Natural Bridge (Falls)
Home | Springbrook National Park, QLD
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Overview
Highlights
Walking trail: Grade 2 | 1km loop hike | 1 hour return
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.
Natural Bridge is in the western part of Springbrook National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The park's Natural Bridge section features a picturesque rock formation, formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. It is easily accessible from the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road car park. Follow the easy one kilometre circuit (walk in a clockwise direction) and descend through ancient Gondwana rainforest to the Natural Bridge rock arch. Hoop pines emerging from surrounding forest are living relics of the Jurassic Age, 180 million years ago. During the day spot paradise riflebirds, green catbirds, wompoo fruit-doves and also rare and threatened species like the cascade tree frog, tusked frog, sooty owl and koala. At night join a guided nocturnal tour to see the resident colony of protected glow-worms and microbats. On summer nights, also see luminous fungi and fireflies.
Part of Cave Creek in the Natural Bridge section is a Restricted Access Area.
Swimming in the creek, including within the cave, and access to the creek bank is prohibited.
Activities
- Hiking
- Photography
Facilities
- Walking trail - 1km loop | grade 2
- Carpark
- Signage
- Picnic area
- Toilets
Important Information
Guidelines
- Always do some research before heading out for your journey. Visit the parks website for up to date information on the current conditions. Ensure to check for any updates relating to any warnings that may be issued for the area, and check for the opening and closing times.
- Always enjoy waterfalls from trails and marked viewing points. Do not climb over barriers as cliff edges and slippery surfaces may cause injury or death.
- Only swim where permitted. Don’t jump from cliff edges into water bodies.
- Swimming near or under waterfalls can be dangerous due to strong currents, submerged hidden rock ledges and other dangers. The force of a waterfall can be incredibly strong and unfortunately, many people have drowned. Follow warning signs and take caution.
- Wear suitable footwear and ensure to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the elements.
- Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food and water for your journey.
- Always stay on the marked tracks where possible. Never climb fences, they are there for your own safety.
- Please consider the environment, take your rubbish with you or place in the bins provided. We want to ensure these beautiful places are still here for our future generations to enjoy.
- Ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans and report back into them once you have finished exploring for the day.
- Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but memories.
Photo & content credits: Queensland Government
Reviews
Sammyat 17 May 22
Great for the kids
The kids really enjoyed this short yet very scenic hike. Highly recommend!
Samanthaat 26 Sep 20
One of our favourite Gold Coast hikes!
Make sure you visit here when I’m the Gold Coast! We uploaded a video of our most recent visit to our YouTube channel (link in bio).
Location & Supplier
Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park
Address: Nerang Murwillumbah Road and Bakers Road, Springbrook, Queensland 4213
Email: qpws@des.qld.gov.au
56 people have added this to their Bucket List