If you’re looking for a hike that really makes you feel your legs (and your lungs), then the Warringa Pools walk, part of the Purling Brook Falls Circuit in Springbrook National Park, is one to add to your list. I hit the trail early, hoping to do the full loop, but as it turns out, the circuit was closed at the mid-point. So instead of a loop, I ended up doing a “down and back”… and wow, what a down and back it was.

The Trail

I started out on the Purling Brook Falls circuit, walking clockwise. Just after the 1 km mark, the descent really begins, winding down into the rainforest. Around 1.7 km I passed a very confident bush turkey, as they tend to be, strutting across the trail like it owned the place.

By the time I hit the 2.5 km mark, I’d reached Purling Brook Falls, also the turn-off for Warringa Pools. The falls were beautiful, even if a little underwhelming given all the rain we’ve had lately. Still flowing, but not the dramatic cascade I expected.

Once you’re in the gully, the air shifts. It’s damp, cool and a bit wild. The wind was whipping around where the water hits the rocks, adding to the atmosphere. The rainforest down there is proper Jurassic Park stuff.

To The Pools

At 3.6 km you cross what I’m calling the Billy Goats Gruff Bridge, a sturdy little crossing that’s clearly built with care, like the rest of the trail. The path has been cleverly designed with mini steps and water runoff grooves to protect against erosion, especially with the recent rains.

By 4 km I reached Warringa Pool, a perfect little oasis to stop, take a breather, sip some coffee, and enjoy the sounds of the rainforest. It’s a great reward for the effort of getting down there… because the real work is still to come.

And Back Up Again

The climb out is, quite honestly, a slog. About 4 km of constant uphill, gaining over 300 metres in elevation. That’s higher than the Eiffel Tower. I’m not saying I was climbing the Eiffel Tower in hiking boots, but it definitely felt like it. My heart rate was hovering around 150 bpm just to keep moving.

I was distracted (thankfully) by a chorus of birdlife, kookaburras laughing from the treetops, and what I think was a whipbird duet: the female answering with two sharp whips after the male’s call. Hearing her reply was a bit of a thrill as it’s rare to catch both ends of the conversation.

I made it back to the top at the 7 km mark, sweaty, satisfied, and very aware of my quads. The last stretch along the top was noticeably busier, with plenty of hikers starting their days. A reminder that the full circuit isn’t open right now, so if you’re planning the walk, check in advance or be prepared to double back like I did.

Final Thoughts

Despite not being able to do the full loop, this was a challenging and rewarding hike through one of the most beautiful parts of the Gold Coast Hinterland. The rainforest is lush, the views are stunning, and there’s something deeply satisfying about making it all the way down to a waterfall pool and then conquering the climb back out.

So if you’re up for a bit of a workout with some serious nature vibes, give this one a go. Just bring water, a snack, and maybe a second pair of legs for the walk back up 😉

See you next time out on the trails.

PJ.