Aussie Explorations Stargazing + Glow Worms + Dinner + Transportation

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An evening at Tamborine Mountain from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: a guided glow worm cave visit, a sunset lookout, then dinner, wine and stargazing with an advanced telescope.

Days

7 hours, evening

Age

Family friendly

Group size

Small group, max 11

Start / finish

Brisbane / Brisbane

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Return hotel pick-up from Brisbane or the Gold Coast

Meals

Dinner and a glass of wine or a drink

Route

Map of Aussie Explorations Stargazing + Glow Worms + Dinner + Transportation

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Included experiences

Tamborine Mountain — glow worm cave guided visit
Scenic lookout — sunset over the valleys
Stargazing — Saturn, Jupiter's moons and the moon's craters by telescope
Milky Way photo through the telescope

Aussie Explorations Stargazing + Glow Worms + Dinner + Transportation

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

AFTERNOON: UP TO TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast and drives you up to Tamborine Mountain, a plateau about 550 metres high in the hinterland. It is what remains of a lava flow from an ancient volcano, and its red volcanic soil now grows rainforest, orchards and vineyards. The air is usually cooler than on the coast, and once the sun goes down it gets cool fast, so bring your jacket.

THE GLOW WORM CAVES

First is a guided visit to the glow worm caves. Tamborine's glow worms are not worms at all but the larvae of a small fungus gnat, Arachnocampa flava, found only in south-east Queensland. Each one hangs sticky silk threads and lights up its tail with a blue-green glow to lure small insects into its trap. In the dark the ceiling looks like a sky full of tiny stars. Your guide explains how they live and what part they play in the forest's food chain.

SUNSET AT THE LOOKOUT

Then it's on to a lookout on the edge of the plateau for the sunset, with views out over the valleys and the ranges of the Scenic Rim. As the light goes down, the folds of the hills turn blue and gold. It's a good time for photos and an easy moment to sit back and watch the colours change.

EVENING: DINNER AND THE STARS

Once it's dark, you settle on a picnic blanket for dinner and a glass of wine (or a soft drink for the kids) while your guide sets up the telescope. Away from the city lights you see the southern sky properly: the Southern Cross, the band of the Milky Way, the craters of the moon, Jupiter's moons and, when it's in season, the rings of Saturn. Then your guide clips your phone to the telescope so you can take your own photo of the Milky Way. At the end of the night you're driven back to your hotel in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast.

Map

Good to know

Suits: Family friendly; non-alcoholic drinks are available for kids.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free dinner options are available — let us know when booking.

What to bring

Water
Jacket
Closed-toe shoes

What is included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Brisbane or the Gold Coast
Glow worm cave entry
Dinner, with vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options
A glass of wine or a drink during stargazing
Stargazing with a professional telescope
Use of picnic blankets
Expert local guide

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.