Trail summary
Hike overview
The Natural Bridge Circuit offers a short yet captivating 1-kilometre loop through Springbrook National Park, Queensland. A sealed track leads you through lush rainforest, guiding you across Cave Creek and into a natural stone arch that forms the iconic Natural Bridge. As you walk, interpretive signs point out the park’s unique features, offering insight into the environment you’re exploring. Towering hoop pines, or Araucaria cunninghamii, stand out along the way. These ancient trees, often referred to as “living dinosaurs,” have existed since the Jurassic period, around 180 million years ago.
The highlight of the hike is undoubtedly the cave itself, where the waterfall plunges from above, creating a serene atmosphere. For an entirely different experience, consider visiting at night. The cave is home to colonies of glow-worms, whose bioluminescent blue and green lights create a surreal, glowing spectacle. This light show is most prominent from December to March, offering a magical experience that’s hard to match. However, to help preserve this wonder, it's crucial to be mindful of the glow-worms. Avoid exposing them to bright lights, smoke, or insect repellents, which can harm them. Also, when walking at night, be sure to bring a reliable light source and exercise caution, as the path can be slippery in places.
The track is designed to be walked in a clockwise direction, particularly as there are some long sets of stairs, making this approach easier. After heavy rain, parts of the track may be closed for safety reasons, but the glow-worm cave is usually still accessible. Always check park alerts before your visit to ensure the best experience.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 325 m
Min elevation: 297 m
Total climbing: 60 m
Total descent: -60 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Springbrook, Mudgeeraba, Nerang, Tallai, Bonogin
How to get to Springbrook National ParkTo reach the trailhead for the Natural Bridge Circuit, head to the end of Natural Bridge Road in Springbrook National Park. From the Springbrook Plateau, drive along Springbrook Road and follow the signs to Natural Bridge. The road is well-maintained, and you’ll find the turnoff for Natural Bridge Road clearly marked. As you continue down the road, it will lead you to the car park at the trailhead, where you can begin your walk to the Natural Bridge and enjoy the surrounding rainforest and waterfall. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes from the centre of Springbrook.
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About the region
Springbrook National Park, less than 100 kilometres south of Brisbane in Queensland, is a remarkable destination for bushwalks, hikes, and outdoor adventures. As part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, the park features ancient rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes that tell a story millions of years in the making.
Each trail within the park offers a unique experience. Short walks, such as the Best of All Lookout, reward visitors with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, while longer hikes like the Twin Falls Circuit wind through lush rainforest, passing waterfalls and tranquil creeks. The Natural Bridge trail is a standout, leading to a striking waterfall that flows through a rock arch, with the added magic of glow-worms visible after dark. In the Numinbah Valley, the towering cliffs carved by the Tweed Volcano provide breathtaking scenery along the way.
Whether you’re after a casual walk, a challenging hike, or a family-friendly trail, Springbrook National Park offers an incredible variety of tracks to suit every pace and preference.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Springbrook National Park or nearby? Try these similar graded walks.
Track grade
Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.