The Other Side of the Gold Coast
What many of the millions of travellers which flock to the coast each year - and even some locals - are not aware of is the immense beauty that lies only a stone's throw inland from all the action of Surfers Paradise.
When one thinks of the Gold Coast, more than likely images of the beach, adrenaline-pumping rides and an electric nightlife scene would immediately spring to mind. Criminally overlooked, the Gold Coast's lush hinterland is home to breath-taking waterfalls, rich rainforests, spectacular lookouts and 320kms of walking trails, all awaiting discovery and exploration by the intrepid traveller, who yearns to see the other side of the Gold Coast.
Curtis Falls | Tamborine National Park
Situated close to the car park, combined with being only a short 1.5km return moderate-grade circuit, means Curtis Falls in the Tamborine National Park is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the region. Once you reach the falls, you will find a purpose-built platform in which to admire the falls from. Whilst the falls flow all year-round it is recommended to come in the wet season or soon after rainfall.
Elabana Falls | Lamington National Park
It may be harder to reach than most of the other falls, however, the reward is well worth the extra effort. If you're wishing to make the hike to Elabana Falls, I recommend allowing at least half a day, as the drive up to O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, where you then set off on the 3.5km hike, is an adventure in itself. Following the Border Track, before merging onto the Box Forest Circuit, the actual walk to the falls will take close to an hour and a half, however once reached you will soon see what all the fuss is about. However, it must be noted that no built platform by any description exists, and in fact, to enjoy any sort of view - and capture the best photograph - of the falls hikers are forced to scale over large rocks in the creek.
Box Log Falls | Lamington National Park
If you've elected to tackle the Elabana Falls (above) then visiting the nearby Box Log Falls is definitely recommended. Also situated on the Box Forest Circuit, it requires no more than an extra half an hour of walking from Elabana Falls. Considering the effort that one would have already made to reach the Elabana Falls it's a no brainer to check out another spectacular waterfall so close. Plus, this one doesn't require hikers to scale any rocks to admire the falls, so that's always a positive.
Natural Bridge | Springbrook National Park
Arguably the most iconic and well-known waterfall in the region is the Natural Bridge, nestled within the lush Springbrook National Park. It's accessibility also makes the Natural Bridge, unequivocally, the most visited waterfall in the region, being only a short and easy 1km circuit through the Gondwana rainforest from the nearby carpark. The Natural Bridge's drawcard stems from the picturesque rock formation, formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave.
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