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10 Tips For The Amazing Natural Bridge In Springbrook National Park

I saw a picture of Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park ages ago and I couldn’t believe it’s actually located in the Gold Coast Hinterland. This remarkable natural hidden gem is so spectacular, I am so glad I finally went to visit it recently.

If you’re looking for things to do in Gold Coast or looking for some easy Springbrook National Park walks, look no further! Springbrook Natural Bridge is just as amazing in person as it is in the photos. Plus, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Brisbane and Gold Coast!

All I knew about this Gold Coast walk is that it’s about 2km long. So, I’m here to let you know everything about the Natural Bridge QLD walk so you can be truely prepared before you go.

Prefer To Do A Gold Coast Hinterland Tour?

Gold Coast: Natural Bridge and Springbrook Afternoon Tour

Visit 5 waterfalls, Best of All Lookout and the incredible Natural Bridge in this fantastic half day tour!

Gold Coast: Small Group Super 7 Waterfalls Tour

Spend the day hiking from waterfall to waterfall in the Springbrook National Park, in a small group with a local guide to show you the hidden gems!

Nocturnal Rainforest and Glow Worm Tour in a 4WD

Get ready for an adventure to seek out the famous glow worms at Natural Bridge in this night tour. The light show will be an amazing experience!


But First, Watch Our Natural Bridge Video!


1. Where Is Natural Bridge In Queensland?

The Natural Arch in Gold Coast is about a 50 minute drive from the Surfers Paradise, and 1h20 minute drive from Brisbane and Byron Bay in Springbrook National Park. This Gold Coast national park packs a punch for the plenty of activities and walks on tap. Spend the day exploring more places which we’ll mention more further in this guide.

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The drive over to the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park is gorgeous as you’ll pass by some stunning landscapes.


2. Time Of Day To Visit Natural Bridge In Springbrook

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We expected this walk to be absolutely packed as we visited on a long weekend. We were going to go early in the morning but we decided to do the Purling Brook Falls walk first. When we arrived at Natural Bridge, it was around 2:30pm. Although there were quite a few cars parked up, it wasn’t actually busy on the walk at all.

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In terms of light and capturing the best photography, it doesn’t really matter what time of day you visit as the natural arch is in a cave, so time of the day isn’t a crucial element of capturing it in the best light.


3. Toilet Facilities

There is toilet facilities at Natural Bridge but only at the car park, so make sure you go before or after you’ve done the walk.


4. Cafes At Natural Bridge

We had read there would be a cafe nearby and there is just before you enter the car park. There is another cafe just before you reach the park as well which looked popular, plus the views are gorgeous overlooking the Gold Coast Hinterland.


5. How Difficult Is The Walk?

The natural bridge walk isn’t difficult at all as it’s only a 1km walk in total. We saw loads of kids and even a baby being carried on this walk so it’s not hard at all. The path winds down into a gorge and you’ll find the Natural Bridge within about a 10 minute walk.

Don’t bring prams as there are steps to walk up and down.


6. Natural Bridge Map

Here’s a Natural Bridge map so you can understand the track a bit more easily. When you start the walk, you’ll see a fork in the path (right pic), take the left path and it follows down to the Natural Arch and back up in a circuit. You don’t need to walk back from where you came as it’s easier to continue on the circuit on the way up.


7. What To Wear

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We wore our hiking boots but you don’t really need them as it’s a short walk. You don’t need to climb over any rocks or anything. Definitely bring a jumper if you’re visiting in the colder months as it can get a bit chilly at the Natural Arch.


8. Can You Swim At Natural Bridge?

Unfortunately you can’t swim at this spot and there’s signs warning you could be fined $350. Please don’t swim in the caves as the signs are there for a reason to protect to the glow worms.

You can swim at Bochow Park Campsite which you’ll pass by on the way to Natural Bridge. The river looks beautiful there and we saw families going for a swim after their picnics when we drove past there.


9. Will You See Glow Worms At Natural Bridge?

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We have read that you can apparently see the glow worms in the Natural Bridge although we didn’t see any when we went there. We did see a sign saying that you can only see them between Dec-March during the warmer months. But to be honest, you need to be dead quiet to see any come out. That’s what I learnt when I went to the glow worm tunnel in Newnes in NSW. Apparently, you’ll see thousands of glow worms if you visit this incredible natural wonder at night time.


10. Other Things To Do In Springbrook National Park

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<em>Hike to the bottom of Purling Brook Falls like we did<em>

You can easily make a whole day exploring the beautiful Springbrook National Park. Other highlights include doing the Purling Brook Falls hike, Twin Falls hike as well as visiting the incredible Best Of All Lookout, and the beautiful English Country Gardens.


Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park totally blew us away. This hidden gem in Gold Coast totally reminded us of the cenotes in Mexico which we loved! It’s the sort of place you’d bring friends or family visiting Gold Coast to really impress them with this incredible natural beauty.

Don’t Forget To Watch Our Video!


Springbrook National Park Accommodation

Springbrook Lyrebird Retreat

The perfect couple’s retreat with a double spa bath, a fireplace and epic views!

Sprinbrook Mountain Chalets

Expect hot tubs, spa baths and all round awesomeness at this beautiful accommodation

Purling Brook Falls Gwongorella

Stay in a tranquil rainforest retreat at the top of Purling Brook Falls, includes a creek to swim in.


Prefer To Do A Gold Coast Hinterland Tour?

Gold Coast: Natural Bridge and Springbrook Afternoon Tour

Visit 5 waterfalls, Best of All Lookout and the incredible Natural Bridge in this fantastic half day tour!

Gold Coast: Small Group Super 7 Waterfalls Tour

Spend the day hiking from waterfall to waterfall in the Springbrook National Park, in a small group with a local guide to show you the hidden gems!

Nocturnal Rainforest and Glow Worm Tour in a 4WD

Get ready for an adventure to seek out the famous glow worms at Natural Bridge in this night tour. The light show will be an amazing experience!


Natural Bridge Walk Springbrook National Park

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