Starting from the car park off Bakers Road, Natural Bridge, this circuit walk explores the hoop pine forest via a paved track, visiting a waterfall and a cave next to each other. Prepare to be amazed by the ambiance of the glowworm-lit cave as you listen to the sound of water gushing down. Don’t be afraid of the microbats, but keep your distance. If you’re there in summer, luminous fungi and fireflies can make your experience even more magical. Out of the cave, you'll be accompanied by birdsong throughout the loop. Keep an eye out for Paradise Riflebirds, Green Catbirds and the dark-eyed Sooty Owl. You may run into some fluffy koalas as well. Please avoid using your phone’s flash or any other synthetic light source to view the glowworms, as it really hurts and disorients them and other animals. Use long exposure if you want to take a picture. The track can be busy around peak hours, come early or in the evening to avoid traffic. Swimming is prohibited. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn left onto Mudgeeraba Road and drive for another 90 m
At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Mudgeeraba Road, 42 and drive for another 1.9 km
Turn left onto Worongary Road, 42 and drive for another 7.4 km
Keep left onto Hinde Road, 42 and drive for another 650 m
Turn left onto Latimers Crossing Road, 42 and drive for another 2.3 km
Turn left onto Nerang - Murwillumbah Road, 97 and drive for another 28.8 km
Turn left onto Natural Bridge Road and drive for another 470 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park off Bakers Road(275 metres east of intersection with Nerang Murwillumbah Road), head toward the informational signposts under the roof along the concrete path. Go through the roofed area as you pass by the path with railings that leads to the toilets. Move past the “Pedestrian Access Only” signpost to your right as you follow the wide concrete path veering left. Turn right from the green “Natural Bridge” sign and follow the narrow track with railings gently downhill. Turn left and head along the wooden path with railings, following the “Glow worm cave” signage. Head down the stairs to continue along Natural Bridge Circuit(clockwise). This direction of travel is easier as you avoid climbing the stairs.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 50 m pass the sign (15 m on your left).
After another 8 m pass the toilet (10 m on your left).
After another 35 m turn left.
After another 15 m head through/around the gate.
After another 195 m cross the bridge (about 35 m long)
Then head through/around the gate.
After another 90 m turn sharp left.
After another 20 m pass the "Natural Bridge" (10 m on your right).
After another 185 m come to the viewpoint.
Then pass the waterfall (25 m on your right).
After another 55 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you closer to the waterfall. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 30 m continue straight.
After another 105 m continue straight.
After another 95 m come to the end.
This little side trip takes you closer to the waterfall.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 75 m come to a waterfall.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 75 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Natural Bridge Circuit
Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length
900 m
Time
20 min to 30 min
Quality of track
Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)