Springbrook National Park: The Warrie Circuit – How to see 9 Waterfalls in 1 day

.Warrie means “rushing water” in the local Aboriginal language. The Yugambeh people are the traditional custodian of this land.

Out of all the bush walks I have ever done, it is probably one to not underestimate in terms of time recommended to complete the circuit. We did it 3 times (twice in Summer and once in Winter) and I am ranking it amongst my favourite bush walks on the Gold Coast.

 

  • CONVENIENCE: 6/10

  • DIFFICULTY: 7/10  

  • UNIQUENESS: 8/10

HOW TO GET THERE

Beware: Road Closure. Google Maps is not always up-to-date. As of July 2017, the Gold Coast-Springbrook Road via Mudgeeraba has been closed due to flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Debbie. Springbrook is only accessible via Pine Creek Road.

Parking options: If there is not enough parking space at the Canyon lookout, try the Tallanbana picnic area which is only located 600m away, less crowded and more convenient if you need to go to the toilets before starting the walk.

springbrook-road-closure-mary-leu-bridge

springbrook-tallambana-picnic-area

DISTANCES

The Warrie circuit is a 17km loop which requires 5 to 6 hours to complete if you walk at a moderate-to-quick pace or is the type to snap photos of every wonder that nature has to offer!

If you start the walk clockwise, be aware that it becomes steep quickly as you walk down into the valley. Conversely, if you start the walk counter-clockwise, the gradient is not as steep and the track is more exposed to the sun.

springbrook-national-park-steep-steps
Some of the steps are quite steep as they are large or tall

What’s special about the Warrie Circuit

WATERFALLS, WATERFALLS, WATERFALLS

The Warrie Circuit rewards you with 9 waterfalls. You can walk through them, under them, through them, above them or you can listen to them.

My favourite is Rainbow Falls – it really lives up to its name.

springbrook-national-park-rainbow-falls
Walking behind Rainbow Falls
sprinbrook-national-park-waterfalls
More waterfalls from a distance

FAUNA

The first time we attempted the Warrie Circuit,  only 30 minutes into the walk we stumbled upon a diamond python . It seemed pretty unbothered by our presence. The best thing we could do what to keep our calm and to wait patiently so it can move on the other of the track to disappear into the rain forest.

 

 

THE LOOKOUTS

As we walk alongside the cliff, we are presented many opportunities to see the Gold Coast skyline. On a clear day, we can even see the ocean.

springbrook-national-park-canyon-lookout
Whenever I stare at the horizon, it reminds me of the immensity and beauty of this country… How fortunate we are.

 

BONUS

When I first attempted this circuit, I could not stop wishing there were more onsite documentation available to the public about the spiritual meaning of this pristine place. I was craving to know more about the waterfalls, the creeks and their significance for the Yugambeh people.

At the end of the walk (clockwise), I was delighted to see an old interpretive signage from the Queensland Forest Service which displays the translation of local Aboriginal words into English.

springbrook-national-park-yugambeh-meaning
Poonyahra means “beautiful” for the Yugambeh people. It’s the name of 1 of the 9 waterfalls on the Warrie circuit.

 

 

 

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