Tamborine Mountain tour: Wildlife & rainforest experience

Walk among kangaroos and koalas, then climb to mountain views and a historic scone

A guided tour from Surfers Paradise that starts at Coombabah Lake Conservation Park with a walk through wetlands and eucalyptus forest to see native kangaroos, koalas and birdlife, then travels to Tamborine Mountain for morning tea at a historic hotel, free time browsing Gallery Walk's boutique shops and artisan stores, and a short rainforest walk to Curtis Falls. The tour runs five hours with an air-conditioned vehicle, local guide and hotel or office pickup.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tamborine National Park2h
2. Gallery Walk1h

Explore Tamborine Mountain and Wildlife

• Walk Coombabah Lake Conservation Park
• Visit scenic lookouts and rainforest
• Browse shops on Gallery Walk
• Walk to Curtis Falls waterfall

The experience

Coombabah Lake Conservation Park opens the day with a guided walk through wetlands and eucalyptus forest where kangaroos and koalas move through their natural habitat. Your guide points out the local birdlife and explains the environment as you move at an easy pace through the peaceful landscape. This sets up the climb to Tamborine Mountain, where the air cools and the Gold Coast sprawl falls away below.

Morning tea arrives at the Manor, a historic mountaintop hotel where you sit with handcrafted scones and a warm cup while the hinterland spreads out around you. After that, Gallery Walk gives you free time to wander the boutique precinct: artisan stores, local produce, handmade fudge, cafés and wineries line the street, and the mountain village atmosphere is unhurried enough to actually stop and browse. The tour wraps with a short rainforest walk to Curtis Falls, where towering trees and subtropical growth frame the waterfall and the sounds of the surrounding wildlife.

The full day runs five hours from the Aquaduck office in Surfers Paradise, though pickups from selected hotels are available if you arrange them directly with the operator at least 24 hours ahead. An air-conditioned vehicle carries the group, and the pace suits all fitness levels. Arrive ten minutes early to check in. There is no storage on the bus for prams or large bags, so leave those at your hotel or car.

What’s included

• Morning tea with handcrafted scones and a warm cup at the Manor.
• guided walk through Coombabah Lake Conservation Park with your local guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the full five-hour tour.
• pickup and drop-off from the Aquaduck office in Surfers Paradise, or from selected hotels if arranged in advance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (2 to 16 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Southern Cross Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide managing stops and timing across wildlife, gardens, and galleries. You'll move as a group with set departure times rather than exploring independently.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 16 years); Infant (under 2).

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 arrange a pickup from my Surfers Paradise hotel instead of the office?

Pickups from selected locations are available, but you must contact the tour operator directly at least 24 hours before your tour to arrange it. Contact the operator through the booking platform to confirm your pickup point and time.

What animals will I actually see at Coombabah Lake?

Coombabah Lake Conservation Park is home to native kangaroos, koalas and a variety of Australian birdlife. The guided walk takes you through wetlands and eucalyptus forest where these animals live, though sightings depend on the time of day and season.

How much free time do I get at Gallery Walk?

Gallery Walk is included as free time in the tour itinerary, so you can browse the boutique shops, artisan stores, local produce, handmade fudge, cafés and wineries at your own pace. The exact duration depends on the tour's overall schedule and other stops.

Is morning tea included, or do I pay extra at the Manor?

Morning tea with handcrafted scones and a warm cup at the Manor is included in the tour price. No additional payment is needed for this stop.

Can I do the Curtis Falls walk if I'm not very fit?

Curtis Falls is a short rainforest walk, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The walk is brief and takes you beneath towering trees and lush subtropical rainforest to the waterfall, so most visitors can manage it comfortably.