#thehuntson to find as many of Australia’s natural treasures as we can. Natural Bridge rock arch in Springbrook National Park is certainly one worth finding.

Less than an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast and about 1.5hours from Brisbane city, it’s an easy way to give yourself that ‘lost in the wilderness’ feel any day of the week.

The drive itself is quite spectacular too, so don’t rush. Through gorgeously green grassy farming land, up steep, winding hills to breathtaking views, you’ll be amongst the clouds in no time where its cool and quiet.

Natural Bridge is located within the ancient Gondwana rainforest, and accessible from the designated car park via an easy 1km circuit walk.

Look up to see massive bird’s nest and staghorn ferns lodged in tiny crevices in towering trees, and hoop pines from another age. Look down to see Australian brush turkeys scratching through leaf litter or scuttling across the path. Look through to spot carpet pythons or wompoo fruit doves if you are very lucky – I wasn’t, this time.

Just look. And listen. Hear the roar first, as water cascades over the rock arch into the stream below. Feel the cooling mist on your face and see the sunlight dancing off ripples and spotlighting the stars of the show, the waterfall and the rock bridge. The glistening white waterfall contrasts spectacularly with the pool it pours into – jade green water that reflects surrounding vegetation and dark rock formations.

Venture a little further under the rock arch to watch microbats dipping and diving in their upside down world. At night the cave is said to be illuminated with glowworms, luminous fungi and fireflies.

The circuit soon affords a view from above the waterfall, so stop and look for the natural swimming hole halfway up. Swimming is prohibited in the area to protect the delicate ecosystem, so instead, take your time to breathe, and relax, and pretend to be lost in this special wilderness.

 *I visited Natural Bridge at my own expense

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