Springbrook National Park covers 6,558ha in four main sections, and Natural Bridge and Numinbah lie to the west. The Queensland Government describes waterfalls, cascades and creeks as dominant features of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. This guide focuses on Natural Bridge, where the About page describes a unique waterfall by day and glow-worms to discover after dark. Two park pages were read as archived copies: the About Springbrook page captured on 27 September 2026 and the Visiting Springbrook safely page captured on 10 October 2026.
Getting to Natural Bridge
The archived visiting page describes leaving the Pacific Motorway at Nerang, exit 69, and following the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road for 38km before turning left into the park entrance. Natural Bridge can also be reached from Murwillumbah by following Numinbah Road for 28km. The page warns that the scenic access roads are winding. The park is about 100km south of Brisbane.
Glow-worms and cave rules
The archived About page says visitors can discover the park’s glow-worms after dark at Natural Bridge. Lights should not be shone directly on the glow-worms, because this can stop them glowing and interrupts their feeding. Flash photography disturbs them, so the page suggests a longer exposure instead. Smoking is not permitted in the cave, and insect repellent should be applied before entering the park, because repellent can kill glow-worms. The page suggests at least one torch between two people and no more than 12 people per group.
Cave Creek and restricted areas
The archived visiting page says swimming in Cave Creek, including within the cave, is prohibited at all times, and that penalties apply. The archived About page describes the creek and creek bank at Natural Bridge as a restricted access area.
Climate and rainfall
The archived visiting page gives Natural Bridge an annual rainfall of 2,500mm, which falls during the hot, humid summer, with a maximum of 38°C. Winters are often clear and crisp, with minimums of 4°C. On the plateau, the page says the area can receive more than 3,000mm of rain a year.
Creeks, tracks and safety
The archived visiting page says all creeks on the plateau can rise abruptly and quickly become waterfalls. It advises against crossing creeks during floods or after heavy rain. After significant rainfall, walking tracks may be closed for public safety, so the page asks visitors to check park alerts first. Mobile phone reception may be unreliable in the park. The archived visiting page says no fuel is available near the park. In an emergency, the page says to call Triple Zero (000). Visitors should never dive or jump into the water, as it may be shallow or hide submerged objects. Drowning is the greatest threat to people who have injured their spines by jumping or diving into water. The page also advises wearing sensible footwear, because tracks can become wet and slippery even when they appear dry.
Pets and camping
The archived visiting page says domestic animals are not permitted in the park, and that camping requires a camping permit.
Park management and history
The archived About page says the park is managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Mount Cougal offers an insight into the area’s logging history. The Numinbah Valley landscape was formed by the Tweed volcano some 23 million years ago, according to the About page.
Dates and limits
The archived About page was last reviewed on 9 July 2026 and last updated on 24 February 2025. The archived visiting page was last reviewed on 9 July 2026 and last updated on 20 December 2024. This guide does not list current park alerts, which change, so check the park alerts page before you travel. It does not cover opening hours, fees or road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Natural Bridge?
The archived visiting page says to leave the Pacific Motorway at Nerang, exit 69, and follow the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road for 38km before turning left into the park entrance. Natural Bridge can also be reached from Murwillumbah by Numinbah Road for 28km.
Can you swim at Natural Bridge?
No. The archived visiting page says swimming in Cave Creek, including within the cave, is prohibited at all times, and penalties apply.
When can you see the glow-worms at Natural Bridge?
The archived About page says the glow-worms can be discovered after dark at Natural Bridge. Visitors should follow the cave rules, including no lights shone directly on the glow-worms.
Can you bring a pet to Springbrook National Park?
No. The archived visiting page says domestic animals are not permitted in the park.
