The Nerang-Murwilliumbah Road: Places To See And Things To Do
Concealed somewhere between the recognized areas of Springbrook, Beechmont and Binna Burra Plateau along with the world heritage listed Lamington National Park, lies the localities of Numinbah Valley and Natural Bridge. These locations are generally uncovered when taking a scenic circuit, which begins at Nerang and heads south on Route 97- The Nerang-Murwilliumbah Road.
Traveling through tall eucalypt forests, lining the shores of the Hinze Dam, lead you into the Numinbah Valley. Here located in lunch pastures between the mountains of Springbrook and Beechmont, beverages and a multi-colored gemstone display can be found at the Valley View Caf. Journeying a little further south, Numinbah Valley provides horse riding adventures for all functionality where riders will be able to meander along crystal creeks or to mountain lava caves. Yet again moving south through the bank of the volcanic caldera, lunch at the natural Arch Caf Restaurant introduces another wonder: the largest and yummiest hamburgers you are ever likely to eat!!
Another kilometer south, from the Natural Arch Caf, and you enter into the forgotten world of the Natural Bridge National Park. It’s a simple stroll through the park which will leave you awestruck by the impressive rainforest giants, wildlife and an unspoiled waterfall plunging through the geological sensation known as the “Natural Bridge”.
Once dark the glow-worms in the cave glitter just like the stars of the Milky Way. When you go out of the Natural Bridge National Park and drive 3 Kilometres south you will come to the Queensland/New South Wales border the place you will view the extinct volcano of Mount Warning, its surrounding volcanic caldera, green valleys and crowding bluffs. Then you gradually descend down the flourishing and tranquil farmlands to the village of Chillingham, town of Murwillumbah and get back onto the Pacific Highway for your return trip.
Springbrook, surrounded by forest and National Park is famous for its Purlington Falls, English gardens, beautiful pristine rainforest, abundant wild life, numerous excellent lookouts and magic waterfalls. Springbrook Plateau is a remnant of the northern side of a one time huge volcano that was centered on Mt Warning. On the highest parts of Springbrook, stands of ancient Antarctic Beech trees survive. These trees may be more than 2000 years old and suggest the temperature here was once much cooler.
From Mudgeeraba appreciate a scenic 25 kilometre drive along Springbrook Road to Springbrook. At 900 metres over sea level Springbrook can be very cool, even in summer. The area is a haven for beautiful and extraordinary birds and rare Australian wildlife. There are quite a few forest tracks and natures wonders to enjoy, although you are going to need to take some strong and comfortable shoes as there are more than 160 kilometres of graded walking track to cover if you want to see everything!