Cougal Cascades

Springbrook National Park

A short walk next to Currumbin Creek. Great for a short walk not too far from the Gold Coast or for cooling off on a hot day (without the sand and salt of the sea).
There are plenty of fantastic swimming holes further up the cascades if you don't mind a 20min walk upstream .

Waterfalls
Swimming
Picnic Facilities
BBQ
Toilets
No Dogs Permitted
No Camping Permitted
Rainforest
172m
Maximum Elevation
77m
Total Climb

Getting there:

Exit the Gold Coast Highway (exit 95) at Currumbin onto Stewart Road and then left onto Currumbin Valley Road It is 21km to its end.

Maps:

Cougal Cascades

Route/Trail notes

The Cougal Cascades track is a bitumen path which follows Currumbin Creek alongside a series of rock pools and small waterfalls. Viewing platforms are provided for viewing the cascades and a historic sawmill is found at the end of the track. The track is suitable for prams and wheelchairs. The path gently rises as it follows the creek.

The creek is a great place to cool off on a hot day, but follow the warning signs and avoid diving into the creek. Picnic tables are provided.

Other References/Comments:

None found.

Comments

Best place to swim and rock hop all day. Very refreshing and so much space it doesn't seem like many people are around. Love it here

Terri tramps on 18 Sep, 2022

There was a tree which had called across the path .. was easy enough to cross but perhaps not so much for elderly or those pushing a stroller

David S on 27 Jan, 2022

Stunning, can't recommend it enough. Easy walk, several beautiful pictureque spots. Always slightly busy but never packed, and can slide down the first water fall like a slide. Be safe though, can be easy to over shoot

Kieran Wiggins on 8 Oct, 2021

Short walk and much further out of Currumbin than expected but worth the drive. Beautiful oasis of rainforest and gorgeous crystal clear creek area. Very busy on weekends so get there early to get a park.

Bobbe on 13 Mar, 2021

A very easy walk on a bitumen track, walking alongside the creek and cascades to the old saw mill. Behind the sawmill, you can walk to the creek then rock hop along the creek back down to the cascades to make it more interesting.

Shazlex on 15 Nov, 2020

One of many short walks that we did today. Lovely rock pools and easy track to follow. The historic sawmill site could do with some TLC as it would be a shame to lose this heritage.

Brian on 5 Sep, 2020

A walk the whole family can enjoy. If you can, avoid the usual popular times to find a suitable parking spot.

Wanderlust on 22 Aug, 2020

Nice and easy concreted all the way through. We tried to access the Cougal summit but from the climb at the cascades following the river we couldn’t see any further pink ribbon so decided to turn around as we missed the regular way from the Garden of Eden road but COVID 19 had the border closed anyway.

matthias levy on 14 Jul, 2020

This walk says you can take dogs on leash but there are ‘no dogs’ signs everywhere . Like the rest of Springbrook NP, dogs are not welcome unfortunately.

Finley on 6 Jul, 2020

Easy walk, creek was low so easy to get upstream to explore.

Linda on 22 Sep, 2019

A regular family favourite

Mackamcb on Jan, 2019

Nice Easy stroll.. Very short. drive to the track is quote beautiful.. interesting abandoned sawmill at the end of the track. You can go down to the cascades those are beautiful as well take care though as steep.

Ashwin on 25 Aug, 2018

Easy!

jjoha on 18 Feb, 2017

Easy and short as per other comments. Yes you have to climb down to see the cascades better but with a bit of care this isnt too difficult.

luvwalking on 18 Feb, 2017

Refreshing

Thomas M on 11 Feb, 2017

A easy, pleasant walk.

Ragas on 27 Dec, 2016

Nice place for a swim, went to Currumbin Rock Pools then came here as it's just up the rd.

Clem on 24 Dec, 2016

A quick walk with informative signs and a historic sawmill.

rob.bushman on 16 Oct, 2016

Nice

Bruce on 10 Jul, 2016

Ticked this one off my list whilst doing a reci for nearby Mt. Cougal. An easy family and wheelchair friendly walk up the valley to the old saw mill. There are lots of informative signage along the track providing a historic account of the area. Once a banana plantation!

You do however have to climb down to get to the creek itself and cool off in the rock pools. Heed the warnings about jumping and diving in and never attempt it in flood. I have friends that lived just 1km down the road and after any serious down poor, this can be a very, very fast and dangerous river course.

Half way along Currumbin Creek Road are the 'Rock Pools', which are also worth a stop, but due to their popularity, this area can be packed out.

F.A.B. on 4 Aug, 2015

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