Introducing Cougal Cascades, a stunning nature preserve located in Currumbin Valley, QLD, Australia. This rainforest cascade offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city, accessible via a gentle riverside trail. Cougal Cascades boasts picturesque swimming holes and close-up views of waterfalls, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The old logging mill adds a touch of history to the experience. With its paved surface, the trail is easily navigable, allowing visitors to comfortably explore the area. Cougal Cascades provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for spending quality time with family or friends. Despite its popularity, the preserve manages to maintain a sense of tranquility. Please note that leashed dogs are not permitted in the national park. Cougal Cascades invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and create lasting memories.
![](https://static.where-e.com/Australia/Queensland/Gold_Coast/Cougal-Cascade_8a555a496996444a8618950ad65af2ab.jpg)
Amenities and More
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Good for kids
- Picnic tables
- Public toilet
- Hiking
- Kid-friendly hikes
Reviews
Very serene and peaceful on a weekday it's quiet. No dogs as it's a national park. Public toilets, parking is very minimal. Picnic tables at start of walk, easy for kids to walk the paved trail. Chairs along the way to take in the scenery or stop for a break. Listening to the serenity of the waterfalls below is divine.
Really cool natural path, there’s a signed one that takes you straight to them, you can enjoy the cascade, lots of differents tiny pool and a natural slide that go into them.
We saw lots of cool animals such as snakes and fish
Cougal Cascade sits at the very end of Currumbin Creek Road in the Currumbin Valley. The small sealed car park is also home to toilet facilities and a couple of picnic tables. About 500 metres in, you'll be greeted by the actual Cougal Cascades, plunging spectacularly down the cliff face into a large pool below. If you're relatively agile it is possible to climb down to the swimming hole for a dip in the clean, crisp water, however, it's just as nice observing it from afar via the wooden viewing platform. Go early if you want peace and tranquility.
We visited on a Sunday afternoon. Lucked out with parking. Easy walk along paved path to lookout and further up to sawmill. If agile, easy to access the creek bed from several points to enjoy the tropical jungle views, rock pools and waterfalls. We didn’t swim, but other were enjoying the water. Beautiful area!
Well worth the visit though I do recommend heading in early. There is limited car parking so people park on the sides if the road making the entry only one vehicle wide with limited chance to pass another vehicle.
An easy walk on a sealed path the whole way. There are several viewing areas where you can see the river, the falls and the swimming holes. If you plan to swim wear good footwear as there is no path to the water and access is quite steep.
There is also and old lumber camp which has been preserved and the are several educational signs posted to share the history of the area.
There is a toilet block but no bins or shops.
If you’re on the Gold Coast and in need of some serious bush therapy, this is the place. Sealed walking path, toilets in the car park and amazing vegetation and creek at the head of the Currumbin valley. Keep an eye out for leeches.
They say nature is soothing for the soul and healing for the body, and this place is no exception.
Best times to visit are during the week or very early mornings/late afternoons when the limited car park is less busy.
It's a great place for a nice forest walk, a refreshing dip in the water and soaking up the negative ions from the waterfalls (very good for your health and happiness).
It's really nice a few days after a decent rain once the waters have cleared again and the creek is flowing nicely.
Highly recommended!
The drive up here is absolutely stunning! Visiting during the holidays made it quite busy and the carpark was very full. The walk is an easy 15mins on a wide path, which is great for all ages. The rainforest is beautiful, and the Cascades are so inviting, despite being cold. There are multiple access points along the way to get to the water, just be prepared for smaller, inclined tracks. Enjoy rock hopping, relaxing by the water, or jumping into the big water hole.
Location
Currumbin Valley QLD 4223, Australia
Hours
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Monday
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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Tuesday
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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Wednesday
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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Thursday
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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Friday
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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Saturday
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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Sunday
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
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