SHORTER DISTANCE (<6km)
Purling Brook Falls Circuit (Springbrook National Park)
Distance & elevation gain // 5km, 300mD+/-
Map // http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook/pdf/springbrook-map-insets.pdf
KML file // DOWNLOAD
Why is it so good? // The waterfall, the trails, the swing bridge. This one is beautiful and Purlingbrook Falls is just the icing. The trails are fun, there is lots of variety in the terrain and the cliff top views to start and finish are superb. This one is easier run clockwise, but I think it's more fun the other way!
Top tip // Early morning is the best time for this run. This loop gets busy (for good reason), so by starting early you both beat the crowds and get the scenery at its best. A sunrise is particularly good from up here.
Twin Falls Circuit (Springbrook National Park)
Distance & elevation gain // 5.5km, 280mD+/-
Map // http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook/pdf/springbrook-map-insets.pdf
KML file // DOWNLOAD
Why is it so good? // Everything. If you only have time for one short walk on your visit to the Gold Coast, then do this one. Seriously. It's just WOW. The trails are super fun to run, the cliff-top views are amazing, and the falls for which this circuit are named are other-worldly. Trust me on this one - go and do it.
Top tip // While only short, leave yourself plenty of time to complete this loop. And make sure your camera battery is charged. Better yet, bring two cameras, both with spare batteries. Just in case.
Morans Falls Track (Lamington National Park - Green Mountains Section)
Distance & elevation gain // 4.5km (return), 300mD+/-
Map // http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/pdf/lamington-green-mts-map.pdf
KML file // DOWNLOAD
Why is it so good? // The waterfall is beautiful, but for mine it's the view out over the valley that really makes this run. Be sure to keep going beyond the first lookout...continue on over the causeway across the creek until you get to the lookout on the western side of the Falls. From there you can really soak it all in. Suitable for kids, but it's a fair climb uphill out with them.
Top tip // Rug up, bring a torch and get yourself to the valley lookout for sunset. You won't regret it.
Morans Falls Track at Sunset
Caves Circuit (Lamington National Park - Binna Burra Section)
Distance & elevation gain // 5km, 240mD+/-
Map // http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/pdf/lamington-binna-burra-map.pdf
KML file // DOWNLOAD
Why is it so good? // It's just damn different. We did this one with a 3 year old on foot and, while slow, we got it done OK - just be careful with kids on some of the steeper sections. Kweebani Cave is awesome, and this run is unique in Binna Burra in that it looks out west and is a nice walk late in the afternoon as the sun is dropping behind the range. Runnable terrain too, but busy on weekends.
Top tip // We suggest starting at the bottom of this loop and doing it clockwise - that way you get the road section out of the way first and get to finish on the fun stuff! Just be careful of cars on your way up.
LONGER DISTANCE (<20km)
Ships Stern Circuit (Lamington National Park - Binna Burra Section)
Distance & elevation gain // 17km (without additional side-tracks), 600mD+/-
Map // http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/pdf/lamington-binna-burra-map.pdf
KML file // DOWNLOAD
Why is it so good? // Much like the Twin Falls Circuit above, if a visitor to the Gold Coast asked for a recommendation and only had time for one trail run while in town, this would be the "long" option that I give them. It has as much bang-for-buck as any trail you can imagine: rainforest singletrack, expansive valley views, cliff-top trails, rock-hopping across creeks and surprise waterfalls.
Top tip // Take a headlamp and start early - the eastern section for sunrise is spectacular. Aim to be at Kooloobano Point about 20mins before sunrise...then watch the sky work its magic (but dress warm!).
Coomera Circuit (Lamington National Park - Binna Burra Section)
Distance & elevation gain // 17km, 630mD+/-
Map // http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/pdf/lamington-binna-burra-map.pdf
KML file // DOWNLOAD
Why is it so good? // There is a reason this is called the Coomera Circuit, as Coomera Creek is the star of this run. We've joked about it when out there, but it almost gets to a point where you've seen that many waterfalls it's hard to appreciate the later ones you come to...too much of a good thing I think the saying is! Nothing will outdo the spectacular Coomera Falls and Coomera Gorge lookout though.
Top tip // You will likely get wet feet on this one, and if the weather has been wet in the days prior to heading out be prepared to encounter leeches. Repellant on your socks prior to starting out works or, if you're like me and constantly forget, you're better off letting the leeches finish what they are doing and drop off on their own - the bites bleed less when you let the critters finish!
West Canungra Creek Circuit (Lamington National Park - Green Mountains Section)
Distance & elevation gain // 16km, 690mD+/-
Map // http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/pdf/lamington-green-mts-map.pdf
KML file // DOWNLOAD
Why is it so good? // Once again, it's the unique rainforest trails adjacent to a creek that make this run so spectacular. It's a little slower going than most other runs on this list, primarily due to slippery trails in and around the creek, but the scale of the canyon into which this trail descends is a sight to be seen. There are many picture-perfect picnic spots adjacent to ridiculous swimming holes - if only the run back out wasn't so uphill.
Top tip // Bring a camera and a sense of adventure. There's plenty of rock-hopping as the trail criss-crosses the creek on numerous occasions, and there are photo opportunities at almost every turn. Avoid this one if you don't like chasing waterfalls.