Playful by Nature

Start exploring

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

Drive time

30 minutes

Distance

14 km

With so many 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. Tamborine Mountain’s Main Street offers comfortable covered picnic benches, surrounded by towering trees and blooming colours. Grab a spot and a cheeky pie from the Tamborine Mountain Bakery, established in 1924.

Other on the go delights can be found at Main Street Providore for pastries and coffee, or Mountain Brew Coffee for a cuppa.  Doughty Park is a stones throw away, with towering trees, and playground. 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.

Or to truly get in touch with the natural wonders of the mountain, head on over to Peddly Picnics, where you can select a delicious hamper of premium goodies and cycle on your electric powered bike across the mountain. Experience the cool breeze of the mountain as you navigate to scenic landmarks such as Rob Sowter Park with incredible views across the Scenic Rim and spot paragliders taking flight from the lookout.

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 Botanical 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.

Find adventure for the whole family at Tamborine Mountain Glades and Thunderbird Park, 7 minutes drive from the top of the mountain. Here you’ll find activities to keep everyone occupied, including navigating the high wire ropes course on the Tree Top Challenge, a relaxed round of mini golf, Laser tag amongst the rainforest or letting the little ones try on a hard hat and polish their skills at Dig It as they play on mini excavators.

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. When you’re ready for lunch, discover gallery walk with its eclectic mix of galleries, gift shops and cafes. Enjoy an afternoon tipple at award winning distilleries such as the Cauldron Distillery for gin, and The Tamborine Mountain Distillery for unique drops like the Wattle Toffee Liqueur.  Drop into Witches Falls Winery or Fortitude Brewing Co. for more local drops.

There is overnight accommodation aplenty, from cosy pub stays, like The Manor, to luxury escapes at The Tamborine, or discover one the many small boutique options dotted all over the mountain.

Places along the way

Map