Don't be fooled by the less dramatic landscapes of Springbrook National Park, as you'll never know when and where nature will choose to surprise you! Whatever aspect of nature that fascinates you, you could find it here, and it's at such a convenient location so close to the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Hundreds of years old forest intertwines shaping the road you travels, you can't help but imagine yourself driving through history. Thousands of years of erosion forged these rims out of an ancient volcano, and with it came the numerous waterfalls waiting to be discovered...
One of these little gems of this national park is the Natural Bridge, or the Natural Arch as somebody may have known it. I've talked about all the different walks and exploring that this national park offers in my previous post, I want to share this particular spot more in detail with you guys because of its uniqueness.
You've probably guessed the reason for its name. The constant rushing water has penetrated layers of rock and formed a bridge like structure in this semi-closed cave, deep in the forest. The water flow is great during dry period, but it is even better after some rainfall. This 1km return walking track is one of the few fully paved walking track in Springbrook National Park. However, only half the track is stroller friendly with a few manageable steps to the outlook sitting on top of this cave, I wouldn't recommend it for prams or wheelchairs.
How to get there: Gold Coast Springbrook Road closed for repair after cyclone damage.
From Brisbane: Exit the Pacific Motorway at exit 69 and follow the Springbrook Directional Plaque to Nerang Muwillumba Road, and continue until you see the Natural Bridge plaque. You will see the entrance car park.
From Gold Coast: Reach Nerang Muwillumba Road and follow the Natural Bridge plaque to the entrance car park.
Place to eat:
There is a little cafe near Numinbah Valley that you could grab a bite on your way to and back from Natural Bridge. I believe that they close fairly early, so checking their trading hours before you go.
Hinze Dam Cafe. It is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the huge dam.
When to visit:
I would recommend avoid day time visits during the hot months between November to February. This area is an enclosed valley surrounded by dense moist rainforest, so its normal temperature is high and mostly no breeze or wind. If you would already planned your visit, early mornings or late afternoons would be a better option for you. You can visit here during night time to see glowworms, sometimes fireflies. It is a natural habitat for these creatures and this area is really popular during summer months for tourist groups and other travelers.
If you would like to see wild flowers, spring time between late August to early October would be the best time for it.
There are never enough car park during peak time as it is really popular. Visiting here early morning or late afternoon would help you avoid the commuter rush. At night time, I would say that there should be car parks available since mostly it will be tourist coaches and buses there.
Facilities and walking tracks:
There are toilet facilities at the car park, however, there is no accessible drinking water, so please bring your own water.
This class 2 (Australian Standards) walking track is fully maintained, with very clear track indications, so bringing small children should be fine. Wood fence/handrail has been installed for protection, but please keep an eye on the children in case they decide to go in between the rail gaps over the exposed cliff.
It is a very informative track showcasing a variety of rainforest unique vegetation and fungi, like the Strangler Fig. If you visit the cave at night, you will be embraced by a wall of shiny little stars and the sound of rushing water colliding with the cave wall. These glowworms and their habitat is really sensitive to light, so please turn them off. Pitch darkness exploring is half the fun!
Born from volcanic magma, it is one of the few areas that you can see glimpse of the ancient Gondwana Super Continent. It is truly an experience waiting for your to discover, and it is an experience that you can bring your family and friends in.
You only live once, live to be the better you and enjoy it everyday!
