Natural Bridge Springbrook


Useful Information

photography
Natural Bridge Springbrook, Australia. Public Domain.
Location: Springbrook National Park, Numinbah Valley.
Nerang Murwillumbah Road and Bakers Road, Springbrook QLD, 4213 Pacific Motorway, exit Nerang (exit 69), follow Nerang–Murwillumbah Road for 38 km, turn left into the park entrance.
(-28.230545, 153.242360)
Open: no restrictions.
[2020]
Fee: free.
[2020]
Classification: GeologyNatural Bridge BiologyGlowworm
Light: n/a
Dimension:  
Guided tours: self guided or glow-worm eco tour
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:  
Address: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), Tel: 137468. E-mail:
Surfers Paradise Visitor Information Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 9726, Tel: 1300 309 440, Fax: (07) 5570 3259 E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1870s arrival of European timber-getters
1922 Natural Bridge declared a Recreation and Scenic Reserve.
1959 became a national park.
1990 incorporated in Springbrook National Park.
1994 inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
2000 declared a restricted area.

Description

photography
Natural Bridge at Springbrook National Park, Queensland, Australia. Public Domain.

The Natural Bridge at Springbrook National Park is quite unique. The river formed an erosional cave at the foot of a waterfall. At some point the ceiling of the cave collapsed behind the waterfall, and now the water sinks into the cave and flows out the cave entrance. The cave forms a strange natural bridge with a waterfall behind.

Starting at the car park there is a trail around the cave named the Natural Bridge circuit. The round trip crosses the Cave Creek twice, once below and once above the natural bridge. There are outlooks on both sides above the natural bridge and a dead end branch into the cave. The whole area inside the trail loop is a restricted access area, and it is not allowed to leave the trails. There were several accidents with people walking in the river or swimming, so access was restricted. Also forbidden is smoking, fires, bright light and insect repellents. Do not disturb the bats (Miniopterus australis) or the glow-worms (Arachnocampa flava). And you must walk the trail in clockwise direction.

To visit the cave and waterfall you should go by day, its hard to see much without light. However, if you want to see the glowworms you have to go at night. Be careful not to make noise and avoid using a lamp around the cave. A lamp is nevertheless helpful to find your way in the dark from the parking lot to the cave.