‘Hidden’ gem just 50 minutes from major city blows tourists away

Australia is home to some of the most stunning natural sights, but one in particular has blown tourists away and there’s a reason why.

A “hidden gem” in the Gold Coast is making the rounds on social media with many describing it as the “prettiest waterfall in southeast Queensland”.

Natural Bridge in Springbrook, which is located just a 50 minute drive southwest of the Gold Coast, may soon gain even more popularity as clips of the “magical” spot circulate on TikTok.

Natural Bridge, Gold Coast, is described as a ‘hidden gem’. Picture: TikTok/ahungryhalfie

It has been likened to something out of a movie. Picture: TikTok/ahungryhalfie

It is located in the western part of Springbrook National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia’s World Heritage Area.

“I think this is one of the best hidden gems in the Gold Coast,” a Sydneysider said in a clip while showing off the natural sight.

It is located in the western part of Springbrook National Park. Picture: TikTok/ahungryhalfie

TikTokers have been raving about the stunning waterfall. Picture: TikTok/ahungryhalfie

“The walk there is so beautiful and it’s only about 10 minutes. It was so scenic and every stop looked like it was straight out of the (movie) Blue Lagoon.

“I wouldn’t have even been surprised if I saw a mermaid swimming around down there.”

Another TikTok user also likened it to something “straight out of a movie”.

“This is straight up from a movie or something you would imagine when thinking of nature,” they wrote.

Afterdark is just as spectacular as during the day. Picture: TikTok/ahungryhalfie

“Whenever I’m here, I feel so happy – this place is truly heaven on earth,” wrote another, while a third added: “Omg, I’ve been there. It’s so pretty.”

But there’s a catch – visitors are not allowed to swim in the creek, including within the cave, and access to the creek bank is prohibited.

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However, there’s plenty to keep travellers entertained – and not just during the day.

While you can spend your time birdwatching for paradise riflebirds, green catbirds, wompoo fruit-doves and rare and threatened species like the cascade tree frog, afterdark is equally as spectacular with the park’s “magical” glow-worms.

At night the park is lit with glow-worms. Picture: TikTok/bigjetsnoregrets

Visitors can join a guided nocturnal tour to see the resident colony of protected glow-worms and microbats – and during summer nights, you can also see luminous fungi and fireflies.

There is also one camping area in the National Park called ‘The Settlement’ camping ground, perfect for visiting the glow worm caves at night.

Campers have access to toilets, drinking water and a cooking shelter with free electric barbecues.

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“Remember to be quiet when visiting, the ground can be slippery, smoking and bug repellents inside the cave are prohibited,” tourism site Queensland warns.

Meanwhile, the park’s Natural Bride section is easily accessible from the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road car park.

Visitors then follow a one-kilometre circuit where they will descend through the ancient Gondwana rainforest to the Natural Bridge rock arch.

And adding to the site’s “magic" is hoop pines emerging from surrounding forests that are living relics of the Jurassic Age – 180 million years ago.