Enjoy a day tour from the Gold Coast through the lush landscapes and serene beauty of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Our tours offer a deep dive into the heart of this natural paradise, featuring ancient rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic mountain vistas. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to connect with nature, our guided excursions provide an immersive experience into one of Australia's most enchanting regions. Join us to explore the hidden wonders and tranquil retreats of the hinterland.
The Gold Coast Hinterland is home to a variety of attractions ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Highlights include the ancient rainforests of Lamington National Park and Springbrook National Park, the stunning waterfalls at Purlingbrook Falls and Elabana Falls, and the picturesque Numinbah Valley. For a unique experience, visit the Natural Bridge rock formation, take a dip in the Currumbin Rock Pools, or explore the German Cuckoo Clock Nest and Witches Chase Cheese for a taste of local culture and produce.
Driving to the Hinterland from Surfers Paradise
Driving from Surfers Paradise to the Gold Coast Hinterland, specifically to destinations like Mount Tamborine or Lamington National Park, typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Head west towards the Pacific Motorway (M1). Follow the M1 and take the exit for Tamborine Mountain Rd or the exit for Canungra via Nerang if heading towards Lamington National Park. Continue following the signs towards your specific destination in the hinterland.
Drive Times
Mount Tamborine is a picturesque plateau located about 30 kilometers from the Gold Coast. It offers a cooler climate, rich in lush rainforests, charming villages, and stunning views. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions including the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, wineries, artisanal shops, and the famous Gallery Walk with its cafes and boutiques. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous walking trails, waterfalls like Cedar Creek Falls, and lookout points offering breathtaking views of the hinterland and the coast.
Key Features
The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk offers an immersive experience in the lush rainforests of Mount Tamborine, Gold Coast Hinterland. This eco-adventure features a spectacular canopy walk that spans 1.5 kilometers, allowing visitors to explore the forest floor, mid-level flora, and the canopy of the ancient rainforest at close range. The walk includes the Skywalk Bridge and Cantilever, providing breathtaking views over the treetops and creek below. It's an accessible adventure suitable for all ages, emphasizing the natural beauty and tranquility of the rainforest environment. There is a small cafe at the Skywalk for refreshments.
Address
333 Geissmann Drive, Mt Tamborine 4272 Queensland, Australia
Hours
9:30am to 4:00 pm last ticket sales Closes at 5:00pm
Prices
Mount Tamborine Village is a picturesque and vibrant town renowned for its cool mountain climate, lush scenery, and charming European-style ambiance. The village boasts a variety of craft shops, art galleries, wineries, and cafés. Gallery Walk, the main street, is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore local crafts, taste gourmet foods, and sample locally produced wines. Stop here for lunch. The area is also famous for its natural attractions, including walking trails, waterfalls, and lookouts, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking a serene retreat.
Key Features
The Glow Worm Caves on Mount Tamborine offer a fascinating natural attraction. Located within a dedicated conservation area, these caves provide visitors the opportunity to see glow worms in their natural habitat. The glow worms, which are actually the larval stage of a small fly, emit a bioluminescent light to attract prey. Tours of the caves are available, allowing guests to learn about the glow worms, their lifecycle, and the ecosystem that supports them, all while experiencing the magical light display these creatures produce.
Glow Worm Caves Guided Tours
At Cedar Creek Estate visitors are offered an unparalleled encounter with glow worms through 30-minute guided tours. This sanctuary provides a sustainable viewing option that doesn't disturb their natural habitats. Access is exclusively through these tours to ensure the protection of the glow worms. Although the pathway to the cave is well-maintained, it should be noted that the absence of ramps and the presence of three steps may limit access for wheelchairs and prams.
Glow Worm Caves Tour Address
Cnr Long and Hartley Road, Mount Tamborine.
To reach Cedar Creek Estate from the Gold Coast, start by taking Exit 57 (Oxenford Exit) off the Pacific Motorway, just past Movie World. Proceed on Tamborine-Oxenford Road, continue through Gallery Walk and the roundabout on Long Road, then turn right onto Hartley Road. Cedar Creek Estate is located on the right side, just before reaching Holt Road.
Tour Prices
Lamington National Park is a World Heritage-listed site featuring ancient rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It offers extensive walking tracks, spectacular lookout points, and the opportunity to explore a rich ecosystem.
The park is divided into two sections: Binna Burra and Green Mountains, both offering unique experiences such as bird watching, hiking, and encountering rare flora and fauna.
It's a prime destination for nature enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Australia's natural heritage.
Key highlights include the Tree Top Walkway, offering a unique perspective of the rainforest from above, and extensive hiking trails leading to waterfalls such as Moran's Falls and Coomera Falls.
The park is also home to ancient forests, diverse wildlife, and panoramic lookout points like the Green Mountains section, providing views over the McPherson Range.
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat is nestled in the heart of Lamington National Park, offering guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of an ancient rainforest. This family-owned retreat provides a range of accommodation options, nature-based activities, and guided walks, making it ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, hiking trails, the famous Tree Top Walk, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a perfect escape for those looking to connect with nature and experience the tranquility of the rainforest.
The Treetop Walk
The Tree Top Walk at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park allows visitors to explore the rainforest canopy through a series of suspension bridges and observation decks, offering a unique perspective of the forest's diverse ecosystem and birdlife from up to 16 meters above the ground.
Lamington National Park features a rich selection of waterfalls and walking trails. Some notable waterfalls include Morans Falls, Coomera Falls, and Elabana Falls. The park offers a variety of walking trails ranging from short, easy walks to more challenging hikes, such as the Box Forest Circuit, the Centenary Track, and the Border Track, which provide opportunities to explore the park's ancient rainforests, stunning lookouts, and diverse wildlife. Each trail offers a unique experience of the park's natural beauty.
Box Forest Circuit
This trail is approximately 10.9 kilometers long, offering a medium-difficulty hike through lush rainforests leading to stunning waterfalls, including Picnic Rock, Elabana Falls, and Box Log Falls. It's known for its beautiful scenery and the opportunity to see ancient trees and diverse plant life.
Centenary Track
Serving as an introductory walk, the Centenary Track is a short and easy trail, around 1.8 kilometers return. It connects the O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat to the Border Track, passing through serene rainforest settings, ideal for all ages and fitness levels.
Border Track
As the main spine of the walking track system in Lamington National Park, this track stretches about 21.4 kilometers one way from O'Reilly's to Binna Burra. This long and relatively easy trail passes through a variety of forest types, offering hikers panoramic views of the McPherson Range and an opportunity to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the ancient rainforest.
Morans Falls
A picturesque waterfall that cascades into a gorge, providing stunning views, especially at sunset. The trail to the falls offers a gentle walk suitable for most fitness levels.
Coomera Falls
A majestic waterfall located within a deep gorge, accessible via a more challenging hiking trail, rewarding visitors with its breathtaking beauty.
Python Rock
An easily accessible lookout offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including a direct view of Morans Falls.
Moran's Falls Lookout: Offers expansive views of the falls and the scenic landscapes beyond. It's a popular spot for photography, especially during the golden hour.
Springbrook National Park offers breathtaking waterfalls, and stunning views. Key attractions include the Natural Bridge, a naturally formed rock arch over Cave Creek, and lookouts such as Best of All Lookout, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park's numerous walking trails, like the Purling Brook Falls circuit and the Twin Falls circuit, allow visitors to explore its diverse ecosystems, rich wildlife, and spectacular waterfalls.
Natural Bridge
A stunning geological formation created by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave, famous for its natural arch and resident glow worm colony visible at night.
Best of All Lookout
Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ancient rainforest, volcanic landscape, and on clear days, views to the coast.
Purling Brook Falls Circuit
A moderate walk leading to a spectacular waterfall that plummets into a deep rainforest valley, with lookouts along the way.
Twin Falls Circuit
A scenic trail offering views of multiple waterfalls, passing through lush rainforest and behind the cascades of Twin Falls.
The Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park is a stunning, naturally formed rock arch over Cave Creek, a highlight of the park. It was created by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. Notably, it's home to a colony of glow worms, making it a popular spot for night tours. The area around the Natural Bridge features a subtropical rainforest circuit walk, offering visitors the chance to experience this unique geological feature and the surrounding lush landscape.
Getting there
To get to Natural Bridge from the Gold Coast, drive inland towards Nerang, then follow the signs to Springbrook National Park via the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road. Turn off at the sign for Natural Bridge. There's a parking area at the entrance to the walking track. The walk to view the Natural Bridge is relatively short and easy, suitable for most fitness levels. Swimming is not permitted at the Natural Bridge to protect the unique environment and the glow worm habitat within the cave.
Numinbah Valley is a picturesque area in the Gold Coast Hinterland, characterized by its stunning natural scenery, including lush rainforests, clear rivers, and rugged mountains. It's known for its agricultural lands, scenic drives, and outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and rock climbing. The valley is also home to several parks and reserves, offering visitors a peaceful escape into nature and the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Australian bushland.
Purlingbrook Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Springbrook National Park. This stunning natural attraction features a large, cascading waterfall that drops into a deep pool below, surrounded by lush subtropical rainforest. Visitors can enjoy a scenic circuit walk that leads to a lookout point offering breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding valley. Swimming at the base of Purlingbrook Falls is possible, but caution should be taken, especially after heavy rain.
Getting there
To reach Purlingbrook Falls from the Gold Coast, head towards Springbrook National Park via the Pacific Motorway (M1), exiting at Mudgeeraba and following the signs to Springbrook via the Springbrook Road. There's parking available at the Purlingbrook Falls visitor area. The walk to the falls is a moderate circuit of about 4 kilometers, offering stunning views of the falls.
