Let the Hiking Begin - Springbrook

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Day 5

I can get used to this swimming every morning. Although the life saver sign said not to go out past your waist, we had a nasty wind and some big waves for us anyways, the rip was tough to fight so we stayed in the “baby” pool for our own safety. We went on a nice trip out to Springbrook National Park, about an hours drive form mermaid beach, and for starters it begins with a tight little twisty road for about 30km, which would be perfect for the pursuit. LOL. Upon arriving at the 4km loop trail head you walk down along the cliff edge in a beautiful subtropical rainforest; it is lovely and amazing views at the top of the cliff. There is a breeze so it’s actually a little cool for Jackie, but those complaints would be shushed upon about 100 feet of drop and a loss of the breeze, now it back to 30c and humid. The scenery keeps getting more and more beautiful though, stunning palm trees, natural vines and some huge ferns, We are loving this for sure, I figured we dropped 400 feet into the valley floor, only to be awestruck by some stunning canyon walls covered in green mosses and vines, did I mention it was humid down here and hot…. We should have brought more water. We pass a group of teens heading back up and the only thing they can muster between breathes is, “think about the walk back up” upon reaching the bottom you stand and stare up a 400 foot waterfall that you have been hearing for the last 5 minutes of walking, the jungle sure drowns out noise quickly. Following the path you walk behind the waterfall and enjoy a cool mist, which was very refreshing and needed, then the rest of the 2km loop takes you back up to the car park, the direction of travel we took allowed us to take the easy way up I guess, cause we didn’t struggle at all. Once back up at the top of the waterfall you look out over the canyon and the stunning views.

Next on our journey for the day we hit up Natural bridge, part of springbrook national park, about another 20 minute drive. Down some killer roads. Upon arriving I can’t help but think about how much this place reminds me of Jurassic park. Lol. It’s starting to get darker out since the sun has set behind the mountains, but for me that just means premo picture time. After a short 500 meter jaunt down to the bottom we can start to see the waterfall inside the caverns, already in amazement I run the last bit to get inside the caverns before to much light is gone to capture some amazing photos, Let me tell you, 2 and 3 second exposures are not easy without a tripod. The view is stunning, breathe taking. Call it what you want, the pictures sure back that up. After taking a few photos, Jackie tells me to look up and there are the glow worms we are hearing about, fluorescent green in colour and all over the place, Sean walked further in only to the swooped at by a bat. LOL. We all had a good laugh. I got a few photos of the worms but it’s very hard without a tripod. I guess you will have to come here yourself to experience the magic. On our way out we see a group of 3 wallaby’s making there way through the bush. A stunning finish to the night if you ask me. Kristen made us lasagne for dinner. Yummy yummy.

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Photos

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Stunning views all around

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Jackie getting her pose on.

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My personal favorite of the bunch

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a close second, natural bridge

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glow worms

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everyone relaxing on top of the falls

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Wallaby

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Gecko eating a moth, we have a family of them living by the light here