In short
- Wear sturdy, enclosed walking shoes for muddy tracks.
- Bring warm layers, as the plateau is cooler than the coast.
- Carry a red-light torch for the glow worm caves.
In this article
Springbrook National Park sits 990 metres above sea level and receives high rainfall year-round. This subtropical environment requires specific clothing and equipment. Preparing the right items is especially important if you plan to visit the Natural Bridge glow worm colony after dark.
What should I wear during the day?
Wear sturdy, enclosed walking shoes, warm layers, and a rain jacket.
The plateau is significantly cooler than the Gold Coast. Tracks like the 4km Purling Brook Falls circuit or the 4km Twin Falls circuit can be muddy and slippery. A rain jacket or poncho is essential due to the high year-round rainfall.
What do I need for the glow worm cave?
Bring a red-light torch or headlamp and warm clothing.
Night visits to the Natural Bridge require a red light. Standard white flashlights, phone lights, and camera flashes cause the worms to stop glowing. Ensure your camera or smartphone has the flash completely disabled before walking the 1km Cave Creek circuit.
What items are banned near the glow worms?
Do not use insect repellent, sunscreen, or flash photography near the glow worms.
Chemicals from insect repellents and sunscreens kill the food source of the glow worms. Apply these products well before you arrive at the park. Flash photography is strictly prohibited inside the cave.
What should I pack for food and drink?
Pack a reusable water bottle and all your snacks or a picnic lunch.
There are very limited food options within the national park. Drinking water is not available at most trailheads. You must bring everything you need for the day.
What gear helps with wildlife spotting?
Pack binoculars and a camera with the flash turned off.
Binoculars are useful for bird watching in the rainforest canopy. You might also spot pademelons along trails like the 600m Best of All Lookout track. Domestic animals and pets are not permitted.
Springbrook Packing Checklist
Review this quick checklist before you leave the Gold Coast.
Make sure you have the essentials covered for the wet, cool conditions.
Do I need special gear for different sections?
The gear remains the same, but the Natural Bridge requires specific care.
The park is divided into four main sections: Springbrook plateau, Mount Cougal, Natural Bridge, and Numinbah. The plateau requires warm layers for the 990-metre altitude. The Natural Bridge requires strict adherence to lighting rules to protect the habitat.
Questions travellers ask
Can I use my phone light in the glow worm cave?
No. Do not shine phone lights, flashlights, or torches directly at the glow worms, as they will stop glowing. Use a red-light torch instead.
Do I need insect repellent for Springbrook?
Yes, but apply it well before you arrive. Do not use insect repellent or sunscreen near the Natural Bridge cave area, as the chemicals harm the glow-worms' food source.
Are there places to buy food in the park?
Food options are very limited within the national park. It is highly recommended to pack your own snacks or a picnic lunch.
