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Posts Tagged ‘circuit walk’

A crisp clear day dawned and it was time to revisit the Springbrook National Park.  It had rained for nearly a week on the Gold Coast and the creeks were flowing strongly which meant for magnificent waterfalls.

 

The Twin Falls circuit walk is accessed at the Canyon Lookout and although everything was sodden and muddy we ventured into the dense vegetation wearing good walking shoes. It did not take long before our shoes were filthy dirty!

 

We started to descend into the valley and our first stop was at the top of the Twin Falls. It was breathtakingly beautiful as four creeks merged as little waterfalls out of the vegetation to become one at the top of the falls.

 

Top of Twin Falls, where the 4 creeks meet

 

At this point we cross over the top of the falls on a walkway and to our left was the magnificent Twin Falls with the water cascading down and a view over the valley.

 

Top of Twin Falls where the water cascades down into the valley

 

We descended further in to the valley walking next to sheer cliff edges and passing through some small caves formed by rock clefts and huge boulders. We wound our way still further down passing numerous smaller waterfalls along the way until we reached the bottom of the Twin Falls.

 

This was awesome – standing in the spray and looking up at the water cascading down which was deafening. We were able to walk under the falls, behind the water plummeting 60m down into the rock pool.

 

Bottom of the Twin Falls

 

I was able to capture some good shots while walking through the spray although I, my camera and glasses were slowly getting drenched. The sheer thrill of being behind all that water is something to cherish.

 

Under the Twin Falls, behind the water plummeting down

 

Coming out the other side of the falls.

 

The Twin Falls

 

We still had a way to go now that we were at the bottom of the valley; and an encounter with another stunning waterfall before the 200 stair climb to the top.

 

All this in the next post…

 

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Take an easy, serene walk through the rainforest to the Queen Mary Falls and enjoy the Kookaburra while the icy, clear water gushes down the creek and through the pools to finally cascade over the falls. Truly magnificent!

For more on the Queen Mary Falls see the March posts.

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 Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park is a most unusual geological feature created over millions of years by water tumbling through the roof of a basalt cave. Natural Bridge is home to an amazing colony of glow-worms, whose lights can be seen only after sunset. Lookouts and lush rainforest also grace this World Heritage-listed haven, making it one of the most popular parks in Australia.

Natural Arch

As we entered the park we were greeted with huge tree. Looking up the trunk made for a spectacular photo as it seemed to keep going forever.

Natural Bridge Park

We took the short circuit walk through the lush rainforest to the natural arch over Cave Creek.

Natural Bridge Circuit

The view of the unique waterfall cascading down into the cave through its roof is amazing.

Natural Arch

We ventured into the dark cave and got closer to the waterfall which was almost deafening as it tumbles into the cave with the sun shining through.

Natural Cave

We left the cave and did the easy climb to the top of the Waterfall where we dipped our hands into the pools of very cold water.

Natural Arch Waterfall

As we walked through the park we could hear the calls of paradise riflebirds, green catbirds and wompoo fruit-doves.

There is also an area where you can enjoy a picnic and relax in the cool rainforest.

Nocturnal tours are also available to see delicate glow-worms and on summer nights you can see luminous fungi and fireflies.

Mini-bus tours also run to the park from the Gold Coast and Murwillumbah.

How to get there …

Please note that the scenic access roads are winding and should be travelled with care.

Natural Bridge is located on the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road, about four kilometres north of the border gate. From the Pacific Highway, you can turn off at Nerang (30 kilometres to the park) or at Mudgeeraba (42 kilometres to the park via Springbrook plateau).

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