Pineapple Tours Hop on Hop off Bus with Rainforest Skywalk + Glow Worm Caves - From Brisbane

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Return transport from Brisbane or the Gold Coast to Tamborine Mountain, a day of unlimited hop-on hop-off rides, and booked entry to the two attractions most people come for: the Rainforest Skywalk through the canopy and a biologist-led tour of the Glow Worm Caves.

Days

Full day

Age

Most ages, children with an adult

Group size

Shared hop-on hop-off bus

Start / finish

Brisbane or Gold Coast / Tamborine Mountain / Brisbane or Gold Coast
Your pick-up area, around 5pm

Return

Your pick-up area, around 5pm

Transport

Return coach from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, hop-on hop-off bus on the mountain

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Pineapple Tours Hop on Hop off Bus with Rainforest Skywalk + Glow Worm Caves - From Brisbane

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Included experiences

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk — canopy bridges and a 40 metre cantilever over Cedar Creek
Glow Worm Caves — biologist-led tour among thousands of glow worms
Gallery Walk — shops, galleries and cafés
Cedar Creek Estate and Witches Falls — winery cellar doors
Curtis Falls — rainforest walking track to the falls

Pineapple Tours Hop on Hop off Bus with Rainforest Skywalk + Glow Worm Caves - From Brisbane

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: BRISBANE OR THE GOLD COAST TO TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

The coach collects you from a set pick-up point in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast (your point and time come with your booking), and about an hour later you're climbing into the Scenic Rim, the arc of old volcanic ranges along the New South Wales border, much of it World Heritage-listed rainforest. Tamborine Mountain is a plateau about 550 metres up, what is left of a volcano that erupted 23 million years ago. Its old lava weathered into the red soil that now feeds vineyards, orchards and thick forest. There are no public buses up here, and it's often several degrees cooler than the coast, so a light jacket earns its place in your bag.

THE RAINFOREST SKYWALK

Your entry to the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is booked for a set time, and the driver helps you plan the day around it. The walk is a 1.5 km loop that starts at the Eco Gallery, with its displays of local animals, insects and butterflies, a big native fish tank and panels on local and Aboriginal history. The track drops to the forest floor beside the rock pools of Cedar Creek, which tumbles off the mountain's western edge, then climbs onto 300 metres of steel bridges through the canopy. The high point is a 40 metre cantilever bridge that juts out 30 metres above the creek. Look for strangler figs and birds nests ferns at eye level. Afterwards the Birdwing Cafe has coffee on a deck over the rainforest.

THE GLOW WORM CAVES

Your glow worm tour is booked for a set time too. The Glow Worm Caves sit at Cedar Creek Estate and opened in 2005 as a home for the mountain's own glow worms. Entry is by guided tour only, about 30 minutes, led by a trained biologist. You walk a boardwalk through replanted rainforest, past a display of native frogs and insects, into a cave built to hold the cool, damp, dark conditions glow worms need all year. Inside, thousands of tiny lights cover the ceiling. Each one is the larva of a fungus gnat, glowing to lure insects into the sticky silk threads it hangs below itself. Glow worms live only in Australia and New Zealand, and this is the only place in Queensland to see them by day.

THE REST OF THE DAY ON THE HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS

Between and after your two bookings, the hop-on hop-off bus is yours for the day. Tell the driver where you want to get off, and catch a later bus when you're ready. Gallery Walk, on Long Road at Eagle Heights, is the place for lunch, galleries and fudge. Witches Falls Winery is named after the falls in Queensland's first national park, declared in 1908, and Tamborine Mountain Distillery and Fortitude Brewing pour gin and beer (tastings are paid on the day). For one more walk, the track to Curtis Falls winds through piccabeen palms to a pool where platypus are sometimes seen. Many venues give a discount to Pineapple Tours riders, so ask the driver.

LATE AFTERNOON: BACK TO THE COAST

The return coach leaves the mountain at about 3:30pm, and you're back at your pick-up point in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast around 5pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Brisbane pick-ups run from about 8:30 to 9:10am at set points: Brookes Street in Fortitude Valley, the Brisbane Marriott on Howard Street, Royal on the Park on Alice Street and The Star Brisbane. Gold Coast pick-ups run from about 8:30 to 9:35am at set points: Robina station park and ride, The Star in Broadbeach, voco Gold Coast and the JW Marriott in Surfers Paradise, and Gold Coast University Hospital. Your point and time are confirmed when you book.
Finishes: The coach leaves the mountain at about 3:30pm and is back in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast around 5pm.
Duration: A full day, about 8.5 to 9 hours door to door.
Fitness: Easy. The Skywalk and cave walk are on formed paths and boardwalks; the rest of the walking is up to you.
Suits: Most ages; children must stay with an adult. Children under 4 travel free if they don't take a seat.
Please note: Skywalk and glow worm times are set when you book and can't always be moved on the day. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available if you ask when you book. The tour runs in most weather.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes
A light jacket; the mountain is often cooler than Brisbane
Water bottle, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Money or a card for lunch, tastings and shopping

What is included

Return coach from Brisbane or the Gold Coast to Tamborine Mountain
Unlimited hop-on hop-off rides on the mountain for the day
Entry to the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk at a booked time
Guided Glow Worm Cave tour at a booked time
Local driver with commentary and tips for the day

Not included

Food and drinks
Wine, beer and spirit tastings
Entry to other attractions
Shopping

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

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.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

“Rainforest and Glow Worm Caves from Gold Coast”

A lovely trip with very nice drivers, and booking was smooth. We'd happily do it again.

Pierina O Verified· Travelled 1st May 2025

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