hospitable and welcoming. The hot drinks and homemade delicious cakes are delectable. Morning teas and light lunches are also offered as is cottage accommodation.

The Fudge Shop

For some scrumptious and pure indulgence, you can’t go past the Fudge Shop along 3 Lyrebirdridge Road while in Springbrook, as the velvety homemade fudge in an abundance of flavours is simply divine. And, of course, we selected many varieties to take back to the cottage for a sumptuous afternoon tea – very lucky to have this fudge shop only a short walk from the cottage.


Where to stay

Springbrook is graced with tranquil escapes ranging from upper-market Eco resorts to farm cottages on expansive farms with roaming chickens, cows, a horse, and goats as an added curio. The fresh Free-range eggs are wonderful for breakfast. The latter describes the Echo Valley Farm Cottage and the natural wildlife and birds also make this peaceful farm super relaxing.

Echo Valley Farm Cottage

The historic Echo Farm Valley Farm stay is delightful.

Offering a cosy fireplace (wood, kindling, and matches provided) in the large lounge room equipped with games, music, and TV, a fully self-contained kitchen, a separate spacious dining room, and 3 bedrooms, makes this accommodation perfect for sharing with friends. Set on 250 lovely acres within Queensland’s Gold Coast Hinterland including forest areas, mixed grazing, and orchards, this unique working farm is enclosed by the World Heritage-listed Springbrook National Park.

The farm also boasts a Certified Organic Kiwi Fruit orchard and a jar of Kiwi and ginger jam is kindly provided in the cottage for your enjoyment.


Getting there

Springbrook, Queensland, Australia, Oceania

From Brisbane, follow the M1 highway south for the easy hour-and-a-half drive until you bump into the Springbrook National Park.

Next to the gorgeous Lamington National Park, Springbrook is a delight for a little scenic driving.

As the Springbrook National Park does not offer public transport, your own transport is essential.

Arriving in the evening after heavy rain and still drizzling, the ground is soaked at the cottage so an evening walk is out of the question. Instead, it’s not long before we settle in snugly with a roaring fire going and break out the wine for some girls’ catch-up – not a bad way to start the weekend away.

Visit Nilla’s Photography for more global images. More posts at Image Earth Travel.

Purling Brook Falls Circuit, Springbrook, Queensland, Australia
Nature’s way

37 responses to “Girls’ Weekend: Springbrook, Gold Coast Hinterland”

  1. equinoxio21 Avatar

    Sounds like a good plan. I’m sure you had fun.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Always have fun, Brian – got to make the most of every situation. 😉

      1. equinoxio21 Avatar

        You are right. I tend to forget that lately…

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Why or best not to ask?

      3. equinoxio21 Avatar

        No, it’s all right to ask. The loss of one of our sons-in-law still nags at me, even after five years. It was like losing a son. And I keep worrying about our daughter. She seems all right, but she has not gotten over it…
        And on a global level, Mexico worries me no end. Too much violence, but we’re sort of “stuck” here.
        Now Europe? France is on a downward spiral. The French are really becoming weird. The war in Ukraine is already forgotten. Almost. It’s very strange.
        To sum it up, I’m not sure I want to go back to France next year… Or the following… 😬

      4. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        I remember reading about that, so sad. Treasure the lovely memories and sadly, some things one never gets over – what a huge loss to your family.
        I’m a little apprehensive about travelling to Mexico as I read the violence just keeps escalating…but then again, look at the mass shootings in the US. Why are the French becoming weird? Maybe the world is going mad! Can’t you pick another country to go to? Sounds as though you didn’t enjoy it this time at all.

      5. equinoxio21 Avatar

        Yeah. Some things one never gets over, I guess.
        Violence is escalating everywhere. Which will lead to more violence and so forth…
        The French? They seem to shut the entire planet off. We’re 66 millions out of nearly 8 billion. The far right wants to close the country altogether. The far left wants to implement measures ignoring the rest of the world. People act as if the war in Ukraine will never reach our borders. Whackos.
        I may shift my travels. Shorter. Closer. Canada is enticing.
        I did enjoy some parts of this summer, but globally, I’m not sure I want to go back next year. Maybe Asia?
        As usual, we’ll see,
        Buona giornatta amica.

      6. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Very true.
        But the far right has been gaining territory in a plethora of countries for 10 or more years. Look at the violence in the US and other countries. Even Scandanavia has had violent issues lately.
        Canada does sound like a great destination. Asia is always a good destination and also inexpensive as long as you stay out of the tourist traps. 😉
        Just finished work for another week so yay! I woke up this morning convinced it was Saturday so the day didn’t start well.
        Buona Serrata

      7. equinoxio21 Avatar

        Lots of complicated stuff. Plenty of “black swans” around. You familiar with Nicholas Taleb?
        (Enjoy your week end. (Selamat malam? Or is it pagi already?)

      8. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Sounds ominous! No, I haven’t and looked Nicholas up – interesting guy.
        Selamat Malam and almost ready for bed – work tomorrow… 😉

      9. equinoxio21 Avatar

        You guys “invented” the black swans.
        You might find the book interesting.
        May your week be light.

      10. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Ah right, I didn’t realise. I’ll look out for this one…
        Thank you but it hasn’t started that way “pesante”!
        Had to salvage you out of my Trash folder…and so it begins, so random.

      11. equinoxio21 Avatar

        Strangely enough, I just picked you out of my junk mail. You and one other. Not WP spam, gmail junk mail. While gmail lets in ten spams a day from what seems to be a hacked site I follow… Grrr. 🐯

      12. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        It’s so frustrating isn’t it but the reason I check all folders daily.
        Crazy that WP allows a plethora of bizarre spam through but trashes legit followers.

      13. equinoxio21 Avatar

        It makes one wonder about the algorithms

      14. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Yeah, me too, but can’t work it out really as it’s so random.

      15. equinoxio21 Avatar

        We need an algorithm to check our trash can automatically. 😉

      16. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Ha, ha, want to write one? 😉

      17. equinoxio21 Avatar

        Nope. “Those were my salad days when I was green.” 😉

      18. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Ha, ha, I was also green for many years. 😉

      19. equinoxio21 Avatar

        About the algorithms they use.

  2. Suzanne Avatar

    Good to catch up on your goings on, Nilla. An enjoyable glance into an area worth visiting and nothing quite like a girl’s weekend away. Fabulous photography as always. Take care.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Suzanne
      Lovely to hear from you and thanks for leaving me a comment. Working takes up a lot of life right now so it’s great to get away even if it’s only for a weekend. 😉
      Hope all is OK with you.
      Cheers
      Nilla

      1. Suzanne Avatar

        Nilla, we are plodding along. Les’s condition is stable and I am enjoying the challenge of playing basketball etc. 🙂

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        That’s the main thing and happy to hear it’s stable. Wow, you’re so energetic! I haven’t played basketball since high school!

      3. Suzanne Avatar

        Walking (fast) basketball with most women aged over 65 to 82. Amazing women and some represented NZ in their youth and were coached. Don’t be fooled with the ages they still have the ability to have me literally running around like a chook with no head 🤣 Not to mention get goals. Lots of fun

      4. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Sounds fantastic but intense!
        I did some Zumna in the UK a few years ago and the older ladies were so much more coordinated than I was!🤣

      5. Suzanne Avatar

        An inspiration for me 👍😊

      6. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Absolutely and for me also – keep at it…

  3. gillmorris Avatar

    What a beautiful place to have a weekend away. The cottage with the fire and wine sounds fabulous! I must go there on my next trip to Oz (whenever that may be!) I do like your little collages too Nilla! Hope you are well! Love xxx

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hey Gill
      It was a lovely cosy cottage despite the great drizzling weather but we still managed a couple of walks in nature, which is wonderful. A great weekend to spend away and pretty close to Brisbane.
      Hope you get to Oz again and thank you for the feedback on the collages. 😉
      All is well here in The Land of Oz, just working long hours. Oh, and I had to salvage your comment from my Trash folder – WP is starting to play up again.
      Nilla xxx

  4. Yetismith Avatar

    If only one still had the time and energy to visit all the places one reads about! But at least we have that pleasure these days. I had to laugh about your viewless view…Decades ago, I took my mum to the Grand Canyon and when we arrived it too was full of fog. It was the most unsettling feeling to be standing beside such a huge “hole” without being able to see the edge. (Safe behind a fence, of course). First time I went to Cairns was a fiasco. We were a party of 5 on space available tickets. Having flown from NY, we arrived in Sydney to connect up through Brisbane but only three of us got seats (it turned out the guys were left behind due to lack of catering, not seats!). All remaining flights were booked solid and we had one day before arrival of the ship. In Cairns we three girls fretted and worried. After a sleepless night the guys sauntered in casually. “Let’s celebrate!” We had a fabulous lunch of “bugs”? Some sort of crayfish? Then learned of the dock strike. The shipping company paid for us all to take the train to Kuranda and also out to the Barrier Reef. In the end we were flown to Port Moresby for the next part of the adventure. For a place to be stranded Cairns wasn’t bad!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Exactly! And, if only one wouldn’t have to stop and work to save money again – one wasn’t born rich! 😉
      What a journey and fiasco but at least the company made amends with you guys, which is great to hear. Australia rarely has strikes these days – think we’ve become too apathetic and take (conform) to whatever we’re told to do…sad.
      Bugs and Crayfish sound about right as close to the reef, wonderful seafood is readily available. Missing my travelling days…

  5. Stella, oh, Stella Avatar

    Over the fudge I forgot how breathtaking I find the nature there!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Ha, ha, that’s so funny but the scenery was beautiful and my mobile phone camera doesn’t do this national park justice.
      Hope all is well with you? Not sure why I have to keep clicking the “Follow” button on your page – think WP is playing up. 🙁

  6. Stella, oh, Stella Avatar

    Sounds like really snug lodgings for a cosy girls’ weekend. How lucky that they tell you that the view can best be seen on a clear day. How else would you have known … 😉 🙂
    I envy you the fudge shop!!!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hey Stella, yes it was and so lovely with a roaring fire. Lucky one of the girls was great at lighting fires. 😉
      Ha, ha, obvious but didn’t think it would be a complete white-out!
      It’s worth the 3-hour return drive just for the fudge!

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