Natural Bridge

It was one of the first sites I visited when we arrived in Queensland, a Sunday outing with two new and now very dear friends Leonie and  Ellen. 

Yesterday I returned to Natural Bridge to show hubby its sheer beauty and unspoilt setting. Its part of the Gondwana Rainforests, a world heritage area. A waterfall and the force of the water over basalt rock formed the natural bridge. The path cuts through ancient Gondwana Rainforest with hoop pines rising magnificently, apparently relics of another very ancient time. These days you can barely see their crowns and they have crows nests and orchids clinging onto them. 

Above the noise of the burbling water, eastern whip birds call, cat birds yell, woompoo fruit doves emit their whoop whoop and riflebirds can be heard but not seen.  The area is rich with nightlife as well - sooty owls and microbats and the glow worms in the cave emanate string like lit up streamers.  

We had a picnic at Mary Leu Bridge - walked down to this idyllic stream and watched the dragon flies and butterflies. The richness of the trees reflected in the water. 

Tomorrow more on Springbrook National Park which is nearby.