Natural Bridge
Gold Coast
Springbrook National Park
A short but beautiful walk through rainforest to a waterfall that flows through a hole into a cave, with glow worms visible at night.
The heavily trafficked short walk starts from the car park on Bakers Road (off of Nerang Murwillumbah Road) in the western part of Springbrook National Park.
Natural Bridge (also referred to as Natural Arch), is an incredible waterfall flowing through a hole etched into the roof of a deep basalt cave.
The tracks meanders through lush rainforest, dotted with hoop pines, with wildlife aplenty. There is also a giant Strangler Fig at the start of the walk.
There are a few footbridges and stairs along the walk, as well as constructed platforms on both sides of the waterfall that flows into the cave, giving fantastic views of the creek as it cascades its way to the falls and into the cave.
More stairs lead to the wide arch of the cave entrance, with more fantastic views of the waterfall as it plunges into the cave from constructed platforms both inside and outside of the cave.
At night, the cave is softly illuminated by glow-worms. A colony of microbats also calls the cave home. It is important not to use flashlights or flash photography in the cave at any time, as this can kill the glow-worms.
Access to the creek, including within the cave, is strictly prohibited, in order to protect the ecosystem from the high rates of foot traffic.
Track: The path is paved and easy to follow, with a number of sets of stairs and wooden footbridges. There are also railings along much of the track, including at all lookout platforms.
Difficulty: The track is suitable for all fitness levels.
Direction: This is a loop track that can be completed in either direction.
getting there
The walk is located from the carpark on Bakers Road (off of Nerang Murwillumbah Road) in the western part of Springbrook National Park, 1.5 hours drive south of Brisbane.
Parking is ample, however the location is extremely busy on weekends and public holidays.
best time to go
The walk can be completed year-round.
Always check the Queensland Parks website for updates on track closures.
Remember, whenever venturing into the outdoors, practice the Leave No Trace principles and be considerate of others. This means: dispose of your waste properly, don't remove things or move things from their natural position and respect all wildlife. Also be sure to plan ahead and adequately prepare for any adventure.
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I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which all activities listed on this website are found, as well as Elders past, present and emerging. I strive to not promote sites where requests have been made for people not to explore due to the cultural significance of the site to Indigenous peoples, or note how to respectfully visit a site. If I have a promoted a site with cultural significance, please send me a message and let me know.