Warrie Circuit Hike, Springbrook National Park

Jul 4

Under and past waterfalls through lush greenery

Hiker walking past green plants from side of rock wall towards a waterfall. He is walking between the water and the rock wall. — Greenery and Waterfalls

We acknowledge and pay respect to the land and the traditional families of the Yugambeh region of South East Queensland and their Elders past present and emerging. The Yugambeh region includes families that identify as Kombumerri, Mununjali, Wangerriburra and others.

The Warrie Circuit is a delightful circuit day hike with waterfalls, rainforest, rainbows and rivulets. 17 km (10.6 miles) officially, but a km or two less by most accounts. There is a shorter 4 km/2.5mi ‘Twin Falls Circuit’ walk, or an even shorter 2km/1.2mi out and return walk, where you can also see some of the waterfalls.

Sign describing the hike and points of interest . It also highlights the dangers such as sheer cliffs and slippery waterfalls of the walk. — *Map signage at the start of the track: it’s worth taking a snap on your phone. Or load up on* *Alltrails,* *although you may not have gps reception in the deeper parts of the gorges.*

Queensland Government warning sign for hikers advising them to leave at least 6 hours walking time to compete the 17 km walk. — Whilst there are variations in the published length of this day walk (approx 17km/10.6mi),
most agree on the 700m/3000ft elevation gain! and loss! Slower hikers should make an early start.

Like stories, the best walks have a natural rhythm, a beginning and middle, with scenes along the way, and a climax and resolution at the end. If you’re looking for an exceptional day walk less than an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast (90 minutes from Brisbane), the Warrie Circuit is hard to beat. We did this walk counter-clockwise to finish with the climactic spectacular views from Canyon Lookout, but either way would be fine.

This beautifully graded circuit starts at the Tallanbana picnic area carpark, descends along and between sheer rock walls through rainforest and past (under!) Rainbow and Goomoolahra Falls, before descending to a creek junction (‘Meeting of the Waters’) with sun-warmed rock slabs that make a perfect spot for lunch. The return ascent has welcome switchbacks before passing four more waterfalls and a final highlight of Canyon Lookout.

The track surface is generally smooth with a few rougher sections, with steps or switchbacks in steeper sections. Wet sections of rock or concrete near waterfalls may be slippery, and some of the lower creek areas dangerous after heavy rain.