It’s no wonder Natural Bridge is the poster child for advertising Springbrook – it is stunning. From the moment you enter the parking lot, you know you have arrived somewhere special. While you could complete the 1km circuit in 15 minutes, this is a track to slow things down and take an hour – or two.
Quick Info
Location: Bakers Road, Natural Bridge, Qld 4211
Walking Distance: 1km
Elevation: 50m
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate – due to slippery stairs
Costs/Permit: No cost, no permit required
Opening Times: Only closed occasionally for maintenance
Facilities: Parking for 40+ vehicles, lookout platforms, pit toilets, 1 picnic table and shelter, information board
What to take: Insect repellent, camera
Map:
Signs at the beginning of the circuit request visitors to traverse the track clockwise. This helps with the flow of visitors and allows you to descend the majority of the stairs and ascend via a gentle slope.
The Natural Bridge circuit is a very pretty place. Every few meters is another picturesque scene. This has got to be one of the best reward for effort bushwalks around, on par with Curtis Falls at Tamborine Mountain.
There is no chance of getting lost on this bushwalk. This is not a place to get off the path and have an explore, visitors must stay on the assigned path. To protect the glow worms and other wildlife, no swimming is allowed in the naturally formed pools.
The cave is accessed by a path branching off from the main circuit. The cave is home to micro bats, which were easy to spot in the distance. Glow worms also live here and are best sighted at night. Visitors are requested to be quiet while in the cave, however, you would be hard pressed to be louder than the thundering waterfall after rain. No flash photography is allowed.
Natural Bridge circuit has been designed with many visitors in mind. There are strategically placed viewing platforms to allow the best views of the creek, cave and bridge.
A track branching off from the main circuit takes you to a viewing platform on the eastern side of Cave Creek.
The path was very slippery in places, even with hiking shoes on, so slow down and take your time. There is a handrail most of the way around. Fortunately, every step is stunning. Going slow is no burden here.
There is only one picnic table, located at the beginning of the track. Bochow Park, 5km away on Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, has plenty of picnic spots and a creek running beside it ripe for rock hopping and exploration.
Natural Bridge section is an ideal place to introduce small children to the delights of bushwalking. It is also an ideal place to take interstate or overseas visitors to, and show off some of the best Queensland has to offer.