Situated in the Scenic Rim, in the Gold Coast Hinterland, Mount Tamborine is an area which sits on top of a mountain range. The area consists of several National Parks home to local wildlife, waterfalls and flowing streams, as well as a few small charming villages and family friendly Mt Tamborine attractions.
Whether you plan to visit for the day or a few days, there is plenty of things to do in Mount Tamborine to keep the entire family entertained! Both parents and kids will enjoy beautiful bush walks, swimming in rock pools, ziplining across the rainforest canopy or any number of Mt Tamborine activities.
If you’re planning a visit and wondering what to do in Mount Tamborine, then you should definitely read this article. In this Mt Tamborine – things to do guide, I’ll cover all the awesome things to do in Mt Tamborine, as well as essential information such as location, opening hours, and ticket prices.
As well as providing tips for things to do at Mt Tamborine, this guide will cover practical information such as how to get to Mount Tamborine and tips on where to stay.
This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.
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Page Contents
Where is Tamborine Mountain?
Firstly for our interstate and overseas visitors, where is Tamborine Mountain? Well Mt Tamborine is located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, about one hour’s drive from Brisbane or an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast.
Keep reading below for tips on how to get to Tamborine Mountain from popular tourist destinations such as the Gold Coast to Tamborine Mountain and Brisbane to Mount Tamborine.
Best Things to do in Mount Tamborine
Below I’ve provided a comprehensive guide to all the best things to do at Mount Tamborine. Please note that all prices mentioned were correct at the time of writing and may fluctuate depending upon changes to currency conversion and rate increases.
To check the rate in your local currency, click here.
Mount Tamborine National Park: Mount Tamborine Walks & Waterfalls
Of course when it comes to what to do in Mt Tamborine, the highlight is the stunning Mount Tamborine National Park. The Tamborine Mountain National Park is the perfect place for a walk through the subtropical rainforest. Here you can explore a diverse range of landscapes, see beautiful Mt Tamborine waterfalls, walk along lovely flowing creeks and streams as well as spot local wildlife.
There is a variety of Mount Tamborine walks to choose from across six different sections. Most of the Mt Tamborine walks are relatively easy with people, including children of all fitnesses level able to enjoy them.
Below I’ve provided details of the various sections and walks available so you can choose the perfect Mt Tamborine rainforest walk for your family.
Cedar Creek Section
This section is a family favourite due to the Cedar Creek Falls as well as the Cedar Creek rock pools, the only Tamborine Mountain rock pools you can swim in.
It is an easy (grade 1) 500m return walk to the Cedar Creek Falls lookout – you can even take a stroller along this path. From the lookout, you get a great view of the falls and rock pools.
From the lookout, you can continue to the Cedar Creek rock pools which is an additional 600m return (so the entire circuit is 1.1km). The track to the rock pools is well maintained; however it does have a fairly steep decline and of course incline on the way back (grade 3).
At the rock pools, you can choose to go swimming in various rock pools or cool off under the Cedar Creek Falls (note that the water is freezing, even in the middle of summer). If you decide to go into the rock pools, you will need to climb over the rocks which can be a bit challenging, so keep this in mind.
Make sure you bring some water shoes to protect your feet and provide some additional grip for climbing over the rocks.
Parking at Cedar Creek Falls, Mt Tamborine, can a real nightmare here as its reasonably limited. There is a small amount of parking at the top of the hill, which will add quite a bit of time onto your walk down to the falls and it’s going to be a steep walk back up. Another suggestion is to park at the back of Thunderbird Park and take their walking track to the falls, which won’t decrease your walking time, but the walk is flat.
Find out more about visiting Cedar Creek here.
Location: Cedar Creek Falls Road
Witches Falls Section
For those looking for the longer Mt Tamborine hikes, then consider the Witches Falls, Mt Tamborine section. There are two Mount Tamborine hikes here, both graded level 4, so will require a reasonable level of fitness and probably best not attempted with little ones that aren’t keen on walking far.
The first walk is a 3.6km circuit which will take you around 1 hour to complete. This circuit starts with a zig-zag down the mountain pass an open forest of banksia trees and then into the rainforest where you will see giant strangler figs and past lovely little seasonal lagoons (best seen after rainfall). Provided there has been some decent rainfall; you will also see the Witches Falls from the lookout, which is a short 200m detour from the main track.
If you want one of the longer Mount Tamborine hikes, you can continue on a further 2.6km return circuit along the Witches Chase Track. This part of the circuit will take a further 1 hour to complete and is also graded level 4. Along this walk, you will see the eucalypt forest and rainforest with large red cedar trees as well as pass through a field of boulders.
Location: Manitzky Road
Curtis Falls / Joalah Section
Another firm family favourite when it comes to Tamborine Mountain hikes is the walk to Curtis Falls. This is an absolutely beautiful walk, as you slip into the dense rainforest where you can see giant fig stranglers, staghorn, a colony of bats, flowing streams and of course the gorgeous Curtis Falls.
The walk to Curtis Falls – Mt Tamborine is just 1.1 km return and is a relatively easy 30 minute walk (although it is grade level 3). This is the only Mount Tamborine waterfall that is viewed from the bottom and it also runs all year round.
From the falls, you can continue further and take the Lower Creek Circuit which is an additional 1.4 km and will take around an hour to complete.
Do note that this Mount Tamborine rainforest walk does involve a creek crossing over rocks which will be challenging for some. You could choose not to cross the creek though and return on the same track rather than completing the circuit.
The Lower Creek Circuit is graded level 4, but I think this is mainly due to the creek crossing as the rest of the walk is not too difficult. The walk is absolutely enchanting though and well worth it, even if you do return on the same track.
There is limited car parking at the Curtis Falls entrance, but there is quite a lot of street parking in the surrounding area, so this shouldn’t be a problem. The walk from the surrounding streets is all flat too. You can also park around the shops at Eagle Heights Road and take the 400m track from here.
Check out our YouTube video of Curtis Falls and the Lower Creek Circuit here.
Location: Dapsang Drive
The Knoll Section
Another one of the good Mount Tamborine bush walks for those that want to check out waterfalls is the Sandy Creek Circuit.
Located in the Knoll section, the Sandy Creek Circuit takes you to the Cameron Falls Lookout. This walk is a 2.6 km circuit which takes around 1 hour to complete and is graded level 4. Along the walk, you’ll see flooded gums and piccabeen groves.
Time your walk to finish with a picnic, as the picnic area is lovely with great views across to Flinders Peak and Brisbane.
Location: Knoll Road
Palm Grove Section
If you prefer to get away from the other tourists, one of the more quieter Mt Tamborine walking tracks can be found in the Palm Grove Section.
There are two walks here the 2.7km Palm Grove circuit which takes around 1 hour, and the Jenyns circuit which is a further 2.1 km and takes an additional 1.5 hours to complete. Both of these Mt Tamborine rainforest walks are graded level 4.
Along the Palm Grove circuit, you will see towering palms, giant gums, hoop pines and ancient cycads. If you continue onto the longer circuit, you will also see the Jenyns Falls.
Location: You can access this walk either via Palm Grove Avenue or Curtis Road – both areas have parking, although keep in mind that the Curtis Road access has stairs.
MacDonald Section
The last of the Tamborine Mountain bush walks is in the McDonald Section. The MacDonald Rainforest circuit is a relatively flat 1.4 km circuit (graded level 3), which will take only 35 minutes to complete, so perfect for families with small children.
Along the MacDonald Rainforest circuit, you’ll walk through lush rainforest and peaceful palm groves. This is a popular walk for bird watchers.
Location: Wongawallan Road
Check out the Mt Tamborine Markets
If you can time it right, another one of the great Mount Tamborine activities is a visit to one of the local markets to pick up some great local produce and bargains.
There are three different Tamborine Mountain Markets to choose from:
- Tamborine Mountain Country Markets: Here you will find a huge range of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as other local produce such as cheese, plants, flowers, coffee and more. There are also loads of delicious ready to eat food to buy and for the kids, there is a jumping castle as well as pony and car rides. These markets are on every second Sunday of each month at the showgrounds from 7:30 am to 1.30 pm.
- Tamborine Mountain School Markets: These country village markets are best described as a local flea market, where there are plenty of bargains to be found. You’ll also find plenty of fresh local produce too. These markets are on the last Sunday of each month at the school from 7 am to 1 pm.
- Local Producers’ Market: These Mt Tamborine Markets are primarily for fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers, plants and honey. Produce available changes from season to season and is a great place to pick up organic produce. These markets are on every Sunday at 7 am until noon at the Tamborine Mountain Showgrounds.
Mt Tamborine Skywalk
The Mt Tamborine Skywalk is a popular family attraction. Located in 30 pristine acres of lush sub-tropical rainforest, the Tamborine Mountain Skywalk is the perfect place to get a bird’s eye view of the rainforest.
Families will love strolling along the 1.5km walk, which is a combination of rainforest floor tracks as well as the 300 metres of steel bridges that are set in the upper canopy of the rainforest. The highlight though is the 40 metre cantilever bridge which at the height of 30 metres provides brilliant views of the creek and rainforest below.
As well as Mount Tamborine walking trails, the attraction features the Eco Gallery which has a display of Australian rainforest flora and fauna.
It is recommended that you allow around 45 minutes to get the most out of your visit to the attraction.
Location: 333 Geissman Drive, North Tamborine
Opening Hours: Daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm
Price: Adults $19.50 | Children (6-16) $9.50 | Family Pass (2A+2C) from $49 Purchase tickets online here.
Visit a Mt Tamborine Winery
When it comes to things to do in Tamborine Mountain, the kids shouldn’t have all the fun! For parents who love wine, a visit to a Mt Tamborine winery is an absolute must.
Tamborine Mountain has a range of great award-winning boutique wineries and breweries where you can try some great wines, beers and spirits. Some of the wineries Mt Tamborine has offer free tastings while others have a small charge.
There is a stack of different places to choose from, but here are a few to get you started:
- Hampton Estate Wines: At this Mount Tamborine winery, as well as wine tasting, there is a gorgeous restaurant here with great views across to the Gold Coast. Open 7 days, located at 52 Bartle Road, Tamborine Mountain.
- Mt Tamborine Vineyard and Winery: Indulge in some wine tasting for $5 per person where you’ll get to try 5 of their wines. The winery also serves breakfast and lunch daily. Open daily 10 am to 4 pm, located at 128 Long Road – the Gallery Walk, Mount Tamborine.
- Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery: Here you will find the best of Qld’s boutique wines. Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, located at 104-144 Hartley Road, Tamborine Mountain.
- Castle Glen Winery Brewery & Distillery: Try chemical and preservative-free alcohol, including wine and liqueurs. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, located at 138 Long Road – the Gallery Walk, Mt Tamborine
- Fortitude Beer Brewing Company: Considered to be Qld’s fasted growing craft brewery. Open daily from 11 am to 4 pm, located at 165-185 Long Road, the Gallery Walk, Mt Tamborine.
- Tamborine Mountain Distillery: Try a range of Australia’s award winning liqueurs and spirits. Open 7 days 10 am to 5 pm, located at 10 MacDonnell Road, Tamborine Mountain.
- Heritage Estate Wine: With 21 different grape varieties, there is sure to be something on the tasting menu that you like. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, located at 119 Long Road – the Gallery Walk, Tamborine Mountain.
You can drive around the wineries yourself, or if you’re able to get a day pass without the kids, there are some great full day wine tours available. These tours start at around $145 per person and include a two course lunch as well stops at 5 venues for Mount Tamborine wine tasting. Click on the below links for more information:
Glow Worm Caves Tamborine Mountain
The Mount Tamborine Glow Worms are a must do! Mt Tamborine is well known for its glow worm population and a perfect place to see them is at the Mt Tamborine Glow Worm Caves. Usually, you’d have to go on a bushwalk during the night to see glow worms, but at the caves, you can see them any time of the day.
At the Glow Worm Caves, you will be guided through a man-made cave which is filled with thousands of glow worms. As part of the tour, you will also watch a short DVD and have various photo opportunities.
Tours last just 30 minutes and take place every half hour. Definitely one of the best things to do at Tamborine Mountain with the kids.
Location:104-144 Hartley Road, Tamborine Mountain
Opening Hours: 10 am to 4 pm Daily
Price: Adult $29 | Child (4-12) $15 | Student $25
Check out the Shops on the Gallery Walk – Mt Tamborine
Located in the Tamborine Mountain village is the Gallery Walk, where you’ll find some great little shops selling local produce, handicrafts, jewellery, clothes, wine and liqueurs. All up there is around 70 shops, all housed in adorable little cottages.
There is a huge range of shops to check out, here are a few personal favourites:
- Granny Macs Fudge Store and Cafe: Try over 40 different fudge flavours which are made in store, plus loads more sweets from all over the world. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, located at 139 Long Road Road – Mount Tamborine Gallery Walk.
- German Cuckoo Clock Nest: Check out the huge variety of Grandfather clocks, cuckoo clocks, German souvenirs and Christmas ornaments. Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, located at 143 Long Road Road – Mount Tamborine Gallery Walk.
- Mumma Duck’s Sweets and Treats: Try Maleny award-winning gelato and sorbet, gourmet fudge and a huge range of sweets from all over the world. Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm (Mon-Fri) and 9.30 am to 5pm (Sat & Sun), located at 159 Long Road Road – Mount Tamborine Gallery Walk.
- Mt Tamborine Vineyard and Winery: Indulge in some wine tasting for $5 per person where you’ll get to try 5 of their wines. The winery also serves breakfast and lunch daily. Open daily 10 am to 4 pm, located at 128 Long Road – the Gallery Walk, Mount Tamborine.
- Castle Glen: Try chemical and preservative-free alcohol, including wine and liqueurs. Open 7 days 10 am to 5 pm, located at 138 Long Road Road – Mount Tamborine Gallery Walk.
- Tamborine Mountain Distillery: Try a range of Australia’s award winning liqueurs and spirits. Open 7 days 10 am to 5 pm, located at 10 MacDonnell Road – Mount Tamborine Gallery Walk.
Location: The Gallery Walk is along Long Road.
Opening Hours: Varies from store to store, but most are open daily from around 10 am to 4 pm.
Enjoy the Views from a Mount Tamborine Lookout
No trip to the mountain is complete without checking out at least one Mount Tamborine lookout. With Mount Tamborine being part of an ancient volcanic rim, situated 550 metres above sea level, there are some great lookouts to check out.
Inland View Lookouts
Below is a list of Mt Tamborine lookouts with inland or waterfall views:
- Curtis Creek Falls: The walk to Curtis Falls Lookout is just 1.1 km return and is a relatively easy 30 minute walk. From this Mt Tamborine lookout, you’ll see the falls from the bottom as well as the large rock pools and cascades. Access from Dapsang Drive or Eagle Heights Road.
- Cedar Creek Falls: It is an easy 500m return walk to this Tamborine Mountain lookout, you can even take a stroller along this path. From the lookout, you get a great view of the falls and rock pools. Access from Cedar Creek Falls Road.
- Hang Gliders Launch: A popular spot for hang gliders to launch from, here you’ll have great views across the valley. Location – just off Main Western Road, near Lisson Grove.
- Rotary Lookout: Here you’ll have great views across the valley below. Location – just off Main Western Road, near Witches Falls Cottages.
- Knoll Road: Great views to Flinders Peak and Brisbane as well as being the perfect spot for a picnic.
- Cameron Falls: You’ll need to take a 30 minute walk from Knoll Road to reach this lookout, but you’ll be rewarded with great views of Cameron Falls as well as inland views.
- Witches Falls: You’ll need to take a 25 minute walk from Main Western Road to reach this lookout, but you’ll be rewarded with great views of Witches Falls as well as inland views.
- Beacon Lookout: Small lookout at the end of Beacon Road.
Coastal View Lookouts
Below is a list of lookouts with coastal views:
- Eagle Heights Resort
- Magnetic Drive
- Licuala Drive
- Guanaba Road
- Golf Course Road
Visit the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens
Take a stroll through the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens. The gardens feature a range of different areas including the Japanese, Camellia, Azalea and Rose gardens, with the highlight being the lake with a lovely little stone bridge.
The Mt Tamborine Botanic Gardens are the perfect place for a short stroll or a family picnic.
Location: 25 Forsythia Drive, Tamborine Mountain
Opening Hours: Open 7 days
Price: Free
Canyon Flyer
For the thrill-seekers, one of the best Tamborine Mountain activities is the Canyon Flyer, one of Australia’s largest guided zipline canopy tours.
The Canyon Flyer tour includes 7 huge zip lines that cross the Cedar Creek Canyon and fly above the rainforest canopy. As you fly across the canopy, you’ll reach speeds of up to 70 km per hour, while being up to 60 metres above the ground.
The zip line tours take 3 hours and include a short 4WD. You must be between 40 and 120 kgs to participate and able to wear a harness which has a maximum diameter of 120cm.
Location: Thunderbird Park, Corner of Cedar Creek Falls, Mount Tamborine
Opening Hours: Daily at 10 am and 1 pm
Price: Adults $125 | Child $105 – or get the Adrenaline Package for $149 per person which includes the TreeTop Challenge below. Click here to book online.
Tree Top Challenge – Tamborine Mountain
The TreeTop Challenge Adventure Park is Australia’s largest high rope attraction which is perfect for adults and kids. The Mount Tamborine Tree Top walk features 110 different obstacles, including 11 flying foxes and is a great way to experience the rainforest.
The TreeTop Challenge, Tamborine Mountain offers is suitable for anyone from the age of 7, provided they have a minimum height of 160cm which is determined by holding the hands stretched up above the head and measuring from the centre of the palms to the feet. You must also weigh no more than 120kg and be able to wear a harness which is a maximum diameter of 110cm.
Location: Thunderbird Park, Corner of Cedar Creek Falls, Mount Tamborine
Opening Hours: Weekdays between 10 am and 5 pm and Weekends from 9 am to 5 pm
Price: Adults $65 | Child $55 | Family Pass $220 – or get the Adrenaline Package for $149 per person which includes the Canyon Flyer above. Click here to book online.
But the little ones don’t need to miss out – there’s also a Tree Top walk, Mt Tamborine offers for the kids aged between 3 – 7. This course includes 50 rope challenges which start low to the ground and gradually gets more challenging as the kids get comfortable and build their confidence. The kids will get to finish off with gliding through the treetops.
The junior Mt Tamborine Tree Top challenge sessions last for 2 hours, with the kids able to go through the course as often as they like during that time.
Location: Thunderbird Park, Corner of Cedar Creek Falls, Mount Tamborine
Opening Hours: Weekdays between 10 am and 5 pm and Weekends from 9 am to 5 pm
Price: $35 per child – 3 to 7 only.
Horse Riding – Mt Tamborine
Another great way to explore the rainforest is to go horse riding. The best horse riding, Mt Tamborine offers is at Thunderbird Park.
Thunderbird Park has a 112 hectare subtropical rainforest property, where you can take guided horse riding tours. Guided horse rides go along Cedar Creek and also include the opportunity to see wildlife such as wallabies, kangaroos, koalas and goannas along the way.
Thunderbird Park offers a range of Tamborine Mountain trail rides, so no matter what level of experience you have, there is the perfect tour for you.
Horse riding is suitable for kids aged 7+, although for the younger kids there are pony rides available. You must be under 100kgs to ride.
Location: Thunderbird Park, Corner of Cedar Creek Falls, Mount Tamborine
Opening Hours: Tours are held daily at a set time.
Price: Tours are $60 for 30 minutes, $85 for 1 hour, $115 for 1.5 hours and $10 for pony rides.
Laser Skirmish
Another one of the super fun things to do on Tamborine Mountain for the whole family is laser skirmish at Thunderbird Park. The kids will just love being part of a simulated battle in the jungle. They can stalk through the rainforest hunting for targets, all while trying to avoid being a target themselves. The rainforest provides the perfect setting for this game, as you can hide from the enemy in the dense rainforest.
With the subtropical rainforest as the setting, this is said to be one of the largest and best laser skirmish settings on the Gold Coast and is loads of fun if you’re stuck with ideas on what to do at Mount Tamborine with the kids.
Location: Thunderbird Park – Corner of Cedar Creek Falls Road, Mt Tamborine
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat at 2 pm or Sun at 10 am.
Price: $43 per person
Thunderegg and Crystal Mine
The kids will love to fossick for treasures from prehistoric volcanic lava in the world’s largest Thunderegg mine at Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain. On entry, collect your souvenir miner’s permit, bucket and pick and start looking for your treasure.
Thunderegg and Crystal Mine is certainly one of the great Tamborine Mountain tourist attractions for families with kids of all ages.
Location: Thunderbird Park – Corner of Cedar Creek Falls Road, Mt Tamborine
Opening Hours: Daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Price: $24 per adult (or $15 for adults just watching not participating in the fossicking) and $15 per child
Adventure Mini Golf
This mini golf course offers a lot of fun for families as well as providing gorgeous views of the surrounding rainforest. The course itself has a range of obstacles including water hazards, rock traps, bridges, bunkers and more.
This mini golf course has options for beginners, intermediate and professionals, so its fun for everyone no matter what your skill level.
Location: Thunderbird Park – Corner of Cedar Creek Falls Road, Mt Tamborine
Opening Hours: Sun-Wed 8 am to 5 pm and Thu-Sat 8am to 8pm
Price: $12 per adult | $9 per child (2-17) | Family (2A+2C) $39
Bird Feeding
For the bird lovers, come down to Thunderbird Park in the afternoon and meet some of the local Mt Tamborine birds. Birds that you may see include Albert’s Lyrebird, bowerbirds, lorikeets, butcher birds and even wedge tailed eagles.
Location: Thunderbird Park – Corner of Cedar Creek Falls Road, Mt Tamborine
Opening Hours: Daily at 2 pm
Price: Free
Have lunch at one of the Mt Tamborine Picnic Spots
There is a range of beautiful places, just perfect for a family picnic. Whether you want to cook a storm on a public BBQ or bring a cold lunch, there is the perfect spot for your family picnic.
Below I’ve listed the parks which are perfect if you’re after one of the Mt Tamborine picnic spots:
- Cedar Creek Falls: Located at the start of the walking track, here you will find wide open grassy spaces. Facilities include BBQs and toilets. Location – Cedar Creek Falls Road.
- The Knoll: Located at the start of the Sandy Creek circuit, this is a beautiful spot for a picnic and also has a great lookout too. Facilities include BBQs and toilets. Location – Knoll Road.
- Geissmann Oval: Located just off Main Street, within walking distance to shops. Facilities include BBQ and toilets. Location – Geissman Street.
- Doughty Park: Small park near the North Tamborine shopping area with a basic kids’ playground. Facilities include toilets and a playground. Location – Just off Main Western Road.
- Staffsmith Park: If you’re looking for somewhere for the kids to play, Staffsmith Park as the largest playground in Mt Tamborine. The playground is fully fenced and covered by shade cloth. Facilities here include toilets and a playground. Location – 2-12 Stradbroke Avenue.
- Lions Park: This is just a basic little shady picnic area between Curtis and Long Road.
- Rosser Park: Another basic little park with sheltered picnic area. Facilities here include toilets and a playground. Location – Rosser Street.
- Guanaba Park: This is a great park for the kids, with great a playground. Location – Golf Course Road.
- Lahey Lookout: A beautiful quiet park. Location – Lahey Lookout Road.
Tamborine Mountain Heritage Centre
What to do in Tamborine Mountain for the families that love history? Take a visit to the Tamborine Mountain Heritage Centre of course. Run by the Mountain’s Historical Society, the centre features a small historic village showing what life was like on the mountain during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Onsite the kids will love checking out all the old buildings. Buildings include a general store, a blacksmith’s shop, a dairy, an old slab cottage featuring original furniture, one of the mountains very first churches and a large working model of the Curtis Water Wheel which shows how early sawmills operated.
Location: 55-57 Wongawallan Road, Eagle Heights
Opening Hours: Weekends and public holidays from 10 am to 3 pm.
Price: Adults $5 | Kids $1 | Family Pass $10
Tamborine Mountain Tours
If you have your own car, the best way to explore Mt Tamborine is on your own, stopping at whatever Tamborine attractions take your interest.
However if you’re holidaying on the Gold Coast and don’t have your own car, then you’re best to join one of the Tamborine Mountain tours.
There are some great day trips from the Gold Coast and below I’ve listed some of the more popular Mt Tamborine tours:
- Full Day Tour: This is a full Mt Tamborine day trip that combines Mt Tamborine and the Lamington National Park. The tour includes a 4WD off-road adventure along the hillside tracks, through the rainforest, short rainforest walk to see a waterfall, explore the Gallery Walk, visit a winery and the Treetop Walk at Lamington National Park. Click here for more information.
- Evening Tour: Mt Tamborine is known for the healthy glow worm population and if you want to see them in their natural habit, then join this evening tour. The tour includes a guided rainforest walk to see the glow worms at Curtis Falls,4WD off-road adventure along the hillside tracks to see the Gold Coast lights and dessert at a mountain top restaurant. Click here for more information.
How to Get to Mount Tamborine
Unfortunately the only way to get to Mount Tamborine is by your own car or via a day tour (see the previous section). While you could, of course, get a taxi or uber to Mt Tamborine, all the attractions are well spread out, so you’d need a vehicle to get around once there as well.
I’d even recommend hiring a car just for the day – so much easier and you can have complete freedom of the places you visit.
If you do have your own vehicle, here are some of the average driving times for popular nearby destinations:
- Gold Coast to Mt Tamborine: Approximately one hour, depending on where you are coming from on the Gold Coast.
- Brisbane to Mt Tamborine: Approximately one hour from the Brisbane CBD.
Mount Tamborine Accommodation
While Mt Tamborine makes the perfect day trip, it’s also a great place to stay for a short family getaway. If you’re considering staying for a few days, here are a few places to consider.
Cottages on Mount Tamborine
The best all round accommodation for families on Mt Tamborine is The Cottages. The Cottages are in a central location, are fully self contained and all at a super low price too. This accommodation has two bedrooms so plenty of space and there is even a spa bath for Mum and Dad to relax at the end of the day. Click here for more information.
Eagle Heights Mountain Resort
If you’re after the cheapest accommodation at Mt Tamborine, then Eagle Heights Mountain Resort is the perfect option. Located on the southern side of the mountain, this accommodation is not as centrally located, but nevertheless it’s still just a short drive to all the attractions. Rooms are motel style and include a basic kitchenette which is great for preparing basic meals – plus there is a jumping castle on site for the kids! Click here for more information.
Cedar Creek Lodges
For families that don’t mind spending a little extra, Cedar Creek Lodges is one of the best family accommodation options. Located on the same property has Thunderbird Park which has stacks of great family friendly attractions as well as walking distance to Cedar Creek falls, this property is well located for a mountain getaway. Rooms include a basic kitchenette too, so you can save a little by making your own meals. Click here for more information.
Click here for our complete guide on where to stay in Mt Tamborine with kids.
I hope you enjoyed this guide on all the best things to do in Mount Tamborine. If you plan on spending a few days here, check out our Mt Tamborine accommodation guide. Plus don’t forget we have plenty of guides on other Queensland destinations including the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
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