Gold Coast Rainforest Tour: Waterfalls & Glow Worms

Swim beneath cascading falls and dine where rainforest whispers surround you

A full-day Gold Coast rainforest tour combines waterfall walks through Springbrook National Park with an after-dark glow worm search on Mount Tamborine. You walk to multiple waterfall bases and viewpoints, swim at one if you choose, eat a home-cooked meal, and return after sunset to see glow worms in their natural habitat at the base of another waterfall. The tour runs 8 to 10 hours with an experienced guide, hotel pickup, lunch, snacks and gratuities included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waterfalls, rainforest, and glow worms

• Walk to base of waterfalls
• View waterfalls from the top
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage viewpoints
• See Natural Bridge cave and waterfall
• Observe glow worms after dark

The experience

The day splits into two halves around a single meal. In daylight you walk through Gondwana Rainforests to the base and top of multiple waterfalls, passing UNESCO World Heritage viewpoints and the Natural Bridge cave formation. Walking distances vary (your guide adjusts the route to match your pace), and one waterfall has a swimming hole if you want to stop. A home-cooked lunch sits at the top or base of one of the falls you visit, with time to rest and listen to native birds.

After dark the tour moves to Mount Tamborine, where you walk to the base of another waterfall to search for glow worms in their natural habitat. This is the part the itinerary was updated to include as of September 2025. The glow worms appear only after sunset, so the timing is built into the day. You don't add it on. Hotel pickup and drop-off bookend the whole thing, and your guide provides commentary throughout.

What’s included

• Private transportation with hotel pickup.
• a home-cooked lunch at a waterfall.
• snacks throughout the day.
• an experienced guide providing commentary.
• gratuities.
• photography upon request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 12:00 and 12:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (1 to 15 years)

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Gold Coast Rainforest Tours

Is this one for you?The 8 to 10 hour commitment means you see both the rainforest by day and the glow worms after dark without splitting the experience across two bookings. Everything fits into a single tour with one guide and one pickup.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (1 to 15 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim at the waterfalls on this Gold Coast rainforest tour?

One of the waterfalls has a swimming hole where you can swim if you choose to. It's free swimming and optional. The other waterfalls you visit are for walking and viewing.

What time does the glow worm part of the tour happen?

The glow worm search happens after dark on Mount Tamborine, which is why the tour runs 8 to 10 hours total. It includes both daytime waterfall walks and the evening glow worm viewing in their natural habitat.

Is hotel pickup included in this Gold Coast tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Your guide collects you from your accommodation and returns you at the end of the day.

What's included in the meal on this tour?

A home-cooked lunch is provided at the top or base of one of the waterfalls you visit. Snacks are also included throughout the day, along with gratuities.

Do I need to be very fit to do this tour?

A small level of fitness is required because the walks involve stairs, but the tour is suitable for all fitness levels and your guide adjusts walking distances to match your pace. It's not recommended only for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.