Bower Camp Co The Gondwana Walking Tour - Twin Share

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Three nights at a set-up camp on Sheepstation Creek in the Border Ranges, walking a different part of the World Heritage Gondwana rainforest each day with a guide, from Antarctic beech forest to swimming holes under waterfalls. This booking is for two people sharing a tent, set up with twin beds or a king-size double.

Days

4 days, 3 nights

Group size

Max 16

Start / finish

Border Ranges National Park / Gold Coast (optional Gold Coast transfer)
Gold Coast, early afternoon

Return

Gold Coast, early afternoon

Accommodation

3 nights in premium canvas tents with real beds at Sheepstation Creek camp; twin share

Transport

On foot, with short drives to trailheads; optional Gold Coast transfer

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 3 campfire dinners

Route

Map of Bower Camp Co The Gondwana Walking Tour - Twin Share

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Included experiences

Brushbox Falls — short guided walk on arrival
Booyong Track and Rosewood Loop — 9 km past creeks and waterfalls
Brindle Creek Track — Antarctic beech forest and a swim at Evans Falls
Pinnacle Lookout — rainforest walk to views of Wollumbin
Camp — stargazing walk and campfire dinners

Bower Camp Co The Gondwana Walking Tour - Twin Share

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: GOLD COAST TO THE BORDER RANGES

With the optional transfer, pick-up is at Burleigh Heads around 12:30pm or Gold Coast Airport around 1pm, or you can drive yourself, about two hours. The road heads inland into the Tweed Valley and up to Border Ranges National Park, on the northern rim of the ancient Tweed volcano, which erupted about 23 million years ago. You reach the camp at Sheepstation Creek by about 4pm, tents up and afternoon tea ready. A short guided walk takes you to Brushbox Falls before the first dinner around the campfire. At dusk, red-necked pademelons, small rainforest wallabies, come out to graze around camp.

Overnight: Sheepstation Creek, Border Ranges National Park (canvas tent camp)

DAY 2: BOOYONG TRACK TO THE ROSEWOOD LOOP

The first full day is about 9 km on the Booyong Track to the Rosewood Loop, past clear creeks, old volcanic rock and small waterfalls. The forest is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, World Heritage-listed for holding the largest areas of subtropical rainforest left on earth. Look for strangler figs, giant buttressed trunks and the flash of a regent bowerbird. Listen too for Albert's lyrebird, which lives only in this small corner of the Queensland and New South Wales border ranges and mimics almost anything it hears. The guides carry the picnic lunch and set it up beside the water. After dinner a short evening walk leads out of the trees for stargazing under very dark skies.

Overnight: Sheepstation Creek, Border Ranges National Park (canvas tent camp)

DAY 3: BRINDLE CREEK TRACK TO EVANS FALLS

A short drive takes you to the trailhead for a 10 km walk along Brindle Creek, under tall hoop pines and through cool temperate forest of Antarctic beech. These mossy trees are relatives of beeches that grew across Gondwana when Australia, Antarctica and South America were joined, and some clumps here are thought to be thousands of years old. Helmholtzia lilies line the creek. Lunch is a picnic beside Evans Falls, with a swim in the pool below if you're brave enough for rainforest water, and the track carries on to Selva Falls. The evening is spent around the campfire.

Overnight: Sheepstation Creek, Border Ranges National Park (canvas tent camp)

DAY 4: THE PINNACLE AND BACK TO THE GOLD COAST

Breakfast is made from local produce, with Byron Bay coffee. A short drive takes you to the start of the walk to The Pinnacle, a narrow ridge on the rim of the old volcano and one of the most dramatic lookouts in northern NSW. Below you the cliffs fall away into the caldera, and across the Tweed Valley stands Wollumbin (Mount Warning), 1,156 metres high, the volcano's old central plug and a place of deep cultural importance to the Bundjalung people. Then it's down off the range, and you're back on the Gold Coast in the early afternoon.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Sheepstation Creek campground, Border Ranges National Park, by about 4pm on day 1, or the optional transfer from Burleigh Heads around 12:30pm or Gold Coast Airport around 1pm.
Finishes: The Gold Coast in the early afternoon of day 4.
Fitness: Moderate. Walks are up to 10 km a day, mostly on smooth rainforest tracks; the rocky climbs and steeper sections are optional and shorter distances can be arranged.
Suits: Walkers who want comfort in the rainforest with no camping experience needed. Not suited to people with significant mobility limits or who can't manage uneven ground for long periods.
Dietary needs: All dietary needs are catered for; tell us when you book.
Accommodation note: Price covers two people sharing one tent, set up as twin beds or a king-size double. National parks compost toilets are next to camp, and a canvas cubicle with hot water for a private wash is available on request.
Please note: Groups are kept to 16 guests at most. Tours run on set dates from about March to November. Winter is the most reliable walking season, with days around 15 to 22°C; it rains a lot here year-round, so pack a good rain jacket.

What to bring

High-ankle hiking boots with a heavy-duty grip (required)
A day pack of about 5–7 kg with water, sun hat, camera, waterproof jacket and warm layers
Swimmers for Evans Falls
A power bank, as phone reception is patchy

What is included

3 nights in a premium canvas tent for two with real mattress beds, organic cotton sheets, pillows and seasonal quilts
Afternoon tea on arrival, 3 breakfasts, 2 gourmet picnic lunches and 3 campfire dinners, all dietary needs catered for
High-energy trail snacks
Guided walks with experienced guides, support staff and an onsite chef
Short transfers to the trailheads
Common area shelter with books, magazines, art supplies and wood carving tools
National park fees
Emergency communications with 24-hour back-up and a group first aid kit
Solar USB phone charging at camp
Pre-departure information kit and packing list

Not included

Transfer from Gold Coast Airport or Burleigh Heads (optional, arranged when you book)
Accommodation before and after the tour
Travel insurance

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.