Rainforest Waterfalls and Glow Worm Cave Day Tour from Brisbane
Overview
Our rainforest, waterfalls and glow worm cave day tour from Brisbane explores the Gondwana Rainforests of the Gold Coast hinterland with a professional guide. You visit Springbrook National Park and its Natural Bridge, walk to Curtis Falls in Tamborine National Park, browse Gallery Walk on Tamborine Mountain and finish with a guided glow worm cave tour. Air-conditioned transport and all park and cave entries are included, so it suits nature lovers, families and couples looking for a full, easy day out of the city.
Highlights
- Springbrook National Park, with the Natural Bridge rock arch and rainforest walks
- The Curtis Falls walk in Tamborine National Park
- A guided glow worm cave tour with educational commentary
- Free time at Gallery Walk on Tamborine Mountain
- Return transport from Brisbane in an air-conditioned vehicle
- National park and cave entry fees included
- A professional guide with commentary on plants, animals, geology and Indigenous history
Full Description
Springbrook National Park and the Natural Bridge
Springbrook National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a World Heritage area that protects some of the oldest rainforest on earth. It sits on a high plateau in the Gold Coast hinterland, and it is one of the most popular day trips from Brisbane for waterfalls and cool, misty forest. The park shelters giant ancient trees, ferns and many bird species.
The Natural Bridge is the highlight: a rock arch where a stream drops through a cave roof into a pool below, on a walk of around one kilometre through rainforest. Wear shoes with grip, because the path can be damp and uneven, and allow about an hour.
Tamborine National Park and Curtis Falls
Tamborine Mountain is a green plateau of subtropical rainforest, farmland and small villages, and Tamborine National Park protects the forest fragments across it. If you are searching for the best waterfall walks near Brisbane, the walk to Curtis Falls is one of the easiest and most popular, a track of moderate length down to a viewing point at the base of the falls.
The walk winds through palms, strangler figs and tall eucalypts, and your guide points out native plants and birds. The path includes steps, so allow time to return to the top at your own pace. Flow at the falls is strongest after rain.
The glow worm cave and Gallery Walk
The tour includes a guided visit to a glow worm cave on Tamborine Mountain. Glow worms are the larvae of a small fly, and in a darkened cave their lights make a starry ceiling. A guide explains their life cycle and why the cave stays cool and damp, and asks you to stay quiet and keep lights off so that the effect lasts.
After the cave you have free time at Gallery Walk, a village street with small galleries, craft shops and cafes. Lunch is not included, so this is a good time to buy something to eat. Morning and afternoon tea are also not included.
Planning your day from Brisbane
The tour leaves Brisbane at about 7:45 AM and lasts around 10 hours, with a fair amount of driving between the parks. Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle, and a guide gives commentary on the flora, fauna, geology and Indigenous history of the region along the way.
The best time to visit the rainforests is after rain, when waterfalls are full, though the parks are open all year. Bring a light rain jacket, insect repellent and water. Hotel pickup is not included, and the exact meeting point in Brisbane is confirmed after booking.
Itinerary
- Meet in BrisbaneCheck in at about 7:45 AM at the meeting point confirmed after booking.
- Drive to Springbrook National ParkTravel into the Gold Coast hinterland with commentary from your guide.
- Natural Bridge walkAbout an hour on the rainforest track to the rock arch and waterfall.
- Tamborine National Park and Curtis FallsA guided walk to the falls through subtropical rainforest.
- Gallery WalkFree time to browse shops and galleries and buy lunch.
- Glow worm cave tourA guided visit to see the glow worms in the darkened cave.
- Return to BrisbaneDrive back and finish about 10 hours after departure.
What's included
- Return transport from Brisbane in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Entry to Springbrook National Park including Natural Bridge
- Entry to Tamborine National Park including Curtis Falls walk
- Entry and guided tour of the glow worm caves
- Visit to Gallery Walk with free time
- Professional guide with commentary on flora, fauna and history
Not included
- Morning or afternoon tea
- Lunch
- Additional drinks
Not suitable for
- Travellers with mobility problems, because the rainforest walks include steps and uneven paths
- Wheelchair users
- Anyone who cannot spend a long day in a vehicle and on foot
Meeting point
Meet at the departure point in Brisbane at about 7:45 AM. The exact meeting point is confirmed after booking. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your way there and arrive about 10 minutes early.
Important information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes with grip; the forest tracks can be wet and uneven.
- Bring a light rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle.
- Lunch, morning tea and afternoon tea are not included; bring money or food.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included; you meet at a point in Brisbane.
- Keep quiet and switch off flashlights and phone lights in the glow worm cave.
- Waterfall flow is strongest after rain and lighter in dry weather.
- Adults are aged 13 and over and children are 12 and younger, with their own rate.
- Stops can be changed for weather or track closures, and your guide will offer an alternative.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the rainforest and glow worm cave tour cost?
The price depends on adult and child rates and is shown in the booking panel on this page for the date you choose. It includes transport, park and cave entries and the guide.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet at a point in Brisbane at about 7:45 AM, and the exact point is confirmed after booking.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 10 hours, including the drive to the hinterland and back, the walks and the cave visit.
Are entry fees included?
Yes. Entry to Springbrook National Park, Tamborine National Park and the guided glow worm cave tour are included.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch and morning and afternoon tea are not included. You have free time at Gallery Walk to buy something.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, for children who enjoy walking. Children aged 12 and younger have their own rate. Bring snacks and comfortable shoes.
How hard are the walks?
The Natural Bridge and Curtis Falls walks are short and moderate, with steps and uneven ground. Take your time and wear grip shoes.
Will I see the glow worms?
Yes, the guided cave tour is designed for it. The cave is dark so the lights show clearly, and you are asked to stay quiet.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Choose your date in the booking panel to see availability. The tour leaves early and is popular, so book as early as you can.
When is the best time to visit the Gondwana Rainforests?
After rain the waterfalls are at their fullest, but the parks are open all year and the forest is green in every season.
