The Tastes of Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain National Park : QLD’s first national park

In 1908 the witches falls section of Tamborine National Park was declared Queensland’s first national park. Since then additional reserves have been added and today the national park covers an area of 11.6km2 across the Tamborine plateau and surrounding mountain foothills. At its peak, the park lies 560m above sea level and offers views across the Gold Coast and Pacific Ocean to the east and the valleys of the scenic rim to the west.

Mt Tamborine is the northern most remains of the Mount Warning volcanic eruption that occurred 23 million years ago. Due to this nature the land is characterised by basalt columns, rocky cliffs, and waterfalls. You can explore the national park on any of the nine walking trails available. Our Mt Tamborine morning tour includes an informative guided walk along one of these trails down to a sub tropical waterfall where you can immerse yourself in  the sights and sounds of nature.

Flora and Fauna:

Over 85% of all animal species and 65% of plant species found in the City of the Gold Coast  area can be found in the national park.

There are areas of sub tropical rainforest with its tall Piccabeen palm groves, wet eucalypt forest with flooded gums, open forest with grassy understory and woodland.

These distinct environments and vegetation provide habitat for a range of wildlife. Pademelons, bush turkeys and scrubwrens are commonly sighted in the national park. One of the worlds largest skinks, the land mullet, also calls the national park home. If you are lucky you may cross paths with the near threatened Albert’s lyrebird or Richmond birdwing butterfly on its seasonal migration to the park.

Curtis Falls:

Curtis Falls is the english name for the area of the park traditionally known as Joalah. This local Aboriginal word means ‘haunt of the lyrebird’ and is named after the the loud calls of the male Alberts Lyrebird which can often be heard during winter.

The walk through the eucalypt forest is enchanting. Look up to the towering flooded gums, crows nest and staghorn ferns that fill the canopy above. The trail meanders alongside the creek fringed by smaller palms and giant strangler figs. At the end of the trail, the foliage opens to reveal a breathtaking view of Curtis Falls streaming over the basalt gorge and into the shallow rock pool below.

Take some time to look through the crystal clear waters where you may spot platypus, turtles, fish and eels swimming.