Purling Brook Falls
Purling Brook Falls
4.5
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4.5
270 reviews
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86
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4
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1
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1
WorldTravla7
Cairns, Australia8,621 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Purling Brook Falls are just spectacular - There’s no two ways about it. I visited as part of a day trip down to Springbrook National Park starting with Natural Bridge & then over to Purling Brook. I had a hearty lunch at Springbrook Cafe (great burgers!) and then set off on the 4km Purling Brook Fall circuit heading clockwise. There’s about 265 steps heading down to the base if the falls through beautiful rainforest. Seeing the towering falls from the valley below is a real thrill. They are big and beautiful and easy to stare at with wonder. Some younguns were swimming at the base but I kept walking over the John Stacey suspension bridge (great views of Purling Brook from here!) and up the other side of the valley to the Eastern lookout. There weren’t many walkers heading up this part as some of the track was closed so you couldn’t circle back;most just walked back the way they came from the falls. I ended up at the Settlement Campground and followed the road back to the cafe where I parked. It rained during the walk too - which I always love as the rainforest loves rain, you can just feel the gratitude of the forest, trees & plants! 10/10
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gaynor W
Brisbane, Australia35 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Had our first experience of seeing these falls this weekend. Reason was that after the big rain there would be something to see. We were not disappointed.
The walk both down ( go clockwise it's an easier walk) and up was quite user friendly. We are both in our sixties and seventies and we managed fine. Slowly, but that was easy as it is such a lovely environment you just want to take it all in. Beautiful. Got wet at both the falls which was very happily accepted as temps at the moment are quite hot and humid.
Is a four klm walk. Took us about 2.5 hours
Really recommend this outing. Easy parking but get there early.
The walk both down ( go clockwise it's an easier walk) and up was quite user friendly. We are both in our sixties and seventies and we managed fine. Slowly, but that was easy as it is such a lovely environment you just want to take it all in. Beautiful. Got wet at both the falls which was very happily accepted as temps at the moment are quite hot and humid.
Is a four klm walk. Took us about 2.5 hours
Really recommend this outing. Easy parking but get there early.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiarna Georghiou
Brisbane, Australia168 contributions
July 2021 • Friends
The view from the top of the falls is magical, and even more magical when you get to the bottom and experience the force and size of Purlingbrook Falls! I recommend saving 3 hours to do the hike, as there are a few lovely spots along the way to explore and play at which are all part of the fun! And the falls themselves are incredibly beautiful. It was magic! The hike wasn’t too hard, we did a lot of puffing but it was completely worth it! It was such a wonderful adventure. Definitely do the circuit!
Written 15 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
danielkayelene
The Summit, Australia759 contributions
Dec 2020
A moderate length walk of around 3 hours at a steady pace. It is recommended to walk in a clockwise direction so to avoid walking up steps. The return journey up the hill is via a more sensible gradient with mostly hiking trail rather than steps. I was disappointed to see a large group of swimmers (mostly late teens & young adults) swimming at the base of the Falls, There are signs declaring this is a No Swimming zone to protect the ecosystem. We walked another 20mins further down to find rock pools where swimming was permitted. Amazing rainforest jungle and extremely interesting walk. Falls were a little underwhelming due to the long drought. I look forward to revisiting after a downpour. Toilets, BBQ's and plenty of parking available at the trail start.
Written 21 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GaryandLesleyTravel
Auckland Central, New Zealand7,814 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
In mid May the loop track to the bottom of the falls and back I was closed meaning a walk down and back up via the same way was the order of the day. The view from the bottom was great and the walk through the rain Forrest type bush lovely. There are two viewing platform at the top, one either side of the falls for those unable to make the walk up and down. Approximately 35 - 40 mins each way - 5.2km return.
Written 16 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miike2000
Brisbane, Australia4,630 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
It’s a 4K round loop, simple, walk down the ridge to the falls then walk back, toilets by the car park. Not to difficult , they say start clockwise to avoid steps coming back. It’s a well worn track, signed and hand railings part of the way.I went on a Thursday about 10.30 am, it was raining but the carpark was pretty full, weekends would be packed, always take your trash back. No dogs allowed. Great facility, well organised and clean.
Written 22 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo J
Caloundra, Australia33 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Perfect walking weather, clear winter skies. Such a beautiful walk through the rainforest. Very busy on a Saturday, would go mid week if possible next time.
The rainforest is spectacular and the sun coming through the canopy is a pure delight for the senses.
We were expecting the 2nd half of the track to be closed as it had been for a while but to our delight it was open (saving us walking back up the 250 + stairs that we walked down).
The waterfalls were spectacular with a rainbow across the front. We continued on further to the Warringa pools which were must less populated and a perfect place for lunch before the walk back up the escarpment.
A beautiful day
The rainforest is spectacular and the sun coming through the canopy is a pure delight for the senses.
We were expecting the 2nd half of the track to be closed as it had been for a while but to our delight it was open (saving us walking back up the 250 + stairs that we walked down).
The waterfalls were spectacular with a rainbow across the front. We continued on further to the Warringa pools which were must less populated and a perfect place for lunch before the walk back up the escarpment.
A beautiful day
Written 3 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jimnhelen
Brisbane, Australia1,942 contributions
Jan 2021
Medium level walk particularly when it has or is raining as some walks can be a little steep or uneven however is a very pleasant walk and the falls are fabulous when there has been some rain. You can also take your bathers and have a swim in the pools at bottom of falls....can be a little chilly!.. Lovely rainforest walk. There is parking at the beginning of the walks. Take bug spray although we didnt have any bugs on our walk it is a rainforest. Take water also if a hot day..
Written 5 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah K
Caboolture, Australia336 contributions
Feb 2021
Don't just look at these falls from the top - take the walk below and really get a sense of the power and height of these falls. Do the Twin Falls circuit clockwise to minimise the stairs going up. Continue to the Canyon Lookout and beyond to take in Blackfellow Falls - you can walk behind the waterfall which is really cool ! Spectacular after rain !!
Written 21 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa H
Brisbane, Australia651 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I wish I wasn’t terrified of heights. The views are gorgeous but I still need time to work up the courage to do the 4km circuit to the bottom of the falls. Saw so many people - young and old who did it. One day!
There is plenty of parking with toilets nearby. There are two lookouts at the top - both worth a look, and picnic tables which are well placed with BBQ’s you can use as well.
There is plenty of parking with toilets nearby. There are two lookouts at the top - both worth a look, and picnic tables which are well placed with BBQ’s you can use as well.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will getting to the bottom be a challenge for a person who has fear of heights?
Written 30 April 2019
No not at all it’s a nice gradual trek down. Runners or hiking shoes are doable for the hike.
Written 6 May 2019
Would it be possible to do the walk from the car park to the bottom and back with a 3 and 5 year old?
Written 20 March 2018
Hi Lansom,
To be honest, the walk isn't too arduous. In fact, we first took our kids there when they were about that age. That said, we had two adults looking after two kids. Patience is key and long as you don't rush it, the kids should be fine. You can always just go down the left hand side trail and return by the same route; rather than do the circle. That side is arguably a little easier. I would suggest good shoes even for the kids. Enjoy your walk! :)
Written 21 March 2018
Is Purling Brook Falls open every day or closed some times? Thanks
Written 29 May 2017
I yes it is. Enjoy this lovely place.
Just a part is no available because of the Debbie cyclon.
Written 30 May 2017
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