Best Waterfall Hikes on the Gold Coast

While the Gold Coast is known for its sand, sun and surf, its lush hinterland is also worth exploring. Amongst this stunning hinterland you'll uncover some of the most breathtaking waterfalls. 

We hit the road in the Lexus RX to adventure beyond the beaches and embark on 6 of the best waterfall hikes on the Gold Coast: 

Purling Brook Falls is one of Lamington National Park’s most spectacular waterfalls, offering a breathtaking natural escape into the heart of Queensland’s ancient Gondwana rainforest. This magnificent waterfall plunges over 100 metres into a lush valley and can be accessed by a 4-kilometre loop track that winds through dense rainforest, open eucalypt forest, and scenic viewpoints...more

Curtis Falls Circuit is a quintessential and popular Mt Tamborine walk - a moderate grade circuit of just 1.5km return that passes through gorgeous lush rainforest of majestic eucalypts, towering palms and the splendid Curtis Falls, which are viewed from a platform overlooking a beautiful adjacent rock pool...more

Elabana Falls, nestled within Lamington National Park, is one of the Gold Coast’s most picturesque natural treasures. Known for its captivating beauty, the waterfall is accessible via the Main Border Track, a 7-kilometre round-trip hike that begins at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat...more

Natural Bridge is the jewel in the Gold Coast hinterland crown, a heavenly cave like rock formation in Springbrook National Park that is home to a waterfall, glow worms and a colony of tiny bent-wing bats. The drive to Natural Bridge is via the Nerang Murwillumbah Rd, through jaw-droppingly gorgeous unspoilt mountain scenery and tiny valley hamlets to the cusp of the NSW-QLD border and it is here that the turn-off to Natural Bridge lies...more

Cedar Creek Falls is one of Mount Tamborine's most popular tourist attractions with stunning views over the open canyon, waterfall and rock pools. Located in Tamborine National Park, a one-hour drive from Brisbane CBD, Cedar Creek Falls is a must-do when visiting the region. A short stroll (500 metres) from the carpark and picnic area, a flat bitumen track leads to a lookout over the gorge, falls, and rock pools...more

A part of Springbrook National Park, Cougal Cascades is home to a stunning waterfall and an easy, but beautiful, rainforest walk, suitable for all ages and abilities. Located about 20 kilometres inland from Currumbin Beach, the drive through the Currumbin Valley is a little bit windy in places but very scenic if you’re lucky enough to be in the passenger’s seat. The 1.6 kilometre return walking track starts straight from the car park and is sealed the entire way. It’s slightly hilly in parts, but should be manageable for all fitness levels, as well as assisted wheelchair users and families with strollers...more

We embarked on our hinterland adventure in the sleek and luxurious Lexus RX - available in both petrol and hybrid powertrains. With heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, the Lexus RX makes those early morning hiking road trips super comfortable. 

The RX is filled with cutting-edge safety features including e-latch door handles which detect passing cyclists or vehicles and keep the door closed to avoid a collision. Plus, if reverse parallel parking is not your forte, the RX has you covered with its Intelligent Parking Assist feature.

The cabin is nothing short of luxurious with refined design, interior lighting colours of your choice and climate control with water particle technology that stops moisture evaporation and ensures your skin remains smooth and well hydrated while you drive.

Lexus of Southport is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com