A father's visit to see his daughter ended tragically after he fell to his death on a hike near a Gold Coast waterfall.

The 79-year-old man and two of his daughters were hiking the Purling Brook Falls trail in Springbrook when he reportedly slipped on a narrow section of track about midday.

He fell more than 20 metres.

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1570292925506134017

One of his daughters bravely tried to climb down to rescue him but he could not be saved.

A rescue helicopter had to then winch her to safety.

The man was reportedly on holiday in Queensland from Victoria, visiting one of his daughters.

The Purling Brook Falls circuit is about 4km and is flagged as a Grade 3 hike, meaning it is suitable for most fitness levels but tracks may be steep and have rough surfaces.

The Parks and Forrest government website warns Purling Brook Falls can be a dangerous hike.

"DANGER: Sheer cliffs and waterfalls. One slip could be fatal—serious injury or death may result from walking near the edge. Keep to the track. Supervise children closely," the government website states.