Natural Bridge National Park

There were so many things we could of done this weekend. We could do a few of course but not all. One of the best things we did was make the trip out to Natural Bridge NP. Although simple, I really liked it because of what it had to offer in accessible areas, parking was ample in comparison to some parks I have visited and access areas were very visitor friendly while still taking strong consideration to preserving the area.

I didn't read up much about where I was going at first. I thought 'Natural Bridge? Oh that sounds nice, I'll just go there. I had imagined this massive high scary bridge that I would be too scared to cross or some kind of platform over a ravine that was so big and dangerous no one was able to cross. I was pretty relieved when I got there. I get a bit nervous around heights, even driving by them, but this was really lovely.

The walking track circuit was really well maintained and pretty reasonable for even the youngest of my children to walk and even barefoot. The track was pretty reasonable seeing that most of it was paved and that there were even stairs. The circuit easy to manage no matter what your fitness or skill level. Unfortunately though, due to the stairs there isn't much you can access if you have limited mobility but in that instance you can still access the top sections and the upper look out platform. However, my favourite bit is down the bottom.

The trade off was that you have to stay on the track. I guess it could be pretty tempting not to when you see how nice some of it is but it is for the good of protecting what is left of this little world tucked away in here. Signs posted suggest you provide an hour to complete the circuit You could do it in 30 minutes though or less or even take as long as maybe 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you give yourself to soak in your surroundings.

I saw Eels and a some different birds. If your lucky enough there's quite a few types of wildlife known in the area and you might see them. The nicest surprise would have to be the glow worm cave underneath and by the Natural Bridge. It's kinda pretty how the water falls on in beyond it and there's an observation area set up that takes you right in with at least some reasonable access to the cave.

You can go a fair way in to the cave. The best time to go to the Natural Bridge is late afternoon. We were there at about 4:30pm in early September and I only saw one glow worm. Maybe there's more lit up later. I'm not sure. Either that or our visitors before us have destroyed a bit of their home. I'm hoping the latter is not the case.

Natural Bridge National Park is about 35 minutes North West of Murwillumbah. When driving from Murwillumbah Area it is about 1 minute over the border with plenty of signs along the way so you can't miss it. For a big day out or an adventure you can visit numerous other landmarks or intriguing villages on the way no matter which direction you come from. Take a break in Uki, Mooball, Hinze Damn or Mount Warning National Park. Fish up by dinner at Surfers, Kirra or Tweed or otherwise travel South and have dinner at the Nimbin or Eltham Pub.

The Natural Bridge - just beautiful. You should go at least once. I really liked it. We are definitely going again.

Maybe you will like it too?

-Mez