Springbrook National Park

Famous for its spectacular water falls and lush rain forests. You would think this National Park is located in the tropical north of Australia. In fact the Springbrook National Park is just 100 kilometers south of Brisbane (Queenslands capital city).

The Springbrook National Park has made the World Heritage List. In 1994 it was listed as a World Heritage Park by UNESCO, it was declared the Gondwana Rain forests of Australia World Heritage Area. This achievement notes the parks commitment to conservation and environment protection

The National Park is home to over 1700 types of native flora and over 500 types of wildlife. It is important to keep many of these rare species protected from the influence of land development, humans and domestic animals. As a protected environment it is ideal for the growth of many unique species.

Rain forests are usually rare in the more southern parts of Australia, here there are rain forests full of vines, palms, epiphytes as well as large fruit trees such as Figs. Also home to the Southern Orhrosia which is one of Australia's endangered plant species, it can only be found in Springbrook National Park. Home to many gorgeous Australian mammals including the very friendly Pademelons of Small Rain forest Wallaby, Brush Tailed Possums and Ring Tail Possums are also a regular sight for those camping on the grounds, Sugar Gliders and the Large Greater Glider are some times seen also but are nocturnal and only seen at night. Beautiful Koalas are often seen if one is lucky.

With many native Australian birds living on the parks grounds, visitors may see the Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo, Brown Cuckoo Dove, Albert's Lyrebird, Fairy Wren, Yellow Robin, Rufous Fantail as well as many types of local Parrots and Bower Birds.

Home to Springbrook Plateau, this was once a huge volcano shield. Making this area rich is geological features. Including the many basalt rock bridges, water falls and caves. Other geological areas within the park are Egg Rock, Pages Pinnacle and Mount Cougal. All of these areas are open to the public through tours and walking tracks. As these areas are millions of years old it is important to protect them from harm.

There are many walking tracks for those wishing to explore the whole park the Wunburra Lookout is popular as is the Canyon Lookout, Best of All Lookout, Purling Brook Falls Circuit, Twin Falls Circuit, Warrie Circuit, Natural Bridge Circuit and the Cascades Track. Many of these tracks take a few hours to complete, to make the most out of the trip to Springbrook National Park there are camping facilities available.

As with all Australian National Parks it is vital that visitors clean up after themselves and respect the park and its inhabitants. In doing so the land will continue to be kept pristine and will stay open to educate visitors on Australia's eco system for a long time to come.