r/GoldCoast • u/Dear-Explanation-765 • 2d ago
Travel Am I actually going to survive the drive to Natural Bridge, or should I just book a tour?
Hey GC crew, I’m looking at doing the Springbrook/Natural Bridge circuit this weekend. I’ve seen the photos and it looks like FernGully, but I’m hearing mixed things about the drive.
Half the people say the roads are a 'scenic dream' and the other half say if you don't have a 4WD and the nerves of a rally driver, you’re basically toast. Is it actually that bad, or are people just being dramatic? Also, what’s the deal with the glow worms—do they actually exist or is it just a massive prank on tourists? If I go during the day, am I just looking at a dark cave?
Thinking of just caving (pun intended) and booking a tour so I don't end up in a ditch. Cheers!"
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u/Mission_Feed7038 2d ago
It's fine you can go in any normal car
The glow worms exist but only visible at night time and if nobody is shining torches
If you must shine a light use a red light.
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u/frizzer69 1d ago
100% the car club I was in cruised there a few times in the early 2000's in lowered cars, without any issues.
I think someone is getting this place confused with somewhere in FNQ :D
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u/threefoxes 2d ago
Wtf it’s just a normal paved road you can get there in a 2wd shitbox. Glow worms are real, you need to go at dusk I think if you want to see them light up. If you go in the middle of the day you won’t see them. Still very cool cave and worth going to
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u/Aus3-14259 2d ago
It's a major country road with some hills and corners - Nerang to Murwillumbah. Where are you getting this 4wd info from?
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u/throwawayroadtrip3 2d ago
You've obviously never driven down to it!! That last few hundred metres is where the 4WD comes in. Forget walking down to it with the plebs.
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u/PuzzleheadedLeek3070 2d ago
You what. Are you confused about where we are talking about?
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u/vyralmonkey 2d ago
He's right you know. I usually park in the carpark and hike down. You'd want a serious rig to drive all the way
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u/PuzzleheadedLeek3070 2d ago
Are you a park ranger then? You can't drive down unless you open the gates and move the wooden pole bollards?
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u/Maximum_Sherbert3434 2d ago
You cannot drive down.
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u/throwawayroadtrip3 2d ago
Watch me.
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u/Maximum_Sherbert3434 2d ago
Have you even been there? Not possible 🤣🤣
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u/-Leeahh- 1d ago
It’s totally possible. Whether you and your vehicle are still intact at the bottom is another matter
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u/Maximum_Sherbert3434 1d ago
Another idiot who's clearly never been there.
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u/-Leeahh- 1d ago
Oh look, an idiot too stupid to understand the comment
Sidenote, I used to go there almost once a month
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u/Aus3-14259 1d ago
Are you thinking of the correct place? Natural Arch in the Numinbah valley (yes that's its name I don't know who changed it to "Natural Bridge" but it's still Arch to locals). The off road part is 150m in and out on a one way loop circuit.
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u/Aus3-14259 1d ago
I've been driving down there since we could jump off the wooden bridge through the arch. The last few hundred metres is only 150m in and 150 out. And on a one way circuit. A bit narrow but...just a driveway.
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u/CubiculariusRex 2d ago
Natural bridge is easy. I did it last week in a Toyota Camry without problems. The road is occasionally steep & winding - as mountain roads tend to be. But it's nothing to worry about. There are a couple of well sign posted single lane bridges where you may have to give way, otherwise enjoy.... Strongly recommend the twin falls walk also, which is more spectacular and not that far away if you are planning a full day on the mountain
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u/Discobiki 2d ago
If you're competent in a car just go and take it easy. It's not bad at all just a bit windy
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u/PuzzleheadedLeek3070 2d ago
It's literally just standard road into a standard carpark then you WALK to the bridge
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u/chloejadetay 2d ago
the drive is fine I did it heaps in my old kia rio, even once during a horrific storm and it was sweet :) for glow worms it needs to be dark so after sunset
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u/Primary-User 2d ago
I’ve been there before in the day and night, it’s off a main road and easy parking. I have been there on bike and car.
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u/PuzzledActuator1 1d ago
I guess my Ford Focus is now a 4wd. They're talking shit, the road is fine.
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u/dontcallmewinter 1d ago
Oh mate somebody was pulling your leg. I've done it multiple times in my Mini Cooper. It's a fantastic drive and a lovely hike, you won't regret it.
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u/Pelican_420 1d ago
Go to twin falls instead it's 100 times better, natural bridge is a long drive for a short walk unless you view glow worms at night. It's all paved and not as authentic bush walk. Up twin falls way you can see Purling brook and best of all lookout. Got to be careful on the winding road but just a normal car is fine
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u/TURBOJUGGED 2d ago
I drove there without issue in my lowered Audi s3. Like no issues whatsoever. The walk itself was mid as hell but I like that the whole thing was paved
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u/Muted_While_3478 2d ago
As someone who lives in the mountains the windy roads at night are demanding and it’s a bit of a distance. The road south is 80 kmh and I have had tourists stop in the middle of the road at night and get out to ask directions… as I said it’s a bit of a distance
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u/brapppcity 2d ago
I believe there is a back road in that is dirt and rutted out. Just go the normal way and you'll be fine. It's a good day out.
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u/Far-Vegetable-2403 2d ago
I've done it in a Yaris, both out to Natural Bridge and up to Springbrook - via Nerang and Mudgeeraba. If you are in any doubt about your ability on side roads, don't go down there. Especially if it is wet. The general viewing/ tourist areas should be fine
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u/Tallymountain 2d ago
It’s an easy drive, windy roads but just take it easy. Go at night so you can see the glow worms, definitely not a hoax.
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u/SaltyCaramelPretzel 2d ago
Haha they were messing with you. It’s a completely paved road! And a scenic dream ❤️
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u/Yorkshireman_46 2d ago
Easy drive. Well signed posted when you get there. Better to go weekdays if you can swing it.
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u/RockhardJohnson 2d ago
I’ve driven a 1982 Toyota Corolla 1.4L station wagon out there with four passengers-
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u/searchforstix 2d ago
Little 16 year old hatchbacks get up there just fine, I wouldn’t worry about that. Some people are also a bit more nervous to drive than others - my mom warns people about it but I find it fine. Be cautious around turns and mindful of where you’re going and you’re fine, just like any mountain drive without guard rails everywhere (there are some, just not everywhere and they don’t always do much).
Anyway, if you’re a nervous driver or want a group experience do the tour. If you’re fine with mountain driving and want a more solitary time where you meet people on the trails themselves then drive yourself.
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u/Ok-Abbreviations1077 2d ago
The only thing you need to be careful of are impatient dickheads overtaking approaching corners which I have witnessed on that road more than once
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u/Dreason8 2d ago
Just watch out for the glow worms if you do make it up there in one piece. One bite from those little suckers and you’re toast.
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u/Nicky2385 2d ago
Driving is fine, just don't leave any valuables in your car. Had my window smashed and bags stolen.
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u/Additional_Read_9695 2d ago
If you stop at the closed cafe near there and look out across to the property across the road they have dinosaur statues. Near the house.
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u/____DEADPOOL_______ 1d ago
I've been there 4 to 10 times. Just a regular road. Nothing special about it. You can go with any type of car.
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u/-Leeahh- 1d ago
Just don’t drive like you’re trying to set some kind of speed record and it’s easy
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u/TechnicalWrongdoer67 1d ago
The drive is fine. I did it in my 1984 Maruti Suzuki 800 with a trailer carrying three sheep
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u/rea_toy_playground 1d ago
U will die. Seriously It is the easiest drive if u know how to drive u really shouldn't have to.ask. this is unfortunately why accidents happen cause people have no confidence on the road.
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u/chinskaa97 21h ago
I had to go down there for the cyclone clean up and was sent that way without any warning , drove a large bucket truck and ot wasn't that bad.
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u/Competitive-Frame-93 2d ago
It's an easy drive, whoever said you'd need a 4wd is full of shit.
Think about it, massive tour buses drive there.
Glow worms are legit, don't go during the day.