Queensland, Australia
Explore 6,558 hectares of protected Gondwana rainforest. You will find cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, and a famous glow-worm colony.
4.7 from 279 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare guided day trips and evening glow worm walks from the Gold Coast.
Most bookedSpend a morning exploring the World Heritage Springbrook National Park and Natural Bridge on this small-group tour from the Gold Coast. You'll enjoy a guided rainforest...
Top ratedBe impressed by the outstanding Gondwana Rainforests of Australia (UNESCO listed). Hike through ancient rainforests and take memorable photos at a breathtaking lookout....
Best valueExplore Springbrook National Park at your own pace with our self-guided adventure. Begin at Purlingbrook Falls, a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Take...
Explore
Learn about the distinct areas of the national park.
General entry to Springbrook National Park is completely free.
You only pay for guided tours or transport.
Plan your visit
A basic visit requires 3 to 5 hours. Full-day tours last up to 10 hours.
Visit between December and March for peak waterfall flow and active glow worms.
Drive 45 to 60 minutes from the Gold Coast. Public transport is not available.
Entry is free. Commercial tours cost between $90 and $150 AUD.
Springbrook National Park protects ancient Gondwana rainforest in the Gold Coast hinterland. It sits 990 metres above sea level at its highest point. The park is divided into four main sections, with the Springbrook plateau and the Natural Bridge being the most popular.
Visitors come primarily for the walking tracks and the waterfalls. The Purling Brook Falls circuit covers 4 kilometres. The Natural Bridge section features a unique rock archway that hosts a dense glow-worm colony.
Because the park is a protected habitat, there are strict rules. You cannot swim in Cave Creek. Read our guide on Springbrook Packing Guide to ensure you bring the right gear, like a red-light torch for night viewing.
We check exactly which waterfalls and lookouts each tour visits.
We note when tours cap passenger numbers for a quieter experience.
We separate daytime rainforest hikes from evening glow worm viewings.
From Viator
279 reviews of the half-day springbrook tour on Viator
I had the best time on this tour. Despite the rainy weather, we saw lots of wildlife and had great views. Orion was an AMAZING guide. The best guide I’ve ever had. He made the car rides entertaining and I felt like I learned a ton and was never bored. The nature was fantastic and with Orion as my guide I had a wonderful tour.
An excellent trip and great value for money. The Guide/Driver Bill was extremely good and knowledgeable. Judi
I joined a nighttime forest walk and it was absolutely magical. The fireflies sparkled like tiny stars and the glowworms lit up the forest floor like natural lanterns. The whole experience felt peaceful, enchanting, and truly unforgettable."
This was such a fun experience. Douglas was so friendly and knowledgeable. The waterfalls and the walk through the rainforest was so beautiful. It was raining a bit but added to the experience. Glowworms were spectacular. The dinner was plentiful and tasty.
Our tour guide/driver Tania is amazing! Very knowledgeable about all portions of our tour. Despite periodic rain, she made sure we viewed all of the sites.
Great experience in rain forest...so beautiful! Loved treks to waterfalls, the Skywalk and views were incredible. Glow worms were an amazing experience. Just beautiful scenery!
This tour is a great way to see many beautiful places. Tour guide gives you a lot of information throughout the tour.
James did a great job of getting us safely to each site and telling us a lot about Brisbane and the area, very friendly guy, but he went above and beyond by looking for wildlife for us at each stop plus while driving on the road. We saw wild kangaroos, wallabies, and even a koala and her joey! It was amazing!
Our family of four loved this tour! Tali was amazing! She was incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the environment. We learned so much along the way, saw so many amazing things that we wouldn’t have seen on our own and she made sure we comfortable along the way. The rainbow waterfall and night walk to the glowworms were definite highlights.
Travel tips
Entry CostsFind out about Springbrook National Park entry fees and tour costs.Read 
Driving & TransportLearn how to reach Springbrook from the Gold Coast by car or tour.Read 
Best Time to VisitFind the best months for waterfalls and glow worms at Springbrook.Read 
Family Walks GuideKid-friendly walks, safety tips, and what to pack for children.Read 
Springbrook Packing GuideFind out exactly what to wear and pack for the rainforest.Read Glow Worm ToursFind out if a guided night tour to Natural Bridge is right for you.Read You must drive or take a guided tour. Drive via the Pacific Motorway (M1) and Nerang-Murwillumbah Road. The journey takes 45 to 60 minutes. Read more in Driving & Transport.
Yes. General entry to all sections of Springbrook National Park is completely free. You only pay if you join a commercial tour or book a campsite. See Entry Costs.
Glow worms are visible year-round. However, viewing is best during the wetter summer months from December to March. This is when the colony is most active.
The Cave Creek Circuit at Natural Bridge is a 1km track. It takes about 45 minutes to complete. Allow a full hour if you are viewing the cave at night.
Yes. Visiting during the day allows you to fully see the dramatic rock arch and the waterfall tumbling into the cave. However, you will not see the glow worms glowing.
Swimming is strictly prohibited in Cave Creek at Natural Bridge. This rule protects the fragile glow-worm and microbat habitats, and on-the-spot fines apply.
Book a guided tour to safely navigate the mountain roads and see the glow worms.
