Springbrook & Mt Tamborine: Glow Worm Caves, Skywalk & Gallery Walk

Summary

Rainforest walks to glow worm caves and sweet treats on Mt Tamborine

You’ll wander rainforest trails near Springbrook’s Natural Bridge, watch glow worms shimmer in a darkened cave, sample sweet treats on Mt Tamborine’s Gallery Walk, and stroll high above the forest on the Skywalk. With a local guide handling all logistics and lunch included, this day trip mixes nature’s quiet moments with little surprises only Queensland can offer.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it smells like inside a rainforest after rain? I didn’t think about it until we stepped out of the minibus in Springbrook — it’s a mix of wet earth, eucalyptus, and something sweet I still can’t name. Our guide, Mark, pointed out a blue kingfisher darting near the rockpools (I missed it, but heard his laugh echo through the trees). The walk to Natural Bridge is mostly gentle but those stairs do sneak up on you — my legs felt them more than I’d admit. Water dripped from the ferns above as we ducked into the cave. It’s darker than you expect, then suddenly you spot tiny greenish lights — glow worms doing their thing quietly on the ceiling. We all went silent for a second. I think everyone was holding their breath.

After that, we wound up through Mt Tamborine’s backroads — windows down, air smelling of damp leaves and woodsmoke from somewhere nearby. Lunch was burgers in this old dining room with creaky floorboards (the kind that make you feel like you’re somewhere real). Mark told us locals call this area “the mountain” and he teased me for asking if fudge tasting counts as culture — apparently it does here. Gallery Walk is one long street packed with shops selling honey, cheese, weird art; I tried macadamia fudge and got honey stuck to my fingers.

The last bit was the Skywalk — part metal bridge above treetops, part forest path where sunlight comes in stripes. There were parrots arguing overhead and someone’s kid counting how many tree ferns they could spot (I lost track). By then my shoes were muddy and I was tired in that good way you get after being outside all day. On the drive back to Gold Coast I kept thinking about those glow worms — how quiet it got in there. You know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Springbrook and Mt Tamborine highlights

• Stop for toilet and dam view
• Drive through Numinbah Valley
• Walk to Natural Bridge waterfall
• View hinterland valley from lookout
• Stroll Mt Tamborine Main Street
• Tour manmade glow worm caves
• Enter manmade skywalk over rainforest

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Gold Coast to Springbrook & Mt Tamborine?

The tour lasts a full day with pickup from Gold Coast and multiple stops including Springbrook Natural Bridge, Mt Tamborine Gallery Walk, Glow Worm Caves, and Skywalk.

Is lunch included on this Springbrook & Mt Tamborine tour?

Yes, lunch is included — typically a burger meal served in a local dining room during your stop at Mt Tamborine.

Are there many stairs or is this tour suitable for everyone?

The walk to Natural Bridge includes about 200 stairs; medium fitness level and full mobility are required.

What do you see at the Glow Worm Caves?

You’ll enter man-made caves designed for viewing glow worms safely in their habitat; guides explain their life cycle during your visit.

Can I buy local food or souvenirs during Gallery Walk?

Yes, Gallery Walk has shops offering fudge, honey, cheese, nuts, art pieces and more; time permitting you can sample treats or shop.

Is transport air-conditioned? How big is the group?

The minibus is air-conditioned and groups are limited to 11 guests for a more relaxed experience.

Are there bathroom breaks during the tour?

Yes — there’s an early toilet stop plus facilities available at main attractions along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Gold Coast hotels or central points, all entry fees for Glow Worm Caves and Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, bottled water for each guest plus a wrap or burger lunch with drink and cookie. A local guide takes care of driving and timing so you just focus on exploring rainforest paths and sampling treats before heading back in comfort.