Curtis Falls

Curtis Falls Circuit is the quintessential and popular Mt Tamborine walk - a moderate grade circuit of just 1.5km return that passes through gorgeous lush rainforest of majestic eucalypts and towering palms to the piece de resistance – the splendid Curtis Falls, which are viewed from a platform overlooking a beautiful adjacent rock pool. While Curtis Falls are at their best after heavy rainfall or during the wet season, they run all year round.

This walk can be taken on its own or combined with the Joalah Lower Creek Circuit, an easy grade walking loop past rock pools and following a creek along the ground of the rainforest.

1. Entry to the walk is either alongside the quaint line-up of character cafes and shops (including a storybook cute teashop and ice-cream parlour) at busy “Curtis Corner” T-Junction of Geissmann Dr and Eagle Heights Rd, which adds about 800m return to the circuit, or the cul-de-sac end of Dapsang Drive, which has plenty of parking and is also (conveniently) home to Tea and Niceties, one of Tamborine Mountain’s best café tea rooms, the perfect pre or post walk refreshment.

2. About half way down is a viewing platform with bench that is a worthy rest-stop to survey the rainforest and creek below and listen out for the call of the Albert’s Lyrebird which inhabits the forest (‘Joalah’ is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘haunt of the lyrebird’).

3. Behind the falls is a glow worm colony so it is strictly prohibited to leave the viewing platform.

Joalah Lower Creek Circuit

4. Return to the top or take the Joalah Lower Creek Circuit, an easy grade 2.4km return loop that travels past the piccabeen-palm fringed creek and several gorgeous rock pools at the bottom, with a couple of concrete bridge and stepping stone crossings to negotiate.

Need to know – While there is some traffic noise that travels into this section of the national park, it is more than compensated for by the stunning scenery. A mild level of fitness is required for the Curtis Falls Circuit with its many stairs and for both circuits closed in walking shoes are recommended.