Purling Brook Falls and Warringa Pool is an easy day hike just off Queensland’s coast. Close to the New South Wales border, it’s a grand welcome into Queensland’s stunning and lush rainforests.
This hike is inside the World Heritage-listed National Park, Springbrook National Park. This is part of Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
On this hike you can expect lots of wildlife, such as goannas, snakes, frogs and tons of birds. This was the first place on the mainland I saw goannas actually.
Getting There
Springbrook National Park is about 100km South of Brisbane, Queensland. The parking lot to the Purlingbrook Falls circuit trail is, Gwongorella picnic area. It’s located at the end of Forestry Road, just off of Springbrook Road.
This hike is in the Purling Brook – Springbrook section of the national park. The road is accessible by conventional vehicle, however the road towards the national park is steep.
There’s no park fees to enter the park, or to park in the parking lot. Located there are picnic tables, drop toilets and electric barbecues.
About Purling Brook Falls and Warringa Pool Track
This hike is actually two different hikes, however the Warringa Pool Track covers both. If you do just the Warringa Pool Track, it goes through one part of the Purling Brook Falls circuit and returns the same way, at about 3 hours and 6km return.
I didn’t find the trail too hard, but Queensland Parks lists the as a Grade 3 for those with some bushwalking experience.
However it is possible to do the Purling Brook Falls circuit and the Warringa Pool Track, this way the only backtracking is through the latter. It would take around the same timing to do the hike this way, and you would have a different view both ways. The Purling Brook Falls circuit is 4km and 2 hours.
There’s no drinking water on the trail so it’s important to bring some, and maybe a snack. Otherwise spend some time before or after the hike in the picnic area enjoying a meal. It is possible to swim in Warringa Pool, but diving and jumping can be dangerous. Bring swimmers and a towel if you choose to do so. But beware, the water is pretty cold.
What to Expect on the Hike
Starting in Gwongorella picnic area at the parking lot, this will be the final bathroom before starting the trail. From the parking lot follow the signs to the Purling Brook Falls circuit trail. If you intend to only do the Warringa Pool then stick to the left, or clockwise to the direction of the trail.
The trail is covered by trees nearly the entire way so it’s easy to stay cool in the shade from the luscious canopy trees and bush.
Keep an eye out for goannas and other reptiles. They’re generally not dangerous but can make quick reactions if surprised.
The trail begins around the top of the cliffs looking down, check out Purling Brook Falls western lookout and Tanninaba Falls and while there. Soon after the trail heads down into the rainforest for some different views.
As the trail continues, pass by the turn off towards Warringa Pool track to see the basin of Purling Brook Falls. Alternatively, you can see the base of the falls after heading to Warringa Pool as well.
The bottom of Purling Brook Falls is a small yet refreshing waterfall. It’s stream intensity depends on the time of year and amount of recent rainfall. There’s rocks in the area to sit down and enjoy the area.
Next, head back to the Warringa Pool Track. The trail heads north and zig zags a bit before reaching the pools at the end. I was pretty scared about attracting leeches in the water but it turns out you’re more likely to encounter some in the wet bush of the trail.
The water of Warringa Pool is known for being quite chilly even in the summer because it’s fed by a river. It’s still a nice break and refreshing cool down from the hike. Just be careful not to jump or dive in the water as it’s hard to see the bottom.
Heading back up the trail, you can either go towards the falls and take the other end of the circuit trail to the parking lot, or head back the same way (to the right).
No matter which direction you take, check out the eastern lookout of Purling Brook Falls, close to the end of the trail. This lands either on the right hand side if you continued on the trail clockwise, or the left side of the trail the other way.
Interested in more about Springbrook National Park? Check out my complete guide and seeing glow worms in the natural bridge cave at night.
