Cougal Cascades: Ultimate Visitors Guide & What You Need to Know

Cougal Cascades: Ultimate Visitors Guide & What You Need to Know

Cougal Cascades is an incredible series of waterfalls and swimming holes, nestled in the Currumbin Valley. Located in Springbrook National Park, in the Gold Coat hinterlands, Cougal Cascades is a locals favourite. This guide will share the essential information you need to know when planning a trip to Cougal Cascades, including what to expect and best time to visit.

Why visit?

Cougal Cascades is a popular destination thanks to its stunning natural beauty, convenient proximity to the Gold Coast coastline, and easy accessibility. Visitors are especially drawn to this spot because swimming is permitted, making it an ideal escape from the Australian heat. The numerous waterfalls and waterholes offer plenty of opportunities for exploration, allowing visitors to spread out and enjoy the cascades without feeling crowded.

Where is it?

Cougal Cascades is located in Currumbin valley, within Springbrook National Park. From the southern Gold Coast coastline it is approximately a 30-40 minute drive.

Its proximity to the tourist hub is why it is so popular. However, there are no public transport options to the waterfall. You will have to hitch a ride or a hire a car if you don’t have transport yourself!

Click here for the exact location on Google Maps

When is the best time to visit?

Cougal Cascades is best enjoyed during the middle of the day when it is the warmest – the water is very fresh! Therefore, it’s a very popular place within the summer months. Locals enjoy this spot just as much as travellers so it can be very crowded at times. To avoid the crowds, visit during the weekdays or earlier in the morning before the rush.

Arriving at Cougal Cascades

Upon arrival, there is a small carpark located at the trail head. Due to the limited number of parking spaces, you may have to wait your turn or arrive early to beat the crowds.

There is a public toilet located in the carpark as well as a couple of picnic benches.

The Trail

The trailhead is signposted close to the carpark and the path leads down a lush trail within the rainforest. Quite soon on the trail you will notice a lookout platform. This scenic spot looks down on to one of the many waterfalls and swimming holes along the trail.

The full trail is 1.6km return and is suitable for prams and assisted wheelchairs. It follows along the cascades and leads to a historic sawmill.

Though there are no official tracks down to the swimming holes, you will notice paths diverging off the trail down to the waters edge. These small tracks down to the waterfalls and swimming holes aren’t paved and are not suitable for prams etc.

There are signs advising caution against cliff jumping and sliding down the waterfalls. Serious injuries have occurred at Cougal Cascades so we can’t stress enough how important it is to take care.

Swimming at Cougal Cascades

There are numerous spots to choose from when considering where to swim. Most visitors make their way down to the water using the makeshift trails and than wander along the cascades until they find a spot they like. If you visit during midday, especially on a weekend, it’s unlikely you will find a spot to yourself but the atmosphere is a fun one!

Our favorite spot, and one of the most popular locations for swimming and cliff jumping, is around the third waterfall upstream. If it’s busy, you’ll likely see many people jumping here. However, always prioritize safety—only jump if you feel it’s secure, and make sure to check the water’s depth beforehand.

Before reaching this area, there’s a larger waterfall that becomes particularly spectacular after rainfall. It features a beautiful rock pool beneath it, making it a great spot to relax and take in the scenery.

As we mentioned, cliff jumping is popular here and you’re likely to witness many kids and adults giving it a go! Cory joined in on the fun after making sure it was safe to jump!

What to pack

When visiting Cougal Cascades we would recommend packing an everyday backpack with a few essentials. If you’re planning to swim, you will need a towel and your swimming costume/shorts. In addition to sun safety items such as sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Summer in Australia can reach temperatures of 30°c+ so always have water with you.

The main paved trail is fine to walk in wearing sandals but if you want to scramble down to the cascades, we would recommend wearing grippy shoes.

Please also remember to take your rubbish with you, there is no bin on the trail.

Gold Coast Temperature (average low/highs)

SUMMER	WINTER
21–28.4°C (69.8–83.1°F)	12.5–21.5°C (54.5–70.7°F)

What else is there to do in the Gold Coast?

The Gold Coast really does offer so much to do. You could spend months there and not run out of things to do.

See the list below for some of the top things to do on the Gold Coast.

• Surfers Paradise Surf Lesson
• Theme Parks
• Skypoint Observation Deck
• Springbrook National Park Waterfalls Tour
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gold Coast Sightseeing Cruise & Buffet Lunch

Thank You

Hi adventurers, thanks for reading this guide!

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CURRUMBIN VALLEY HIGHLIGHTS