I'd never been to this World Heritage site, even though I've now lived on the Gold Coast for four years and this place is only 40 minutes drive away from where I live. So I think I saved the best for last! The National Park is free to enter and traverse with trails that are well signposted and the walking tracks are Class 2, 3 or 4. The longest - the Warrie Circuit - is 17km return and should take about 6 hours maximum. The shortest and easiest (?) is the "Best of All Lookout" which is a steady, sealed path 300 metres down and the same way back. It takes you through an ancient rainforest as the swirling mists leave droplets on moss-covered trees and trunks at nearly 1,000 metres. There are four distinct lookouts with amazing views to Surfers Paradise or Coolangatta, many permanent waterfalls, five good places to eat and numerous places to stay (most of them simple dwellings for sturdy walkers). The natural amphitheatre which the lookouts overlook really bring home the natural beauty of this great part of the Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage Area.

Drove to Springbrook National Park from Surfers Paradise about 45 min drive. Canyon Lookout is by far the best lookout over Gold Coast. Walked down to the twin falls from here about 2.4 kms each way. Some stairs and hills. Medium walk fitness. Wow so stunning all the way with rock formations and creeks very peaceful. An amazing reward at the end with the Twin Waterfalls just gorgeous. So many walks here must return.