Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge
Tucked into the folds of Numinbah Valley, Natural Bridge is proof that you don’t need a big hike for a big payoff. The circuit is short and sealed, winding beneath tall rainforest to where Cave Creek has punched a hole straight through the basalt into the cave below. As far as waterfalls go, it’s hard to beat the magic of this one.
Quick Details
Total Length: 1.1km
Elevation: 35m
Grade: Easy
Best season: Year round
Suitable for kids: Yes
Starting the Trail
Natural Bridge is one of those busy tourist hikes that you almost never get to yourself. The day I visited was no exception, with plenty of people on the trail. As you leave the car park, the trail begins on a beautiful boardwalk through towering trees. It’s recommended to hike the circuit clockwise, though many people will walk out to the falls and then return the same way, which is a bit annoying.
The path winds gently downhill at first, wide and well-made, edged by ferns and vines. Interpretive signs pop up along the way, pointing out some of the plants and the park’s volcanic story — a nice way to put names to the giants standing around you.
All too soon the trail brings you to a viewing platform over the creek on the outside of Natural Bridge. From this spot you can see straight into the heart of it — the waterfall dropping through the hole in the roof and hitting the water inside the cave, framed by rock on all sides.
The air is cooler and carries a faint mist, and the sound of the falls comes back as a softer echo rather than a roar. Below you, the water happily tumbles over rocks and away downstream. It’s a good place to stop for a minute and take it in at a distance, before the track brings you inside the cave itself.
The Cave
A staircase leads you down into the heart of the cave. Here, a viewing platform sits right in front of the falls so you can really take in all the beauty of this place. The waterfall drops in a clean sheet through the hole in the roof, hammering into the pool just metres away. The rock under your feet is slick and dark, the ceiling low and rough above you, with just enough space between the fencing and the water to stand and take it all in.
Looking out from inside the cave, the opening frames a slice of rainforest like a window. Ferns hang from the rim of the arch, trees lean in from the edges, and the creek runs out past boulders before disappearing downstream. The contrast is sharp — bright green daylight beyond the cave mouth; cool shadow and spray where you’re standing.
To the side, the rest of the cave is dark, and the ceiling seems to be moving… this cave is also home to a colony of microbats. I couldn’t see them clearly from the platform; all I could make out was a flurry of shadows. The cave is also home to the largest collection of glow worms in southern Queensland, although you’d have to return at night time to properly see them.
Back to the Trail
The trail takes you uphill, winding through beautiful Gold Coast hinterland rainforest. It’s a shame that not everyone walks the full circuit, because it’s actually a really lovely trail. And because it’s so short, it’s worth the extra 20 minutes of walking.
Pretty soon you reach another viewing platform, this time over the top of Natural Bridge, letting you see the water plunging down into the rock. You can’t see into the cave; instead, you just see the stream disappear into a hole in the rock. I take the opportunity to slow down and enjoy my surroundings. It may be an easy tourist trail, but it’s still incredibly beautiful in places.
One of the things I love most on this side of the track, and I’m sure would also be a hit with young kids, is the wooden bridge over the creek. There’s something about it that makes it look like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
It’s also a great place to linger for a moment, if it’s not too busy, to watch the creek — water tumbling over the rocks, tall forest on either side, birds flying between the trees.
As the trail continues up the hill, there’s a short side track to a viewing platform over the top of Natural Bridge. This one lets you see more than the last one and is definitely worth the few extra metres of walking.
All too soon, I’m back at the car park. It’s an easy stroll, great for kids or if you just need to stretch your legs for a bit.
Getting There
Natural Bridge is in the western section of Springbrook National Park, in the Numinbah Valley, inland from the Gold Coast. It’s signposted as ‘Natural Bridge’ / ‘Natural Arch’ off Nerang–Murwillumbah Road.
Tips and Tricks
Go early or late in the day for your best chance at avoiding the crowds.
Return at night time to see the glow worms in the cave. A waterfall plunging into a cave covered by thousands of tiny green lights is even more magical than it is by day.
Respect the barriers. There may be a lot of people on this trail, but the environment — particularly in the cave — is fragile.