Hinterland Walks & Rainforest Tours

Discover Ancient Rainforests, Cascading Waterfalls & Mountain Villages

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Explore Queensland's Mountain Rainforests

Escape the coast and journey into the lush hinterland regions of Southeast Queensland. Our guided walking tours take you through World Heritage rainforests, past spectacular waterfalls, and into charming mountain villages. Experience the natural beauty and biodiversity that makes this region truly unique.

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Ancient Rainforests

Walk through Gondwana Rainforests, a World Heritage site with trees over 2000 years old and unique flora found nowhere else.

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Waterfall Walks

Discover stunning waterfalls including Curtis Falls, Purling Brook Falls, and natural rock pools perfect for swimming.

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Wildlife Spotting

Encounter native wildlife including wallabies, birds, reptiles, and if lucky, the elusive platypus in mountain streams.

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Mountain Villages

Explore charming galleries, cafes, wineries, and craft shops in picturesque villages like Montville and Tamborine Mountain.

Featured Hinterland Destinations

Tamborine Mountain

A lush plateau featuring multiple national parks, glow worm caves, and craft breweries. The Gallery Walk is lined with boutique shops and restaurants.

  • Cedar Creek Falls - stunning 100m waterfall
  • Glow Worm Cave tours
  • Witches Falls - oldest national park in Queensland
  • Gallery Walk shopping and dining
  • Skywalk rainforest canopy bridge

Springbrook National Park

UNESCO World Heritage rainforest with dramatic waterfalls, natural bridges, and ancient Antarctic Beech trees dating back millions of years.

  • Natural Bridge glow worm cave
  • Purling Brook Falls circuit (4km)
  • Twin Falls and Canyon Lookout
  • Best of All Lookout panoramic views
  • Ancient Antarctic Beech forest

Lamington National Park

Premium rainforest wilderness with over 160km of walking trails, rare birds, and incredible biodiversity. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests.

  • Tree Top Walk canopy suspension bridges
  • Morans Falls and Elabana Falls
  • Rare wildlife including Albert's Lyrebird
  • Box Forest Circuit - subtropical rainforest
  • Picnic areas and mountain views

Sample Tour Itinerary

7:30 AM Hotel pickup from Brisbane and Gold Coast areas. Comfortable air-conditioned coach with expert guide commentary.
9:00 AM Arrive at Tamborine Mountain. Stop at Curtis Falls for photos and short rainforest walk to the cascading waterfall.
10:00 AM Guided walk through Witches Falls National Park. Learn about unique flora, fauna, and the geological history of the region.
11:30 AM Explore Gallery Walk with free time for shopping at boutiques, galleries, and craft stores. Morning tea at a local cafe.
12:30 PM Travel to Springbrook National Park via scenic mountain roads with valley views and photo stops.
1:30 PM Lunch at Springbrook (provided or own expense option). Enjoy mountain air and birdlife at picnic areas.
2:30 PM Purling Brook Falls walk - 4km circuit through rainforest to the base of the 106m waterfall. Moderate difficulty with stunning scenery.
4:00 PM Visit Best of All Lookout for panoramic views across three states and the Gold Coast skyline.
5:00 PM Departure for Brisbane/Gold Coast with sunset views over the valleys.
6:30 PM Return to hotels. Drop-off at accommodation or central meeting points.

Walk Difficulty Levels

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Easy Walks

1-2km, flat terrain, suitable for all fitness levels. Curtis Falls, Gallery Walk area.

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Moderate Walks

3-5km, some hills and steps. Purling Brook Falls circuit, Witches Falls trails.

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Challenging Walks

6km+, steep sections, good fitness required. Full Lamington circuits, advanced trails.

πŸ“ Important: We tailor walking routes to group fitness levels. Let us know your preferences when booking. All tours include easier alternative options.

Tour Pricing

$165

Per person | Full day with national park entries & guide

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What's Included

Return transport from Brisbane/Gold Coast
Professional eco-certified guide
All national park entry fees
Multiple guided rainforest walks
Waterfall visits and swimming spots
Mountain village exploration time
Commentary on flora, fauna & geology
Water and snacks throughout day
Scenic lookout stops & photo opportunities

Not Included: Lunch (multiple options available or BYO), personal expenses, optional activities (glow worm tours, Skywalk etc.), travel insurance

Optional Add-ons: Glow worm cave tour +$25, Rainforest Skywalk +$30, Winery tasting +$35

Frequently Asked Questions

What fitness level do I need?

Our standard tours include moderate walks of 3-5km with some hills and steps. You should be comfortable walking for 1-2 hours with breaks. We offer easier alternatives and can customize walks to suit different fitness levels. Let us know your capabilities when booking.

What should I wear and bring?

Essential items: comfortable walking shoes with good grip (trail runners or hiking boots), layered clothing (mountains are cooler), hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle, camera, and raincoat. In summer, bring swimmers for waterfall pools. We provide water and snacks but you may want to bring extra.

Can children come on the tour?

Yes! Children aged 8+ are welcome on our standard tours. For families with younger children (5-7 years), we recommend our family-friendly option with shorter, easier walks. The rainforest environment and waterfalls are fascinating for kids, and our guides are experienced with family groups.

What wildlife might I see?

The hinterland rainforests are home to diverse wildlife. Common sightings include brush turkeys, king parrots, crimson rosellas, water dragons, wallabies, and various lizards. With luck, you might spot pademelons (small wallabies), echidnas, or even platypus in mountain streams. Our guides know the best spots and will help you identify species. Bird enthusiasts will love the variety of native species.

What's the weather like in the hinterland?

Mountain temperatures are typically 5-10Β°C cooler than Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Mornings can be misty and fresh, especially in winter. The region receives more rainfall than coastal areas, so light rain is possible year-round. Summer (Dec-Feb) is warm and humid with afternoon storms. Winter (Jun-Aug) is mild and dry - perfect walking weather. Always bring layers and a light raincoat.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

Swimming is permitted at certain locations including rock pools near Curtis Falls and designated swimming holes. Water temperatures are refreshing (cool to cold), especially after winter. Not all waterfalls allow swimming due to safety concerns. Our guides will indicate safe swimming spots and provide time for those who wish to take a dip. Bring swimmers and a towel if interested.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Standard tours do not include lunch to allow flexibility. We stop at areas with cafes, bakeries, and restaurants where you can purchase meals (budget $15-25). Alternatively, you can bring your own packed lunch - we provide picnic stops with tables and facilities. Premium tour packages include lunch at mountain restaurants. Please advise of any dietary requirements when booking.

How do the glow worm tours work?

Glow worm caves can be added to your hinterland tour. The Natural Bridge at Springbrook features glow worms in a stunning cave with a waterfall - best viewed at dusk. Tamborine Mountain has dedicated glow worm cave tours. These are optional add-ons (+$25) and require separate booking. Evening tours are also available specifically for glow worm viewing with different departure times.

Why Choose Our Hinterland Tours?

🌟 Expert Eco Guides

Our certified guides have extensive knowledge of rainforest ecology, indigenous history, and local geology. Learn about rare plants, identify bird calls, and understand the unique Gondwana heritage.

🚐 Small Groups

Maximum 16 people per tour ensures a personal experience, better wildlife spotting opportunities, and the ability to move at a comfortable pace for all participants.

🎯 Flexible Itineraries

We adapt walks to group fitness levels and interests. Whether you want challenging hikes or leisurely strolls with photography stops, we accommodate your preferences.

♻️ Eco-Certified

We're committed to sustainable tourism practices, supporting conservation efforts, and minimizing environmental impact while sharing these precious ecosystems.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (Sep-Nov)
Wildflowers blooming, pleasant temperatures, waterfalls flowing after winter rains. Excellent for photography.
Summer (Dec-Feb)
Lush green rainforest, swimming weather, afternoon storms create dramatic waterfalls. Most wildlife active.
Autumn (Mar-May)
Perfect hiking weather, clear skies, comfortable temperatures. Less rainfall means easier trail conditions.
Winter (Jun-Aug)
Crisp mountain air, clear views, fewer crowds. Best for longer walks. Pack warm layers for early mornings.

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Ready to Explore the Hinterland?

Book your rainforest adventure today and discover the natural wonders just beyond Brisbane's doorstep.

Contact Us to Book

πŸ“ž Call us for group bookings, custom tours, or any questions about our hinterland walking experiences.