Nature's Playground

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This Tamborine Mountain nature itinerary includes Queensland’s first National Park, sky-high forest walks and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Drive time

30 minutes

Distance

14 km

With so many natural attractions within 30 minutes of Tamborine Mountain, you’ll be able to see a lot in a short time or do as nature intended – slow down and connect with this very special part of the world.

Begin with an exploration of beautiful local parks set high on top of the mountain. Doughty Park is a favourite for its towering trees, shady picnic tables, playground and lookout. It’s also home of the Tamborine Mountain Visitor Information Centre.

Head just a few minutes south into the grounds of Cedar Creek Estate to uncover a wildlife experience that will light up your day.

You’ll find an award-winning sanctuary for Arachnocampa Flava or glow worms. Tour during the day to see these clever creatures up close, or tour by night and marvel as the cave roof and walls light up with thousands of glow worms.

Curtis Falls Walking Track

Take a cool walk through the eucalypt forest, spotting staghorn ferns in the canopy before the Curtis Falls take your breath away. A curtain of water tumbles over huge basalt columns into a pool that is home to basking turtles and families of playful platypus. A short 1km walk from Dapsang Drive Car Park.

Head north-east through the hinterland to the stunning Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, a sanctuary of exotic and native flora centred around a graceful lake.

Something that makes these gardens so special is the team of dynamic volunteers that are more than happy to share their knowledge and passion. These characters are part of the almost 40-year history of this 11-hectare tribute to mother nature. It’s our pick for an unforgettable stroll or picturesque picnic spot.

Your next stop offers a thrilling and unique perspective on Tamborine Mountain’s stunning rainforest. Explore the canopy from a height usually reserved for birds, as you wander the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk’s elevated walkway and cantilever. Aside from exceptional views, you’ll witness birdlife not visible from the ground.

Continue north to explore Queensland’s oldest National Park. The Tamborine National Park is home to waterfalls, mountain plateaus, creeks and a huge diversity of wildlife.

Walk under soaring Flooded Gum trees, amongst a carpet of Bracken Fern woodlands and along the base of cascading waterfalls. Spot Bush Turkeys, the world’s largest skink, the colourful wings of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly and listen for the call of the Albert’s lyrebird.

Places along the way

Map