The track passes through a landslip area where movement can occur. Follow all signage carefully and avoid stopping in the marked landslip zone to ensure your safety. Be aware of changing conditions, particularly after heavy rain, and take extra care when navigating this section of the trail.
Witches Falls Circuit is a 3.6 km, Grade 4 hike in Tamborine National Park, Queensland, offering a rich blend of history, diverse landscapes, and seasonal beauty. The walk typically takes around 1.5 hours and winds through an ever-changing forest that shifts from open woodland to dense rainforest, revealing the park’s remarkable biodiversity along the way.
The trail begins just beyond the commemorative shelter, descending in a series of gentle zigzags through an open forest of banksia trees. As the path dips lower, the landscape transforms, with towering strangler figs weaving their way through the rainforest canopy. Along the way, seasonal lagoons emerge, cradled by groves of piccabeen palms. After heavy rain, these lagoons fill with water, creating a temporary oasis that attracts frogs and a chorus of insects, adding a dynamic layer of life to the forest.
A short 200-metre detour leads to the Witches Falls lookout, where the waterfall can be seen tumbling over the escarpment after recent rain. During drier periods, the rocky ledge remains, framed by lush vegetation, offering a sense of the ever-changing nature of this landscape. The track can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is recommended, along with insect repellent to ward off the midges and mosquitoes that thrive in the humid conditions.
Witches Falls holds a special place in Queensland’s history, as it was the first area to be declared a national park under the State Forests and National Park Act 1906. Established in 1908, it remains the state’s oldest national park, protecting a unique pocket of Gondwana-era rainforest and providing a glimpse into the region’s ancient past.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 3497 m
Max elevation: 563 m
Min elevation: 464 m
Total climbing: 132 m
Total descent: -133 m
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Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Tamborine National Park.
The trailhead is accessed from Main Western Road in Tamborine National Park. A well-maintained picnic area near the entrance provides a convenient spot to rest before or after your walk, featuring electric barbecues, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, and toilets. Parking is available nearby, with space for larger vehicles at the southern end of the picnic area. This section of the park is easy to find and well-signposted, making it a great starting point for exploring one of Tamborine Mountain’s most scenic and historically significant trails.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Canungra, Clagiraba, Eagle Heights, Guanaba, Mount Nathan, Mount Tamborine, North Tamborine, Oxenford, Tamborine, Tamborine Mountain, Tamborine Village, Wongawallan, Wonglepong
Just an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Tamborine National Park sits on Tamborine Mountain at 560 metres above sea level. To the east, glimpses of the Pacific Ocean and the Gold Coast skyline peek through the forest, while to the west, the rugged peaks of the Scenic Rim stretch into the distance. This park is home to towering basalt columns, dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and cascading waterfalls, all remnants of ancient volcanic activity.
Tamborine National Park has a rich history, with Witches Falls becoming Queensland’s first national park in 1908. Over time, additional sections were protected, including Cedar Grove, The Knoll, and Palm Grove. These areas now form a network of diverse landscapes, from dense rainforest filled with piccabeen palms to towering red cedars and cool, shaded gullies. The park’s rich plant life provides a crucial habitat for wildlife, including the rare Albert’s lyrebird and the striking shining burrawang.
Bushwalkers and hikers will find a variety of trails that wind through these landscapes, leading to waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and peaceful picnic spots. Curtis Falls is a highlight, where early morning or late afternoon visitors might catch a glimpse of a platypus moving through the water. The Knoll and Witches Falls are perfect places to stop for a picnic after exploring the surrounding trails. For those who enjoy birdwatching, the park offers the chance to see Albert’s lyrebird, known for its incredible ability to mimic the calls of other birds, particularly during the winter months.
Looking for more walks in or near Tamborine National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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