welcome to the best of lamington and tamborine national parks
traveler's guide
tour overview
- Kamarun Lookout: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from this scenic lookout.
- O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat: Experience the Lamington Tree Top Walk and encounter Australia’s unique wildlife.
- Lamington Tree Top Walk: Walk among the treetops and experience the rainforest from a whole new perspective.
- Tamborine Mountain Gallery Walk: Discover local art, crafts, and gourmet treats with free time to explore.
- Curtis Falls: Visit this beautiful waterfall nestled in the heart of Tamborine National Park.
- Hang Glider Launch and Lookout: End the day with a scenic sunset at this breathtaking viewpoint.
Schedule – Morning
- 6:30 am: Start your adventure, departing from Brisbane!
- 7:00 am: Depart from the Gold Coast, excitement in the air!
- 7:50 am: Quick stop at Canungra for 20 minutes – time to stretch and grab some coffee!
- 8:55 am: Arrive at Kamarun Lookout – enjoy a snack while soaking in those breathtaking views.
- 9:50 am: Arrive at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
- 10:00 am: Free time // Get up close with Australia’s wildlife! ($15/person) // Bird feeding fun! ($5/person)
- 11:00 am: Walk among the treetops with the famous Lamington Tree Top Walk
- 11:50 am: Depart from O’Reilly’s, but the adventure’s just getting started!
Schedule – Afternoon
- 1:30 pm: Free time at the charming Tamborine Gallery Walk – explore the local art, crafts, and treats!
- 3:00 pm: Optional visit to Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk (Adult $19.50, Student $16.50).
- 4:15 pm: Depart from Tamborine Gallery Walk and continue the adventure
- 4:30 pm: Arrive at Curtis Falls – take in the beauty of this serene waterfall
- 5:30 pm: Arrive at Hang Glider Launch and Lookout – the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset
- 6:20 pm: We bid farewell to Tamborine and start our journey back
- 7:30 pm: Arrive at the Gold Coast
- 8:00 pm: Arrive back in Brisbane with wonderful memories and photos to share!
The Monkey Tree Bar & Restaurant
Rated 3.6, this relaxed bar and restaurant offers casual dining with a variety of food options. Great for a quick bite while exploring the area.The ArtiZEN Teahouse & Cafe
With a rating of 4.1, this charming teahouse serves fresh meals and delightful teas. A peaceful spot to enjoy breakfast or lunch.Le Chile Cafe
Rated 4.2, Le Chile Cafe offers a unique selection of international dishes in a cozy setting, perfect for a casual meal.Cafe on Tamborine
With a 4.4 rating, this cafe is known for its excellent coffee and a range of fresh, homemade meals. A great spot to relax and refuel.Wild Plum Kitchen
Rated 4.8, Wild Plum Kitchen is famous for its healthy, vibrant dishes and warm atmosphere. A must-visit for food lovers.Tree House Cafe & Bar
With a 4.6 rating, this cafe and bar offers a laid-back ambiance with a delicious menu, perfect for brunch or lunch.Bean N Brunch
Rated 4.1, Bean N Brunch serves up great coffee and a range of tasty brunch options in a friendly setting.NaMoo Cafe
With a perfect 4.8 rating, NaMoo Cafe is known for its beautiful presentation and excellent menu, offering both classic and innovative dishes.Cinnamon Bun Cafe
Rated 4.7, this cafe is a favorite for its delicious cinnamon buns and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a sweet treat or a light meal.Fudge Heaven
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Fudge Heaven is the place to be. Offering handmade fudge in a variety of flavors, it’s perfect for picking up a treat or two while exploring the area.German Cuckoo Clock Nest
This shop is a must-see for those interested in unique, handcrafted cuckoo clocks from Germany. It’s a great spot to admire the intricate designs or even pick up a timeless souvenir.Castle Glen Mt Tamborine
Castle Glen offers a wide range of handcrafted liqueurs and gourmet food items. Known for its iconic castle-like building, it’s a fun stop whether you’re looking to taste something unique or browse local products.Mount Tamborine Vineyard & Winery
At Mount Tamborine Vineyard & Winery, you can explore locally produced wines. The cellar door offers tastings, and it’s a good place to learn about the region’s wine-making traditions.Crystal Mountain Australia
This shop is perfect for lovers of crystals and gemstones. It offers a wide variety of minerals, fossils, and healing crystals, as well as beautiful jewelry made from natural stones.Tamborine Mountain Distillery
Explore an array of handcrafted spirits at Tamborine Mountain Distillery. Known for its small-batch production, it’s an interesting stop for those curious about the distillation process.Fortitude Brewing Co.
Fortitude Brewing Co. offers locally brewed craft beers. It’s a laid-back spot to relax and enjoy a snack after exploring Gallery Walk.Other Artisan Shops
Gallery Walk is also home to many artisan shops offering handcrafted jewelry, home decor, and local artwork. Take some time to explore and find unique souvenirs or gifts.meeting points
11:50 am: depart from O’Reilly’s, but the adventure’s just getting started!
3:00 pm (optional): depart from Tamborine Gallery Walk and continue the adventure at Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk (Adult $19.50, Student $16.50)
4:15 pm: depart from Tamborine Gallery Walk, heading towards Curtis Falls
optional activities
Wildlife encounter
Would you like to meet some of Australia’s unique animals? This is a fantastic opportunity to see some fascinating critters up close and learn about their behaviors and habitats. This interactive wildlife experience is enjoyable for all ages, offering you a chance to engage with the animals and capture memorable moments. Don’t forget your camera!
Price: $15
Inclusions
- Interactive wildlife experience with a variety of Australian animals.
- Get a picture with a non-venomous, calm snake.
- Educational insights from knowledgeable guides.
Bird feeding
Experience the joy of feeding dozens of colorful birds at O’Reilly’s, where you’ll get up close with some of Australia’s most vibrant and friendly bird species. This interactive activity is perfect for all ages, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a beautiful setting.
Price: $5
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk offers a simple way to explore the rainforest from a different perspective. Located on 30 acres of private land along Cedar Creek, the walk combines trails along the forest floor with steel bridges that take you up into the canopy. The total walk is about 1.5 km, including a 40-metre cantilever bridge that stands 30 metres above the creek, offering views of the rainforest below.
The walk starts at the Eco Gallery, where you can see displays about the local plants and animals, including dioramas of Australian insects and a large fish tank with native species. It’s a good spot to learn a bit more about the area before heading out on the walk.
Price: $19.5 (Adults) / $16.5 (Students)
everything you need to know about tamborine and lamington national parks
Lamington National Park is renowned for its ancient Gondwana rainforests, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed areas of Australia. The park was officially established in 1915, thanks to the efforts of local conservationists who recognized the need to protect its unique ecosystems. Covering over 20,000 hectares, the park preserves remnants of rainforests that date back to the time when Australia was part of the supercontinent Gondwana.
The park’s rich biodiversity is home to a vast array of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Its thick, green canopy provides a sanctuary for species such as the red-necked pademelon, the Regent bowerbird, and the Richmond birdwing butterfly. Hikers can explore over 160 km of trails that traverse this lush environment, offering breathtaking views, waterfalls, and ancient volcanic landscapes.
Lamington National Park was named in honor of Lord Lamington, a former Governor of Queensland, and has become one of the state’s most beloved natural treasures. It offers visitors not only spectacular scenery but also a deep connection to Australia’s natural history.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is a well-known ecotourism destination nestled within the stunning Lamington National Park. The retreat was established in 1926 by the O’Reilly family, who have been committed to sharing and preserving the beauty of this natural wonder for nearly a century. Located high in the mountains, O’Reilly’s offers visitors breathtaking views, immersive rainforest experiences, and a tranquil escape from city life.
One of the most significant events in O’Reilly’s history occurred in 1937 when Bernard O’Reilly became a national hero for his role in rescuing survivors of the Stinson plane crash deep in the dense rainforest. His knowledge of the area and determination helped save lives, and this act of bravery cemented O’Reilly’s place in Australian history.
Today, O’Reilly’s is a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Guests can enjoy activities such as guided nature walks, birdwatching, the Treetop Walk, and visits to stunning waterfalls. The retreat continues its legacy of environmental conservation, offering a peaceful haven where visitors can connect with the wonders of the rainforest.
Tamborine National Park, established in 1908, is one of Queensland’s oldest national parks and a key destination within the Gold Coast Hinterland. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from lush rainforests to breathtaking escarpments, offering a variety of scenic lookouts and waterfalls. Its subtropical rainforest is part of the remnant vegetation that once covered much of this region, providing a home to unique wildlife.
The park is made up of several sections, each with its own unique features, including Curtis Falls, Witches Falls, and the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves. Visitors can explore a network of walking trails that take them through towering trees, vibrant undergrowth, and past impressive waterfalls, offering a peaceful retreat into nature.
Tamborine National Park is also rich in cultural heritage, with connections to the local Yugambeh people, the traditional custodians of the land. The park continues to be a popular destination for bushwalking, birdwatching, and picnics, drawing visitors with its natural beauty and historical significance.
Tamborine Mountain is a picturesque village perched in the Gold Coast Hinterland, known for its rich agricultural heritage and artsy, laid-back vibe. Since its settlement in the late 1800s, the town has evolved into a community of creatives, farmers, and nature lovers, drawn to the area’s fertile volcanic soil and cooler climate. Today, Tamborine Mountain is a thriving hub for organic produce, with local markets and farms supplying fresh fruits, vegetables, and gourmet products.
The heart of the village’s commercial life is the renowned Tamborine Gallery Walk, a popular stretch of road that showcases the best of the local arts and crafts scene. This pedestrian-friendly area is lined with a diverse mix of specialty shops, featuring everything from handmade jewelry and locally produced art to home decor and vintage clothing. Gallery Walk also boasts several wineries, distilleries, and cafes, making it the ideal spot to relax and enjoy local flavors after a day of exploring.
Tamborine Mountain’s combination of artistic flair and natural beauty makes it a unique destination, offering visitors a blend of culture and outdoor activities. From its stunning lookouts and charming markets to the creative spirit of Gallery Walk, the village has something to offer everyone.
Curtis Falls is a must-see while you’re here on Tamborine Mountain! This stunning waterfall is tucked away in the lush rainforest of Tamborine National Park. As you walk along the peaceful trail, you’ll hear the sound of the falls before you see them—a beautiful cascade flowing over ancient basalt rocks, a reminder of the volcanic activity that shaped this area.
The trail to Curtis Falls is an easy and enjoyable walk, perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like lyrebirds and scrub turkeys. It’s a relaxing spot where you can truly connect with nature.
Although swimming isn’t allowed to help protect this pristine ecosystem, the viewing platform gives you a great vantage point to take in the beauty of the falls and the surrounding forest. Curtis Falls is one of those places you’ll want to have your camera ready for, so don’t miss it!
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safety guidelines
- Follow guide instructions: Always listen to your guide and wear the provided safety gear (if necessary).
- Stay hydrated & sun protected: Drink water frequently, apply sunscreen, and wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Respect wildlife & nature: Keep a safe distance from animals, don’t feed them, and dispose of waste properly.
- Stay with the group: Don’t wander off. Stick together for safety.
- Paradise Tours (Victor): 0494 105 073
- Emergency Services: 000
- State Emergency Services: 123 500
- Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26
- Wildlife Emergency: 1300 264 625
- National Security Hotline: 1800 123 400
Emergency Procedures
- Stay Calm: Remain calm at all times to think clearly and follow instructions effectively.
- Alert the Guide: Immediately inform the tour guide in any emergency. Guides are trained to handle emergencies.
- Follow the Guide’s Instructions: Strictly follow the guide’s directions in case of any emergency.
- Move to a Safe Area: If necessary, move to a safe area as directed by the guide.
- Use Safety Equipment: Use the provided safety gear if the situation requires it.
- In Case of Injury: Notify the guide if you or someone else is injured, and wait for further instructions.
Emergency Communication
- If needed, call emergency services.
Evacuation Procedures
- Follow Guide’s Directions: Follow the guide to emergency exits or designated evacuation points.
- Do Not Collect Belongings: Leave personal belongings behind if they compromise your safety.
- Assist Others: Help others if safe, but do not endanger yourself.
Lost or Separated
- Stay in a Safe Place: If separated from the group, remain in a safe place.
- Contact the Guide: Use your phone to contact the guide or emergency services.
- Avoid Dangerous Areas: Stay calm and do not attempt to return alone through unfamiliar areas.
Fire or Hazardous Situations
- Move Away from Danger: In case of fire or hazardous conditions, move away from the affected area.
- Don’t Attempt to Extinguish Fires: Do not try to put out a fire without the proper equipment.
- Stay Low: In case of smoke, stay low to avoid inhaling dangerous fumes.
Marine and Water Safety
- Use Flotation Devices: In a water emergency, use life jackets or flotation devices provided.
- Do Not Swim Alone: Always swim with a buddy and stay within designated areas.
- If Caught in a Current: Swim parallel to the shore until you can safely return.
Weather Emergencies
- Seek Shelter: During storms or severe weather, seek shelter in a covered area or vehicle.
- Avoid Open Areas: Stay away from tall trees or open areas during lightning storms.
- Wait for Clearance: Do not resume activities until the guide deems it safe.
By following these emergency procedures, we aim to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all guests. If you have specific concerns or questions, please contact us immediately.