Curtis Falls, nestled within Tamborine National Park on Australia's Gold Coast, is a scenic natural wonder inviting visitors into a lush rainforest realm. A short walk from the charming village of North Tamborine leads to this breathtaking waterfall, where a cascade of water plunges into a rock pool surrounded by ancient trees and vibrant foliage. The
Located within the Joalah section of the Tamborine National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland in Australia is the spectacular Curtis Falls. This easy-to-visit waterfall is situated where Cedar Creek drops a modest 10-12m, and can be reached by a short, enjoyable walk for 1 km. The walking track is considered a Grade 3 walk and passes through a wet eucalypt forest surrounded by majestic flooded gums.
During this adventurous walk, you will be able to witness staghorn ferns nestled in the canopy above, along with the intricate strangler fig. For those exploring the Gold Coast Hinterland, including Curtis Falls in your itinerary is a must, and it’s often featured in various Australia tour packages.
On reaching the beautiful falls, feel awe-struck at the gushing fall flowing on huge basalt columns which have been formed by volcanoes in ancient times. Admire the view of the colourful fishes and eels playing in the rocky pool at the bottom of the fall and look out for the local platypus which are inmates of the area. Visit at night to see a magical beauty unfold in front of you, with the light emitting from glow-worms residing in the surrounding cliffs.
Highlights
• Embark on a Grade 3 walk through a wet eucalypt forest for 1 km to reach the beautiful Curtis Waterfall.
• Stop at the Joalah Lookout to take a look at the surrounding forest with its towering flooded gums.
• Reach the Curtis Falls to have a look at its raging form falling into a rocky pool whose columns have been formed by ancient volcanoes.
• Look out for the local platypus, which are residents of this area and can be spotted from time to time
• Visit at night to witness the glow-worm colony, which is located behind the fall and is visible only at night.
How To Reach
1. By Car: Curtis Falls is located 11.3 km from the nearest town, Tambourine, it will take 15 min by hired car or cab to reach via State Route 95.
2. By Bus: Take 727S bus line which passes near Curtis Falls to reach the destination by bus.
3. By Train/ metro: Take a train to Helensvale Train Station or Nerang Train Station, the two nearest stations to Curtis Falls. Nerang Train Station is located 33.6 km away, and it will take 35 mins via State Route 95 and M1 to reach the destination by car or hired cab. If you are coming from Helensvale Train Station by car, you will need to travel 25.8 km via State Route 95 to reach the location in 30 mins.
Best Time To Visit
Curtis Falls is fed continuously all year round, so no matter what time of year you visit, you will find it always flowing. This makes the place an all-year-around visit destination.
1. Best Season: The best season to visit Curtis Falls is in the summer, from October to April. This is the time of the year when there is more moisture and is the best condition to see the glow-worms for which the falls are well-known.
2. Best Day in the Week: The best days in the week are the weekdays when the place is less crowded, and you can enjoy the tranquil ambience of the forest the most.
3. The Best Time of the Day: Evening after dark is the best time of the day to visit Curtis Falls. The falls are famous for their glow-worm communities which reside behind them. You will be able to see the breathtaking view of the glow-worms in the surrounding cliffs.
Other Essential Information
- Wear hiking boots, as you will need to walk through a Grade 3 walk to reach the falls.
- Although Curtis Falls has a rock pool, swimming is not allowed for the visitor’s safety and also for the protection of the resident platypus and glow-worm populations.
- You will not be able to take your pet dogs for the trip, as dogs are not allowed on this trail.
- Before starting your walk, you must read the signs at and near the start of the track.
- It is strictly prohibited to leave the viewing platform at the falls as just behind the falls, there is the glow-worm colony.
Observe the Rainforest from Joalah Lookout
On your way to Curtis Falls through the wet eucalyptus forest, stop to catch your breath at the Joalah Lookout. The Joalah Lookout is located about halfway down your journey and has a viewing platform. Spend some time at the platform and observe the confines of the rainforest and the creek below. Listen to the call of Albert’s Lyrebird, which inhabits the forest.
Admire the Curtis Falls
As your short adventurous walk through the wet eucalyptus forest comes to an end, you will be able to witness its beautiful Curtis Falls. Depending on the season, you may see a gentle curtain of water or a raging torrent as the fall tumbles over the huge basalt columns to the pool below. Look at these columns, which were created in ancient times during a volcano. Look for colourful fishes and eels playing in the rocky pool, and watch the turtles basking on fallen logs. The area is populated with the local platypus, which can be seen in the creek when there is a smaller crowd. The falls also have a colony of glow-worms behind them, which can be witnessed at night.
Look out for Glow Worms
Curtis Falls is well known for its colony of glow-worms which resides just behind the falls. If you wish to see these magical insects, you will need to visit the waterfall after darkness has set in. The best condition for witnessing the glow-worms is in the humid summer months. During this time, there is moisture and the bugs are active and bring out more glow forms, causing more of them to light up the darkness.
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