BACKYARD TOURIST
IF you’re hungry for a Hinterland adventure, this hike will whet your appetite – and possibly wet it too.
The four-kilometre Twin Falls Circuit atop Springbrook is considered not just a great family friendly adventure, but also one of the most scenic walks in the World Heritage listed area, which was once part of an ancient volcano.
The journey takes just two hours, but give yourself three for all those photos. This is an adventure made for Instagram #greenbehindthegold.
Start the track from Tallanbana picnic area on Gold CoastSpringbrook Rd (journey via Pine Creek Rd due to road closures from ex-Cyclone Debbie).
Almost every twist and turn of the track takes you through spectacular scenery – from stunning rock formations creating tunnel-like passages, ancient towering rainforest, a crystal clear rock pool (yes, you can swim in it), sheer cliffs, views from the valley to the beach, and quaint bridges.
But the highlight has to be the journey behind not one, not two, but three waterfalls. As well as Twin Falls, the trek will take you behind Blackfellow Falls. If there’s been recent rainfall you might even get a bit wet, but don’t let that be a deterrent – soak it up.
Once you’ve reached the bottom you can cool off in the rock pool – more of a polar bear dip in the winter – and then head back up, with more stunning scenery to be seen.
There are plenty of stairs, but it’s not overly challenging. (NB parents of little ones: There may be some testing of tolerance for whinging and piggyback rides.)
As you climb, the rainforest changes from subtropical to temperate, before opening up to reveal spectacular views across Springbrook National Park and as far as the high-rise buildings of our sparkling city.