Best of All Lookout is a short rainforest walk in Springbrook National Park that ends at a big view over northern New South Wales, with Mount Warning (Wollumbin) the star of it. It sits on the Springbrook plateau in the Gold Coast hinterland, and the walk is about 600 m return.
It is one of the easiest ways to get a proper mountain view from the Gold Coast, and it fits neatly into a day in Springbrook National Park.
The Best of All Lookout walk
The track starts at the car park at the end of Repeater Station Road. It is about 600 m return and takes about 30 minutes at a relaxed pace, with time to stop for photos.
The path runs through a small patch of Antarctic beech forest, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area. Some of the trees are more than a thousand years old, and the forest is usually damp, mossy and a few degrees cooler than the coast.
The view
The view is dominated by Mount Warning (Wollumbin) in northern New South Wales, with forested ranges and valleys below. Looking out from the plateau, you are high above the surrounding country.
The plateau is high, so cloud sits on it more often than it does on the coast. Queensland tourism information warns that these lookouts are often shrouded in cloud even when the coast is sunny, and recommends clear, smoke-free days. If it is misty, the walk is still pleasant, but you may see only white.
Making a day of it on the plateau
The walk is short, so most people pair it with other stops. Canyon Lookout is about a 30 m stroll from its car park and looks across to Twin Falls. Goomoolahra Falls has a picnic area and a walk of about 250 m return. The Twin Falls circuit and the Purling Brook Falls circuit each take about 2 hours or a little more.
Half a day covers the Best of All Lookout, Canyon Lookout and Goomoolahra Falls. Natural Bridge is on a different road, so treat it as a separate trip.
Facilities
This is a bush car park and a short track, not a developed picnic area. The nearest toilets and picnic tables are at the picnic areas around the plateau, including Gwongorella picnic area at Purling Brook Falls, so stop there before you drive up Repeater Station Road.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service can answer questions about access and conditions on 13 74 68.
Planning your visit
- How long: about 30 minutes for the walk. Add more time if you are combining it with Purling Brook Falls, Canyon Lookout or Twin Falls.
- Best time: a clear, smoke-free day, ideally in the morning before cloud builds.
- Cost: no entry fee or parking charge is listed.
- Dogs: not allowed. Pets are banned from Queensland national parks, with an exception for assistance animals.
- What to bring: shoes with grip, a layer (the plateau is cooler than the coast), water and a camera.
- Accessibility: ring Queensland Parks on 13 74 68 for current access details.
Getting there and parking
The lookout is about 100 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD and about 55 minutes from Surfers Paradise. From the Gold Coast, leave the Pacific Motorway at Mudgeeraba (exit 80) and follow Springbrook Road up the range, then follow the signs to Repeater Station Road. The car park is at the end of the road, just after the turn-off for Purling Brook Falls.
The access roads are windy, narrow and steep in places, so allow extra time. You can also reach the plateau from Nerang through the Numinbah Valley.
There is no public transport to the plateau, so you need a car or a tour. Check the Translink Journey Planner if you want to confirm.
Parking is in the signed car park at the end of Repeater Station Road. It can fill on clear weekends, so go early, and keep valuables out of sight. For park alerts and closures, see Queensland Parks: Springbrook National Park.
Nearby
- Springbrook National Park – Canyon Lookout, Twin Falls and the rest of the plateau.
- Purling Brook Falls – a 100 m waterfall a few minutes down the road.
- Natural Bridge – the glow-worm cave and rainforest circuit, a separate drive.
- Numinbah Valley – the scenic drive up from Nerang.
- More views: lookouts across South East Queensland.
Quick answers
How long is the Best of All Lookout walk?
About 600 m return. Allow about 30 minutes.
What can you see from Best of All Lookout?
Mount Warning (Wollumbin) and the ranges of northern New South Wales, on a clear day. Cloud often hides the view on the plateau.
Where do you park for Best of All Lookout?
In the car park at the end of Repeater Station Road on the Springbrook plateau. No parking fee is listed.
Are dogs allowed at Best of All Lookout?
No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed in Queensland national parks, apart from assistance animals.
How far is Best of All Lookout from Brisbane?
About 100 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD. There is no public transport to the plateau.
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