Construction has started on an $18.5 million upgrade of Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland.
It includes new suspension bridge, lookouts, walking tracks and visitor facilities.
The project will transform the Settlement and Purling Brook Falls precinct, one of the most popular visitor areas in the World Heritage-listed national park.
The Queensland Government said in a statement that the works were expected to support 46 full-time local jobs and involve around 40 regional suppliers and contractors.
The redevelopment will include a new visitor hub at the Settlement picnic area, additional car parking, bus parking, upgraded amenities and improved access to the Purling Brook Falls walking circuit.
A new suspension bridge will cross the creek near the top of the falls, connecting walking tracks and reducing the need for visitors to access sensitive areas near the waterfall.
A new two-level lookout will also be constructed on the eastern side of the creek, while the existing western lookout will be upgraded.
Springbrook National Park attracts approximately 500,000 visitors annually, with growing demand creating parking congestion and pressure on existing visitor facilities.
The upgrade has been in planning for several years, with design work dating back to 2020. The Queensland Government called for construction tenders in May this year.
The project is being delivered by Alder Construction and is part of the Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 ecotourism strategy, which includes a target of 45 new ecotourism experiences by 2045.
Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the works would improve visitor safety and access.
“Springbrook National Park is one of Queensland’s most spectacular natural attractions, and these upgrades will help ensure visitors can enjoy it safely and sustainably for generations to come while further cementing Queensland as the home of the holiday and a global leader in ecotourism.”
Alder Construction CEO Dean Cheffers said the location presented significant engineering and environmental challenges.
“Building new lookouts and a suspension bridge above Purling Brook waterfall is a technically challenging undertaking, requiring specialised construction methods, careful planning and a strong focus on safety and environmental management,” Mr Cheffers said.
“Working in a sensitive natural environment means carefully managing construction activities to minimise impacts on the surrounding landscape.”
The broader Springbrook plateau upgrade program is scheduled to continue until February 2028, weather permitting.
During construction, the Settlement day-use area is closed, while sections of the Purling Brook Falls circuit are inaccessible.
Visitors are advised to check the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service alerts before visiting.
