Easter holidays: Springbrook National Park
The falls are about a 45 minute drive from our house. We arrived around 10 am to cool temperatures in the low 20s. The morning air was crisp and I first worried that we were underdressed, but of course the temperatures warmed up throughout the morning. We set off through the rainforest, Ollie taking the lead and marching ahead, me racing to keep up with him.
About 1km into our hike was Fairy Falls, which felt like stepping into a storybook. A carved-out rock path let us walk behind the waterfall which was really magical. I don't think I'd ever been up so close to such a big waterfall - that is, until we got to the next one.
Andy took the opportunity to swim at the pool at the base of the falls. The water was very cold, and none of the rest of us could be convinced to join him. I regret not going in later - I so wish I was better at getting into cold water!
Between Fairy Falls and Twin Falls, we faced our first hiccup: Bunny slipped on a wet rock and took a tumble. For a few minutes we thought she might have twisted her ankle, but thankfully, she didn't have any serious injuries. Just a very bruised and scratched up knee. We still have over 2km to go to finish the hike, and Bunny bravely soldiered on at a gentler pace, with Dad and Andy taking turns as her walking buddies while my mom and I kept an eye on the kids. The walk was not difficult, but there were a few narrow paths with big drops and I am always worried that Ollie doesn't pay enough attention to where he is going and will trip over something. (Of course, nothing happened, this is just the plight of being a mother, picturing the worst case scenario at all times with your kids!)
The highlight was Twin Falls itself. Here, the hiking path weaves directly underneath the cascading water—a magical moment if there ever was one!
On our way home, my parents, Ella, and I swung by the Beechmont Hotel for a late lunch. It’s got a sprawling outdoor beer garden, a small stage for live music, and even a kids’ play area. We had the place almost to ourselves, but it looks like they get busy on weekends.
A few days later, Andy, Dad, and Dave headed back for another hike in Springbrook National Park, the nearby Purling Brook Falls. This was another 4km circuit walk and by all accounts just as beautiful.
Bunny was not quite ready for another walk as her bruises were still healing. Instead, I took the grandmas and the kids to another Gold Coast attraction: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. Armed with spending money from their English grandparents, Ella and Ollie embarked on a toy hunt with my mom and Bunny, while I retreated—literally—to the mall’s outdoor “retreat” zone. This is an outdoor part of the Centre, with comfy seating, shady umbrellas, and a peaceful view of palm trees and passing shoppers. Despite the palm trees only just covering the red H&M sign behind them, I could almost fool myself into believing I was somewhere more exotic than the mall - though I should say Pacific Fair is an exceptional shopping centre.
Back to Springbrook National Park - I can't recommend this place highly enough. There are many different walks you can do, and I can't wait to explore it again sometime soon. The thrill of walking behind and through waterfalls and the opportunity to swim in pools beneath them, plus some great hiking, makes this a great day out in my books!
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