Ancient waterfalls, glow worm caves, canopy walks and mountain villages — guided rainforest adventures from the Gold Coast into Queensland's most extraordinary wilderness.
Just 90 minutes from the Gold Coast CBD lies one of Australia's most extraordinary natural environments — the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Southeast Queensland. Rising dramatically behind the Gold Coast's beaches, the hinterland plateau holds ancient forests, cascading waterfalls, glow worm caves and some of Queensland's finest mountain walking.
Cooee Tours' guided hinterland rainforest walks take small groups (maximum 16) through the best of Tamborine Mountain's cedar falls and witches forest, Springbrook's cathedral-scale Purling Brook waterfall and the glow worm cave at Natural Bridge, and Lamington National Park's rare canopy-level wildlife walks. Every walk is tailored to your group's fitness level — our eco-certified guides assess the group on the day and adjust routes to ensure everyone is comfortable.
Unlike independent visits, guided walks include expert ecological commentary on the rare flora, endemic bird species, reptiles and (with luck) platypus in the mountain streams. You hear what you'd never find in a brochure — the Gondwana story, the fire ecology, the Aboriginal relationships with these landscapes — told by guides who have spent years learning these forests intimately.
Walk fitness advisory: Our standard tours include moderate walks of 3–5km with some hills and steps. Easier options (1–2km flat) and challenging alternatives (6km+ Lamington circuits) can all be arranged. Let us know your group's preferences and fitness level at booking.
Walk through Gondwana forests — a World Heritage site with trees over 2,000 years old and endemic plant species found nowhere else on Earth.
Curtis Falls, Purling Brook Falls (106m cascade), Natural Bridge waterfall grotto, and natural rock pools for swimming.
Brush turkeys, king parrots, crimson rosellas, water dragons, wallabies, and the elusive platypus in mountain streams.
The Gallery Walk, boutique cafes, craft wineries and artisan galleries of Tamborine Mountain village between forest walks.
We tailor walking routes to your group's fitness and preferences. Every tour includes easier alternative options — no one is left behind.
Gentle forest boardwalks and village-level paths suitable for all fitness levels, children and seniors. Plenty of time to pause, photograph and absorb the environment.
Our standard itinerary. Some elevation gain, steps and uneven surfaces. Allow 1–2 hours of active walking with breaks. Comfortable walking shoes essential.
Available for active groups seeking greater depth of wilderness. Steep descents, exposed roots and longer sustained walking. Excellent fitness and trail footwear required.
📍 Important: We tailor walking routes to group fitness on the day. Tell us your preferences when booking — all tours include easier alternative options and none require special equipment beyond comfortable walking shoes.
A complete 11-hour day from the Gold Coast pick-up to return drop-off. Every stop is timed to avoid crowds and maximise your time in the forest.
Comfortable air-conditioned coach collects guests from the Gold Coast accommodation and Gold Coast hotels. Expert guide introduction and day briefing during transit.
Arrive at Tamborine Mountain for the Curtis Falls short rainforest walk — an easy boardwalk to a stunning 100m cascade through subtropical rainforest. Guide commentary on endemic flora and Gondwana heritage.
Guided walk through Queensland's oldest national park. Learn about unique flora, endemic fauna, volcanic geology and the fascinating Gondwana natural history of the region. Wildlife spotting along the way.
Free time on the Gallery Walk — 2km of independent galleries, craft boutiques, wineries, chocolatiers and mountain cafes. Morning tea stop at a guide-selected local cafe.
Travel via mountain roads with valley photo stops. Guide explains the volcanic landscape and how the escarpment was formed 23 million years ago.
Lunch stop at Springbrook picnic area with mountain air and birdlife. Bring your own or purchase from the local cafe. Guide points out wildlife while you eat.
The day's main walk — a 4km circuit through Gondwana rainforest to the base of the 106-metre Purling Brook Falls. Moderate difficulty with some steps and elevation. Allow 2 hours with photography stops. Absolutely spectacular.
Short walk to Queensland's finest lookout — panoramic views across three states, over the Gold Coast skyline and out to the Pacific. Guide explains what you're seeing: the volcanic escarpment, the coastal plain, the distant Glasshouse Mountains.
Begin return journey via mountain roads with golden hour light over the valleys.
Drop-off at Gold Coast hotels and Brisbane accommodation. Your guide will recommend where to eat tonight based on what you loved about the day.
Exact timing may vary slightly. On days including Lamington National Park, the itinerary adjusts — your guide confirms the final plan before departure.
Every Cooee Tours hinterland walk includes the essentials — transport, guide, and all park entry fees. No surprises on the day.
Optional Add-Ons:
The hinterland is beautiful in every season — each offering a completely different experience of the same ancient rainforests.
Wildflowers blooming, pleasant temperatures, waterfalls flowing strongly after winter rains. Outstanding photography light — the forest's most colourful season. King parrots most visible.
Lush deep green rainforest, warm swimming weather, afternoon storms create dramatic waterfall flow. Most wildlife active. Pack rain jacket and swimmers. Glow worms spectacular.
Perfect hiking weather, clear skies, comfortable temperatures and reduced humidity. Less rainfall means easier trail conditions and firmer footing on steeper paths.
Crisp mountain air, crystal-clear panoramic views, fewer crowds, and the best conditions for longer walks. Pack warm layers for early mornings. Best for views from lookouts.
Transport · Eco guide · All national park entries · Snacks & water · Tailored walks
Or call 07 5551 7730 · Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm AEST · Child pricing available
Our guides are eco-certified naturalists with deep knowledge of rainforest ecology, endemic species, indigenous history and geological heritage. This isn't a script — it's a genuine conversation with a person who loves this forest.
Maximum 16 guests and flexible route selection means we always match the walk to your group's actual fitness and interests — not a fixed route regardless of who shows up.
We support conservation efforts in the parks we visit, adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles, and contribute to regional World Heritage protection programs.
Modern air-conditioned vehicles with hotel pickup from the Gold Coast and Gold Coast — no complicated logistics, no rental car mountain road stress. Just turn up and walk.