The ‘Scenic Rim’ is an area, that covers most of New South Wales’ Northern and Queensland’s South Eastern Great Dividing Range along the Coast. This includes National Parks like Lamington, Main Ranges, and Springbrook National Parks. 

Many million years ago, this was an active volcano named Tweed Volcano. As Australia drifted of the Gondwana supercontinent, it became inactive. High rainfall deteriorated this impressive volcano over time, mainly on its northern flanks. This large shield volcano is over 100 kilometers in diameter and extends from Tamborine Mountain in the north to Lismore in the south.

The volcanic plug of Mount Warning marks the center of the volcano. Rich volcanic soil, mild temperatures, and relatively high rainfall created the dense forest.

Early human agriculture created lush valleys for farming. Green pasture valleys were ideal for cattle farming, as well as for most other agricultural aspects. Realising the ecological diversity for flora and fauna, National Parks were instated during the early 19th century by the Australian government. In December 1994, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee officially extended the area now known as the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area over the Scenic Rim and the rainforests of northern New South Wales. In 2007 the areas of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia were added to the Australian National Heritage List.

Remnants of the Gondwana forest are still found on the cooler slopes of Springbrook National Park. Some of these Antarctic Beech trees are believed to be over 3000 years old and only grow at an elevation over 1000 meters.

Springbrook National Park has 4 different accessible sections, one of them is ‘The Natural Bridge’. 

The Natural Bridge is a naturally formed rock arch over Cave Creek, which makes it great for photographers.

It was formed from a waterfall which undercut a cave beneath the waterfall and dug a pothole on top, until the two joined and the creek flowed through the cave, leaving an arch across the front.

Cave Creek eventually joins the Nerang River, which runs into the Pacific Ocean at the Gold Coast.

In the cave is a colony of glow worms, which can be seen at night time. Glow worms create bioluminescence to lure their prey.

Another of Mother Nature’s marvelous creations. 

The loop walk is relatively easy and short, a must for all photographers and nature lovers.