Everything you need to know about Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park

If a picture tells a thousand words, then Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park has tales as old as time itself. Formed over millions of years, this beautiful rock formation sits in a small pocket of glorious wilderness just 100kms southwest of Brisbane.

Springbrook National Park is revered for its rugged peaks and dense section of ancient forest, setting the scene for a wholly picturesque walk as you find your way to this very beautiful part of the world.

Whether you’re up for a scenic stroll or driving day trip, here’s everything you need to know about Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park. And everything to do when you get there…

What makes it so special

The dense section of rainforest where Natural Bridge lies is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage list, forming part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. It dates back to the Jurassic period, making it over 180 million years old and still evolving to this day. How’s that for a forest walk?

Formed by the sheer force of the waterfall over the site’s basalt cave, Natural Bridge’s breathtaking, Pantheon-esque skylight, defies nature. Visitors can walk right down to the water’s edge, talking in the 360-views of the ancient cave. While swimming isn’t permitted, during the wetter months the waterfall increases in intensity, creating a cooling misty fog, (aka Mother Nature’s air conditioning).

Take in the unique flora and fauna

A refuge for thousands of natives, the Gondwana Rainforest is home to the most biologically diverse collection of species on Earth, making this so much more than just ‘another’ pretty rainforest walk.

By day, walk beneath the canopy of hoop pines, spotting wompoo fruit doves, catbirds and riflebirds, and if you’re lucky clap eyes on rare and endangered species like the tusked frog, sooty owl and koalas. Come nightfall, the forest takes on a whole new personality; luminous fungi and fireflies make for a dramatic, other-worldly backdrop—and an incredible photo op.

And it’s not just the surrounding forest that’s full of furry creatures and magical mushrooms; Natural Bridge plays home to its own residents, too.

The caved section of Natural Bridge boasts glow worms. Millions of them. Take a guided twilight tour and you’ll find your path lit by the luminous glow of these tiny, protected creatures. The cave walls and waterfall turn an incredible fluorescent green, lighting up the entire space. This is when you’ll likely spot the cave’s other famous resident; the little bent-wing bat. The colony here is in the thousands, and love to sleep in the furthest reaches of the cave, coming out as night falls to hunt for prey.

How to get to Natural Bridge

Roughly 1.5 hours from Brisbane, Natural Bridge is an easy day trip, winding through tiny hamlets and expanses of dense hinterland. Take the Nerang-Murwillumbah road through Numinbah Valley towards the New South Wales / Queensland border, taking the Bakers Road exit to Natural Bridge car park.

From here, take the Natural Bridge Circuit to Natural Bridge. The gentle hike is only 1km and taking roughly 30-40 minutes to complete. The walk itself is no bore, either; walk through glistening forests and peer over the edge of the walkway to the cave below, and watch the waterfall cascading down into the creek.

Stay a while 

Surrounded by national parks, it’s a given you’ll want to spend a little more time exploring this neck of the proverbial woods. Natural Bridge aside, the entire region boasts dozens of waterfalls, making for quite the chase. Lamington National Park’s Morans Falls and Morans Creek Gorge are just a couple of reasons to explore this section of heavenly hinterland, all an easy day trip from the Gold Coast or Brisbane.

The Gold Coast Hinterland is famous for its walks; some of Queensland’s best walking trails are found here, so be sure to BYO walking shoes if you’re keen to explore by foot. A weekend exploring the Scenic Rim's incredible food and wine options is a must-do, do as the locals do and hit up the best hidden gems.

To get a real feel for the place, choose to stay a few days. There are so many options when it comes to Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation, but it’s all about location when you’re in National Park territory. The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat sits right on the edge of Springbrook National Park, its 14 eco-friendly forest chalets making for the perfect bolt hole for exploring Lamington and the Border Ranges National Parks.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat’s location in the heart of Lamington National Park is also a great choice for avid explorers who crave a few little luxuries. Spend a few hours each day soaking up the views of the McPherson Ranges while floating in the 25m infinity pool, or treat your senses at Lost World Day Spa after a brisk morning hike.