Key project features

This project will see the creation of a new orientation site, car parks, lookouts and walking tracks. We’ve worked closely with the Yugambeh people to develop concept designs for the proposed upgrades.

The Settlement picnic area and Purling Brook Falls circuit

The proposed redevelopment of The Settlement picnic area will create a central visitor hub for the broader Springbrook National Park and include a new car park with bus parking, an interpretive shelter and amenity block. The start of the Purling Brook Falls circuit will be upgraded to increase accessibility to a new, two-level lookout on the eastern side of the creek. A new suspension bridge will span the creek, protecting sensitive and vulnerable habitat and improving visitor safety by reducing access to the top of the falls. The western lookout will also be upgraded.

Gwongorella picnic area

Extra car parking bays are proposed for the current car park providing more parking opportunities for visitors to Gwongorella picnic area and connected walking tracks. An accessible toilet block will improve sanitation services for visitors, reduce operating costs and improve environmental outcomes.

Tallanbana trailhead

Tallanbana serves as the trailhead for the popular Twin Falls and Warrie circuits. With approximately 100,000 visitors a year, the popularity of these walking tracks creates extreme parking congestion along Springbrook Road. Design options are being considered to increase parking capacity and improve safety of visitor and vehicle movements.

Best Of All lookout

The proposed upgrade of the trailhead and car park at Best Of All lookout will enhance visitors’ experiences and safety by improving accessibility, parking spaces and the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians. An upgraded track surface will create a more accessible journey to the established lookout.

Frequently asked questions

Why is this project needed?

• In recent years, a steady growth in popularity of sites on the plateau has led to congestion and crowding. At peak times, car parking overflows into residential streets, creating hazards for pedestrians and residents.
• Due to their age and condition, many of the existing park facilities need replacement. New and rejuvenated facilities will be more accessible and are less likely to be affected by flooding events.
• The landscape is of significant cultural value to the Yugambeh people, and the upgrades provide an opportunity to increase awareness of their connections to Country.
• All new construction will be to a standard designed to service visitors for the next 20+ years and enhance the outstanding natural beauty of Springbrook National Park.

How long will the project take?

The project planning has begun. The final part of the project is expected to be completed in 2028.

What are the impacts to visitors?

Works will be staged where possible to reduce disruption to visitors. While there may be some impacts on the local community and for visitors, these will be communicated well in advance and mitigated to reduce negative impacts. We will keep visitors informed through Park alerts and this page will also be updated as the project progresses.

Funding

This project is part of the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 Ecotourism Plan to make Queensland a must-visit destination for domestic and international travellers.

Approximately $18.5 million has been allocated for the upgrades at The Settlement picnic area and Purling Brook Falls precinct over the next three years.

More information

Contact us using the enquiry form. To ensure our best response, please use the words ‘Springbrook NP redevelopment’ in the enquiry title.