In the Gold Coast hinterland, Tamborine National Park contains precious remnants of subtropical rainforest and open forest on and around the slopes of the scenic Tamborine Mountain Plateau.

Much of the subtropical rainforest is dominated by the distinctive piccabeen palm. The unusual cycads Lepidozamia peroffskyana growing on the mountain are relics of plants which flourished 150 million years ago.

The park is home to many rainforest animals including the rare Albert’s lyrebird and one of the world’s largest skinks, the land mullet. The Richmond birdwing butterfly and noisy pitta migrate seasonally to the park from nearby higher altitude rainforests.

Basalt columns, cliffs, rocky outcrops and waterfalls are a lasting legacy of volcanic eruptions 23 million years ago. Tamborine is the most northerly remnant of these flows from a volcano centred on Mt Warning.

Queensland’s first national park was established here at Witches Falls on 28 March 1908.

Escape to the mountains at Tamborine. Enjoy a picnic and a short walk through the forest.

The best picnic spots are The Knoll and Witches Falls. You can also picnic at MacDonald Park and Cedar Creek, halfway up the mountain. Witches Falls has electric barbecues. Cedar Creek has wood-fired barbecues. Joalah, Palm Grove and Zamia Grove have no picnic facilities.

Tamborine is a great place for a scenic drive. Stop at Palm Grove, Witches Falls or The Knoll for spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. See the ancient cycads at Zamia Grove.

Camping is not allowed in the park but there is plenty of private accommodation on the mountain.

With 22km of graded walking track, Tamborine is a great place for bushwalking. Most walks take less than half a day. Wear insect repellent to discourage leeches. Take drinking water, especially on the more exposed tracks.

Location

Tamborine is about 80km or one hour’s drive south of Brisbane or 36km and 30 minutes north-west of the Gold Coast via the Pacific Highway and Tamborine-Oxenford Road.

Further Information

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
PO Box 15187
City East Q 4002

13 QGOV (13 74 68)