Curtis Falls In Mount Tamborine: 2024 Visitor’s Guide

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Curtis Falls Mt Tamborine is one of the best waterfalls on the Gold Coast, which can be explored via an easy walking trail.

Located at the top of Tamborine Mountain, Curtis Falls is an awe-inspiring natural attraction that is not to be missed when visiting Tamborine National Park.

In this guide, I have included useful information on how to get here, the best time to visit, and what to expect when you arrive.

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QUICK ANSWERS – CURTIS FALLS MT TAMBORINE

Let’s start this guide with all the essentials you should know before coming, such as the location, how to get there, and more.

WHERE IS CURTIS FALLS?

Curtis Falls is located on Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast hinterland. The waterfall itself lies within Tamborine National Park.

Click here to see the location on Google Maps.

curtis falls map

HOW TO GET TO CURTIS FALLS?

From the main tourist hub on the Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise), it’s approximately a 45-minute drive to reach Curtis Falls Mt Tamborine.

From the southern end of the Gold Coast (Coolangatta), the journey time is around 1-hour.

There is no public transport to access Mount Tamborine so you will need to have your own vehicle to visit or join a tour from the Gold Coast, which is the most convenient.

The road leading out to Mount Tamborine is unbelievably scenic so I urge you not to rush and soak in the nature that surrounds this area.

BEST TOUR TO CURTIS FALLS

The Best of Tamborine Mountain from the Gold Coast

The BEST way to visit Curtis Falls in Mount Tamborine is by joining a Best of Tamborine Mountain Tour!

It includes hotel transfers, the national park fees, a wine tasting session, and a fun guide to spend the day with!

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CURTIS FALLS MOUNT TAMBORINE?

Curtis Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction and it can get quite busy on the weekends. If you can time your visit for a weekday, you will get to enjoy it with fewer people.

The best time to visit is between 8 am and 12 pm for the best lighting from the sun.

If you’re not a morning person, you can still visit at any time during the day, make sure to allow yourself enough time if you wish to complete the Curtis Falls track which takes up to 1.5 hours.

ARRIVING AT MT TAMBORINE

When you arrive at the jump-off point, there is a parking lot in front of Curtis Falls Cafe with around a dozen free spaces where you can park your car safely.

From here, the trailhead is clearly signposted and it’s a short 10-15 minute walk through the rainforest to reach the falls.

RELATED ARTICLE → 3 DAY GOLD COAST ITINERARY

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The Cafe
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The trailhead to the falls
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Curtis Falls walking track photos – Start of the trail

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CURTIS FALLS WALKING TRACK

The track down to the falls is a combination of stone steps, dirt trails, wooden boardwalks, and concrete bridges that will lead you through the lush rainforest that makes up Tamborine National Park.

Don’t make the same mistake as I did and come with comfortable hiking shoes to protect your feet no matter what the conditions are.

On top of that, even though it’s a short walk, I recommend taking your reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Follow the signs to the falls which is a short 10-15 minute easy walk from the parking lot and there are a number of viewpoints along the way that offer spectacular views of the rainforest and the canopy above.

If you wish to venture along the Lower Creek Circuit as well, it’s an easy 1.6km return walk that takes no more than 1.5 hours including stops to go swimming and take photos.

There are some interesting sites to keep an eye out for on the walk such as hanging tree vines, flowing streams, enormous fig trees, lookout points, and small bridge crossings, all of which add to the exciting adventure!

BOOK NOW: MT Tamborine Tour With Curtis Falls
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Epic viewpoints in the forest
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Clear signposts to Curtis Fall
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On the way to the falls – Curtis Falls walking track trails
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At the base – Curtis Falls walking track photos

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When you come to a T-section on the Curtis Falls walking trail, you will see a signpost that says Curtis Waterfall 105m to the left and Lower Circuit Trail 1.6km return to the right.

I recommend turning left at this point, which will lead you right into the natural amphitheater at the base of the falls, then come back to this point and follow the signs for the Lower Creek Circuit trail.

When you arrive at the viewpoint and first lay eyes on the falls, you will be in awe! Tropical ferns and hanging vines envelop the waterfall and a fallen-over tree trunk lies on one side of the basin.

The water flows down from the stream above and discharges effortlessly over a rock face, creating a silvery-like curtain of falls that fills a large catch basin below.

RELATED ARTICLE → 5 BEST SPRINGBROOK WATERFALLS

When I visited, it was still possible to swim, however, the local authorities added some restrictions now and it’s no longer possible. What a shame, though, as it’s one of the best Mount Tamborine waterfalls.

There is also a dirt track on the left-hand side of the viewpoint that leads to a rocky cave behind the falls. From here you can get another cool perspective looking out over the basin.

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Taking a refreshing dip
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Curtis Falls viewing platform

LOWER CREEK CIRCUIT TRAIL

Once you’ve enjoyed marveling at Curtis Waterfall, continue the adventure along the Lower Creek Circuit trail which is a 1.6km return walk.

The Lower Creek Circuit is just as impressive as the main attraction, in my opinion.

This trail will take you deep into the rainforest, crossing over streams, weaving in and out of towering fig trees, and emerging at a turquoise-colored rockpool at the bottom of the valley.

Along the Lower Creek Circuit, I urge you to stop, look, listen and enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest here in Tamborine National Park.

There are several small rock pools along the way where you can take the opportunity to go for a refreshing dip and gaze up at the mesmerizing canopy above.

When you reach the end of the trail on the Lower Creek Circuit, follow the signs and this will take you back to the parking lot located in front of the Cafe.

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Lower Creek Circuit
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Signpost on the track

TIPS FOR VISITING CURTIS FALLS MOUNT TAMBORINE

Before heading to Curtis Falls walking track, there are several things to keep in mind for both safety and sustainability reasons:

  • Wear hiking boots
  • Swimming is not allowed
  • You can go with children as it’s not a challenging track
  • Do not smoke – Respect the environment and avoid fines!
  • Don’t forget your camera as there are endless photo opportunities

BEST GOLD COAST TOURS

 

OTHER GOLD COAST ATTRACTIONS

There are so many things to do on the Gold Coast you could spend months here and not run out of things to do.

See the list below for some other Gold Coast tourist spots that you might like to check out:

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WHERE TO STAY IN MT TAMBORINE

Tamborine Mountain has dozens of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best-recommended places to stay with options suited for small families, budget backpackers, and luxury travelers.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

LUXURY: CURTIS FALLS COTTAGE

CURTIS FALLS COTTAGE

MID RANGE: MT TAMBORINE MOTEL

103602008

BUDGET: TALL TREES MOTEL

65617620

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN MT TAMBORINE, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

WHAT TO PACK FOR TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

When visiting Tamborine Mountain, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden Money Wallet

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Reusable Water Bottle

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Travel Backpack

Nomatic 20L Bag

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Quick-Dry Travel Towel

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Portable PowerBank

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FINAL THOUGHTS – CURTIS FALLS MT TAMBORINE

I have visited this waterfall on many occasions in my teenage years (that’s right, I was born and bred on the Gold Coast) and I’m so glad I revisited this epic spot to put together this adventure guide for you to follow.

It’s the perfect place to go to escape the hustle and bustle of Gold Coast City and spend a day adventuring and relaxing in nature with your friends and family!

I guarantee that you will enjoy this place as much as I have and if you have any questions about Curtis Falls Tamborine Mountain, please feel free to let me know in the comments below.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations about Curtis Falls Gold Coast to our awesome community.

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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

bookingcom

Search and book accommodation worldwide.


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Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.


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Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.


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Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.


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Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

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