Discovering Scenic Rim’s Spectacular Waterfalls

UPDATE: Keep up-to-date with the latest closures at Tamborine National Park at https://www.facebook.com/ScenicRimSESUnit/

NOW is a great time to seek spectacular waterfalls in the Scenic Rim, named by global travel authority Lonely Planet in 2022 as one of the hottest destinations to visit!

Located just an hour’s drive from Brisbane and 30 minutes from the heart of the Gold Coast, this breathtaking region stretches from Canungra to The Lost World, Beaudesert to Boonah, Tamborine Mountain to Kalbar.

It is not only recognised for its proximity to major cities, but is also home to the ancient World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, six historic national parks, charming towns and villages, adventure parks, farm stays, craft breweries, boutique wineries, ecolodges, gourmet experiences, world-class camping, and glamping.

The Scenic Rim boasts over 4,200 square kilometres of rich volcanic soil surrounded by ancient mountains and is dotted with three dams – Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon and Wyaralong.

With the recent rain filling the region’s rivers and creeks, Mother Nature is in full performance mode, creating an ideal setting to explore the many waterfalls, some requiring a decent hike through ancient rainforests, and others just a casual walk from the car.

So, fill your water bottles and lace up those boots, as we guide you through 11 magnificent waterfalls for your holiday bucket list in the stunning Scenic Rim.

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The breathtaking beauty of Moran Falls in the Lamington National Park, nestled within the Scenic Rim region of Queensland. Photo: Visit Scenic Rim.

1. Cedar Creek Falls at Tamborine Mountain

An easy day trip to Tamborine Mountain gives you Cedar Creek Falls. There’s parking and the short walk gives wanderers a range of great viewing points, looking down from the first platform is breathtaking, and further down gives views up at the majestic 15-20m waterfall. Stay at Cedar Creek Lodges in a choice of stylish self-contained lodges and holiday cabins set amid the lush rainforest or glamp, and take the rock pools walk as well.

2. Witches Falls at Tamborine Mountain

The Witches Falls section of Tamborine National Park was declared in 1908, making it Queensland’s first national park. Witches Falls Circuit takes wanderers through the lush rainforest before reaching a lookout over the waterfall with inland views of the Great Dividing Range. It’s a 3.1km circuit, and easygoing. Bonus: visit the Witches Falls Winery afterwards for local wine and cheese!

3. Curtis Falls in Tamborine National Park

One for all ages, stages and abilities. In the heart of Tamborine Mountain, Curtis Falls is fed by Cedar Creek all year round. The circuit is an easy stroll at 1.5km, about half an hour in total. Set amongst the super lush rainforest, there’s the Curtis Falls Café for a bite before or after the walk. To see another, add on the Joalah Lower Creek Circuit – it’s quite spectacular right now. Tamborine Mountain has a wonderful range of accommodations, from quaint guest houses to bed and breakfast places, hotels and more.

4. Cronan Creek Falls in Mt Barney National Park

About 100m off the beaten path–in this case, the Yellow Pinch trailhead–there’s the “secret” Cronan Creek Falls. From the Yellow Pinch Reserve, follow the Cronan Creek Track past stunning views of the Great Dividing Range and Mt Barney. Pack spare socks, water and a charged phone or camera for this 13km, four-hour round trip.

5. Lower & Upper Portals, Mt Barney National Park

Not exactly waterfalls, but the Lower & Upper Portals fill the wanderer’s cup just the same as a series of incredible waterholes (great for having a dip) as Mount Barney Creek cascades down the mountain between often towering rocks and cathedral-like cutaways. Both tracks follow a three-hour return route and are for more experienced walkers.

6. Elabana Falls in Lamington National Park

Elabana Falls is another beautiful waterfall in Lamington National Park – take the Main Border Track from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and walk 3.5km–including a scramble over rocks in the creek–and wanderers will find the cascades before retracing your steps back to O’Reilly’s.

7. Moran’s Falls in Lamington National Park

The plunging Moran’s Falls are reached by following a descending 4.4km return track about a kilometre back from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat car park. Walks through the sub-tropical rainforest of booyongs, figs and brush box–it’s a well-marked track–and then visit the clearing or the lookout–or both–and return for a well-earned treat at O’Reilly’s Mountain Café.

8. Chalahn Falls at Lamington National Park

Accessed via the Tooloona Creek Circuit, the Chalahn Falls walk to and from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is around 10.5km. Creek crossings mean wanderers should prepare to wade. The track can degrade in heavy rain, and there are some fallen trees, but it’s the perfect spot for a picnic and an awe-inspiring view at the end.

9. Stairway Waterfall in Lamington National Park

Stairway Waterfall is at the turnaround point of a 14km hike beginning at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, where there are plenty of places to cool off along the way, including the Blue Pool. It is a more difficult walk, but it passes through gorgeous scenery. Wanderers will get wet feet as there are multiple creek crossings.

10. Coomera and Yarrabilgong Falls at Lamington National Park

Off the Coomera Circuit at Binna Burra, the Coomera and Yarrabilgong Falls are a 17.5km return trip that takes between five and seven hours, depending on the wanderer! Dense forests, creek crossings, waterfalls, gorges, and cliffs will all be encountered. Binna Burra Lodge has wonderful accommodation options ranging from luxe Sky Lodges to Safari Tents, as well as a restaurant, café and great coffee. NOTE: Once at Binna Burra, there’s a whole range of wonderful walks from which to choose, and after this rain, most have waterfalls or cascading water involved!

11. Mirror Falls at Lamington National Park

One for the fit wanderers, and the 20km trek to Mirror Falls is worthwhile, starting from O’Reilly’s. The views are spectacular. Accommodation at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat studio apartments and suites, which all boast equally spectacular views! This is sky-high wandering at its best!

A NOTE FOR SCENIC RIM WANDERERS AND WATERFALL CHASERS:

A reminder to walk carefully through Mother Nature’s beautiful places. Protecting our natural environment is a priority and a responsibility of every wanderer. Always plan and prepare, stick to designated tracks and go only where it’s permitted. Some activities may require proper guidance, navigation skills, special permits, or equipment, so please check with local tour operators or visitor information centres for up-to-date information and guidance.

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Story and photos contributed by Visit Scenic Rim
Feature photo: Cameron Falls at Tamborine Mountain, by Lachlan Gardiner, 2021.
Published 11 January 2024

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Study shows ‘Nature prescriptions’ can improve health

A dose of the outdoors may be just what the doctor ordered, according to new research from UNSW Sydney.

Imagine that your doctor prescribes you a new treatment. It’s pleasant, and you can have as much as you want. Potential side effects include spontaneous euphoria and being in a good mood. Not to mention, it’s free and available all around you.

It’s not a drug or some other medical procedure that your doctor has recommended. Instead, it is a ‘nature prescription’ – a recommendation to spend time in the outdoors.

Researchers from UNSW Sydney assessed international evidence for nature prescriptions and their ability to improve health. They analysed 28 studies that tested the prescriptions in real-world patients.

This research was led by Professor Xiaoqi Feng from UNSW Medicine & Health and Professor Thomas Astell-Burt from the University of Wollongong, who are the Co-Directors of the Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab).

The systematic review and meta-analysis, published today in The Lancet Planetary Health, found that time spent close to nature provided both physical and mental health benefits. Patients had reduced blood pressure, as well as lower depression and anxiety scores, and they had a higher daily step count.

“The evidence shows that nature can help to restore and build capacities for better physical and mental health. What we need now is to work out how to make nature prescriptions happen in a sustained way for those people with high potential to benefit, but who currently spend little time in the outdoors,” said Prof. Feng.

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Nature makes us healthier

Research shows that contact with nature reduces harms, including those from poor air quality, heatwaves, and chronic stress, while encouraging healthy behaviours such as socialising and physical activity. This can help to prevent issues including loneliness, depression, and cardiovascular disease.

“This study is built upon a long-term program of research that we are doing, where we show contact with the outdoors – and trees especially – is really good for strengthening mental and physical health across our lives,” said Prof. Feng.

Previous research by Prof. Feng shows that living close to certain types of green space can improve health.

For example, in a study of almost 47,000 adults in New South Wales (NSW), those living in areas with 30 per cent or more tree canopy reported better general health and reduced psychological distress.

This research has informed the City of Sydney’s $377 million strategy to reach 40 per cent green cover by 2050.

“But even if you have a high-quality green space like a park nearby, it doesn’t mean that everyone will visit and benefit from it,” said Prof. Feng.

“How can we encourage and enable people to (re)connect with the outdoors? That’s where the idea of a nature prescription comes in.”

Taking nature prescriptions mainstream

Nature prescriptions are emerging as a supplement to standard medical care. For example, the UK Government recently invested £5.77 million in a pilot program for ‘green social prescribing’ and Canada has a national nature prescription program.

In Australia, there is growing public interest in nature prescriptions. A recent survey of Australian adults led by Prof. Feng showed that over 80 per cent of people were receptive to the idea.

However, there are no large-scale nature prescription programs in Australia yet. More research is needed to understand how nature prescriptions could be implemented in our local context.

“So how long should the nature prescription be for? What should be in the prescription? How should we deliver it, and by whom? These questions don’t have firm answers yet,” said Prof. Feng.

“If we want nature prescriptions to become a national scheme, we really need to provide the evidence.”

It’s also important for nature prescriptions to be accessible to all Australians. Previous research from Prof. Astell-Burt and Prof. Feng has shown that low-income communities are least likely to have access to green space. Yet, these communities are more at risk of chronic health issues like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

“We don’t want nature prescriptions to be a luxury item for the rich who already have access to beaches and a lot of high-quality green space,” Prof. Feng said. “We want these benefits for everyone.”

UNSW Sydney – 25/5/2023

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