BRIDGE OF SIGHS
BACKYARD TOURIST
IF you’re a true blue Gold Coaster, it’s just unnatural if you haven’t been to this green piece of paradise.
Springbrook National Park’s stunning Natural Bridge is in our backyard – but it’s also been crowned a king of screen savers around the world … as well as an evergreen Instagram hit.
Start the short 1km subtropical circuit clockwise from the car park and descend through ancient Gondwana rainforest to the Natural Bridge rock arch.
A sealed circuit track takes you through the forest, across Cave Creek and into the arched cave to witness the waterfall plunging from above.
Interpretive signs along the circuit highlight the park’s special features. Take special note of the hoop pines Araucaria cun- ninghamii, living relics of the Jurassic Age about 180 million years ago. These pines are “living dinosaurs” and are among the most primitive of conifers.
While the walk is brief – about 30 minutes – it’s worth visiting the site twice … or hanging around for sunset so you can spot the glow-worms and microbats. On summer nights, you can also see luminous fungi and fireflies.
The drive to Natural Bridge, via the Nerang Murwillumbah Rd, is part of the fun – winding you through beautiful, unspoilt mountain scenery and tiny valley hamlets.
While you can no longer swim in the cave pool, you can cool off at the swimming hole just before the turn-off to the arch. The creek is perfect for a splash or some lazy tubing, and the barbecue and toilet facilities make it a great stop for a picnic.