Bushwacker Eco Tours Springbrook & Tamborine Rainforest Glow Worm Day Tour

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A small-group day in the World Heritage rainforests of Springbrook and Tamborine Mountain: the Natural Arch cave and waterfall, a daytime glow worm cave and the walk to Curtis Falls, with a local guide and easy bushwalking all day.

Days

Full day, about 11 hours from Brisbane

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Brisbane / Springbrook / Tamborine Mountain / Brisbane
Brisbane City, about 6pm

Return

Brisbane City, about 6pm

Transport

Return transport with a local guide, from Brisbane, Redcliffe or Surfers Paradise

Meals

Picnic lunch

Route

Map of Bushwacker Eco Tours Springbrook & Tamborine Rainforest Glow Worm Day Tour

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Included experiences

Natural Arch — walk the loop to a waterfall falling through a cave roof
Tamborine Mountain — see thousands of glow worms in a walk-in cave
Curtis Falls — rainforest walk to a waterfall over basalt columns
Cedar Creek — rock pools in the forest

Bushwacker Eco Tours Springbrook & Tamborine Rainforest Glow Worm Day Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: BRISBANE TO SPRINGBROOK AND THE NATURAL ARCH

After pick-up the road heads south into the hinterland behind the Gold Coast to Springbrook National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The mountains here are the worn-down rim of the Tweed Volcano, which erupted about 23 million years ago. The day starts with the walk to the Natural Arch, where Cave Creek drops straight through a hole in the roof of a basalt cave and the water pours down into a pool inside. The loop track is about a kilometre, under giant rainforest trees, with time for photos from the lookouts along the way.

THE GLOW WORM CAVE ON TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

Next is Tamborine Mountain, a plateau about 550 metres up and home to Queensland's first national park, declared at Witches Falls in 1908. Your guide leads a short walk through the rainforest to a purpose-built glow worm cave, complete with stalactites and stalagmites, and starts with a short film. Then it's into the dark, where thousands of tiny lights cover the ceiling. Each one is the larva of a fungus gnat, glowing to lure insects into its sticky silk threads. You get the chance to see one up close, and there's no bending or crawling to get in.

AFTERNOON: CEDAR CREEK AND CURTIS FALLS

A picnic lunch fits into the day, often with rainforest birds for company, and you stop at the rock pools of Cedar Creek. The last walk starts among tall flooded gums and drops into cool rainforest, where crow's nest and staghorn ferns sit high in the canopy and a strangler fig has wrapped a host tree in its roots. It ends at Curtis Falls, where the water slides over huge basalt columns left by the mountain's volcanic past. Depending on the season it's a torrent or a thin curtain. Watch the pool for turtles basking on logs, eels and fish, and, with luck, the local platypus.

LATE AFTERNOON: BACK TO BRISBANE

From the mountain it's an easy drive back down to the city, with drop-offs where you were picked up, around 6pm in Brisbane.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: YHA Brisbane, 392 Upper Roma Street; also Redcliffe Jetty, 139 Redcliffe Parade, or BUNK, 6 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise.
Departure time: 7am from Brisbane City, 6am from Redcliffe, 9am from Surfers Paradise. Your pick-up time is confirmed when you book.
Finishes: About 6pm in Brisbane City, 7pm at Redcliffe, 4pm at Surfers Paradise.
Fitness: Easy bushwalking on rainforest tracks. The glow worm cave needs no bending or crawling.
Suits: Families, students and anyone who wants rainforest and waterfalls without a hard hike.
Please note: Tours run in most weather; in extreme conditions the guide may swap a stop for a safer one.

What to bring

Clothes and shoes for the day's weather

What is included

Return transport from Brisbane, Redcliffe or Surfers Paradise
Local guide all day
Natural Arch walk, Springbrook National Park
Glow worm cave visit with a short film
Rainforest walk to Curtis Falls
Picnic lunch

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

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 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.

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.