Natural Bridge is one of the most unusual geological formations in the Gold Coast hinterland — a basalt rock arch where a stream has cut through the ceiling of a lava tube, leaving a natural bridge spanning the opening. A small waterfall drops through the hole into a dark pool below. The short loop walk (about one kilometre) descends into a steep gully through warm subtropical rainforest to reach it; the whole walk takes around 30 minutes.
The site is best known for its glow-worms. Arachnocampa flava, the Queensland glow-worm, colonises the damp cave walls by the thousands, and after dark the ceiling of the cavern glitters with blue-green bioluminescence. This is one of the best places in Australia to see glow-worms in the wild, easily rivalling the famous caves of New Zealand. Guided night walks operate regularly and are well worth booking, particularly for first-timers who benefit from the commentary on the glow-worm life cycle. Independent visitors can also come at night — the car park stays open — though a torch is essential.
Natural Bridge sits in its own section of Springbrook National Park, about 45 minutes' drive from the main Springbrook plateau. The two sections are not directly connected by road; you need to return toward the coast and take a different route. Factor in enough time to do both justice, or treat Natural Bridge as a destination in its own right.