Tamborine Mountain is one of the best destinations in South East Queensland for rainforest walks, hiking trails, waterfalls and scenic lookouts. Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, it’s less than an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, offering an easy and scenic drive through bushland and countryside.
While Tamborine Mountain is also known for its incredible food, wine, boutique hotels and day-trip experiences, it’s the extensive network of walking tracks that truly defines the mountain. Many visitors spend the day combining short rainforest walks with long lunches, wine tasting, picnic stops or sunset lookouts, making it easy to tailor the experience to couples, families and casual explorers alike.
Within a short drive, you can leave the city behind and enjoy cool mountain air, shaded rainforest tracks, flowing creeks and panoramic views. Whether you’re planning a quick nature break between tastings or a full day of hiking, Tamborine Mountain offers walking trails to suit all fitness levels and styles of adventure.
1. Curtis Falls Track
Distance: 1.2km return
Time: 30–45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy (Grade 3)
Track type: Well-maintained return walk
One of the most popular walks on Tamborine Mountain, Curtis Falls Track is a short rainforest stroll ideal for families, couples and anyone wanting an easy nature escape close to Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
What You’ll See
The track begins in wet eucalypt forest before descending into cool rainforest filled with strangler figs, ferns and towering trees. The walk ends at a viewing platform overlooking Curtis Falls, where water cascades over dramatic basalt columns into the rock pool below. The waterfall flows year-round and is especially impressive after rain.
Wildlife & Fun Facts
- Turtles often bask on fallen logs
- Fish and eels can be seen in the creek below
- Brush turkeys, kookaburras and tawny frogmouths are common
- Fun fact: Curtis Falls flows into Cedar Creek, which eventually becomes part of the Albert River system
- Glow-worms live on nearby basalt cliffs (access restricted to protect their habitat)
Good to Know
- Family-friendly, though stairs on the return may feel steep
- Not pram-friendly all the way to the falls – baby carriers recommended
- Swimming is not permitted at the falls
- Dogs are not allowed (National Park rules)
- Enclosed footwear recommended, especially after rain
Facilities & Access
- Toilets and parking nearby
- Cafés and picnic areas close to the track
- Free entry, no permits required
- Access via Dapsang Drive off Eagle Heights Road
Local tip: Curtis Falls is a perfect short stop on a Tamborine Mountain day drive and pairs beautifully with cafés, picnic spots or nearby lookouts.
2. Rainforest Circuit & Palm Grove Circuit
Rainforest Circuit & Palm Grove Circuit – Tamborine Mountain
Distance: approx. 2.6km circuit (combined)
Time: 60–90 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (Grade 3)
Track type: Circuit walk through rainforest
Often walked together, the Rainforest Circuit and Palm Grove Circuit create one of the most immersive rainforest walks on Tamborine Mountain. This peaceful circuit is ideal for visitors wanting a longer nature experience without tackling a strenuous hike, and makes a perfect addition to a relaxed day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
What You’ll See
The walk begins in lush subtropical rainforest beneath a dense canopy of towering trees, with filtered light and cool air creating a calm, shaded atmosphere. As the track transitions into the Palm Grove Circuit, the landscape changes dramatically, opening into a striking grove of tall piccabeen palms that rise high into the canopy, creating an almost cathedral-like setting beneath them.
Together, these circuits showcase the diversity of Tamborine Mountain’s rainforest environment, from dense forest to open palm groves.
Wildlife & Fun Facts
- Pademelons often feed on fallen palm fruit
- Topknot pigeons and wompoo fruit-doves may be spotted in the canopy
- A wide variety of rainforest birds and butterflies live along the track
- Fun fact: Palm-dart butterflies lay their eggs on piccabeen palm fronds
- In winter, bright red palm fruit carpets the forest floor, attracting wildlife
Good to Know
- Well suited to families with children who enjoy walking
- Uneven surfaces, exposed roots and gentle inclines throughout
- Not pram-friendly, baby carriers recommended
- Dogs are not permitted (National Park rules)
- Enclosed footwear recommended, especially after rain
Facilities & Access
- No facilities directly on the track
- Toilets and picnic areas available elsewhere within the National Park
- Accessible by conventional vehicle to nearby trailheads
- Free entry, no permits required
Local tip: This circuit is a quieter alternative to shorter, high-traffic walks and is ideal for visitors wanting to slow down and really experience Tamborine Mountain’s rainforest.
3. Witches Falls Circuit
Distance: approx. 3.1–3.6km return
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (Grade 4)
Track type: Circuit walk with optional lookout detour
One of the most iconic walks on Tamborine Mountain, the Witches Falls Circuit offers a deeper, more immersive rainforest experience and a strong sense of history. Gazetted in 1908, this area became Queensland’s first national park, making it a must-do for visitors wanting to explore both nature and heritage.
What You’ll See
The circuit begins at the picnic area on Main Western Road, descending via a zig-zag track through open forest dominated by banksias before transitioning into cool, dense rainforest. As you move lower, towering strangler figs, piccabeen palms and giant stinging trees create a shaded rainforest gully that feels far removed from the road above.
A short 200m detour leads to a lookout over Witches Falls. The waterfall is seasonal and flows best after rain, cascading over volcanic rock formed more than 20 million years ago.
Wildlife & Fun Facts
- Albert’s lyrebirds are sometimes seen or heard along the track
- Land mullets, one of the world’s largest skinks, live in this area
- Seasonal lagoons attract insects, frogs and birdlife after rain
- Fun fact: This section forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area
- The landscape protects ancient plant species found nowhere else
Good to Know
- Best suited to active families and couples
- Includes steep sections, stairs and uneven surfaces
- Not pram-friendly – baby carriers recommended
- Dogs are not permitted (National Park rules)
- Leeches are common after rain, long socks recommended
- Track can be slippery in wet conditions
Facilities & Access
- Toilets, picnic tables and electric barbecues at the Main Western Road picnic area
- No facilities directly on the track
- Accessible by conventional vehicle
- Free entry, no permits required
- Camping is not permitted within the National Park
Local tip: Witches Falls is ideal for visitors wanting a longer, more rewarding rainforest walk and pairs well with a scenic drive or relaxed lunch on the mountain.
4. Cedar Creek Falls Track
Distance: 1.5km return
Time: 30–60 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Track type: Return walk to waterfall and rock pools
Located at the base of Tamborine Mountain, Cedar Creek Falls Track is a short and scenic walk leading to a waterfall and natural rock pools. It’s a popular first or last stop when driving up from Brisbane and a favourite with families on warm days.
What You’ll See
The track leads down to Cedar Creek Falls, where water cascades over smooth rock formations into a series of pools below. After rainfall, the falls are particularly impressive, while calmer days offer a peaceful setting for relaxing by the water.
Swimming is permitted in designated areas, making this one of the most popular swimming spots on Tamborine Mountain.
Wildlife & Fun Facts
- Birds and freshwater wildlife are often seen around the creek
- Rock pools provide habitat for fish and aquatic insects
- Fun fact: Cedar Creek Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Scenic Rim region
Good to Know
- Family-friendly and suitable for most fitness levels
- Uneven surfaces and rocks near the water — take care when wet
- Swimming allowed where signposted
- Not pram-friendly all the way to the pools
- Dogs are not permitted (National Park rules)
Facilities & Access
- Toilets, picnic tables and BBQs available near the car park
- Large open areas ideal for picnics
- Free entry, no permits required
- Access via Cedar Creek Falls Road
Local tip: Visit early on weekends or warmer days to beat the crowds, or pair this walk with a picnic before heading up the mountain.
5. Cameron Falls Track (TEMPORARILY CLOSED)
Distance: 3km return
Estimated time: 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
NOTE** THIS TRACK IS CURRENTLY CLOSED.
This gently graded rainforest track leads to a scenic lookout over Cameron Falls and surrounding bushland.
Fun fact: After heavy rain, Cameron Falls often splits into multiple cascading streams rather than a single waterfall
6. MacDonald Rainforest Circuit
Distance: 4.2km loop
Time: 2–2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Track type: Circuit walk through rainforest
One of the longer and quieter hiking trails on Tamborine Mountain, the MacDonald Rainforest Circuit is ideal for visitors wanting a more immersive rainforest experience away from the busier tracks.
What You’ll See
This circuit winds through dense subtropical rainforest, with towering trees, shaded gullies and a peaceful atmosphere throughout. The track feels remote and untouched, making it a great choice for walkers looking to slow down and spend more time surrounded by nature.
Expect uneven terrain, gentle climbs and plenty of shaded sections as the trail loops through the forest.
Wildlife & Fun Facts
- A variety of rainforest birds and insects live along the circuit
- The quiet nature of the track increases chances of wildlife sightings
- Fun fact: The circuit features large strangler fig trees that begin life high in the canopy and slowly grow down around their host trees over many years
Good to Know
- Best suited to walkers with moderate fitness
- Longer distance than most Tamborine Mountain walks
- Uneven surfaces and natural obstacles along the track
- Not pram-friendly
- Dogs are not permitted (National Park rules)
- Enclosed footwear recommended
Facilities & Access
- No facilities directly on the track
- Toilets and picnic areas available elsewhere in the National Park
- Accessible by conventional vehicle to nearby trailheads
- Free entry, no permits required
Local tip: This circuit is perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy one of Tamborine Mountain’s most peaceful rainforest walks.
Fun fact: The circuit features large strangler fig trees that begin life in the canopy and slowly grow down around their host trees.
7. Knoll Lookout Track
Distance: 1.5km return
Time: 30–45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Track type: Return walk to scenic lookout
A short and easy walk leading to one of the best lookout points on Tamborine Mountain, Knoll Lookout Track rewards visitors with sweeping views across the Scenic Rim and out towards the Gold Coast.
What You’ll See
The track winds gently through bushland before opening onto Knoll Lookout, where expansive views stretch across the hinterland, farmland and coastline. It’s an ideal spot for photography, sunset views or a quiet moment to take in the landscape.
Wildlife & Fun Facts
- Birdlife is commonly seen along the track and at the lookout
- Fun fact: On clear days, you can sometimes see all the way to the Gold Coast skyline
Good to Know
- Family-friendly and suitable for all fitness levels
- Well-formed track with a gentle gradient
- Not pram-friendly all the way to the lookout
- Dogs are not permitted (National Park rules)
- Take care near cliff edges and lookout areas
Facilities & Access
- Parking available nearby
- No facilities directly at the lookout
- Free entry, no permits required
- Access via Main Western Road
Local tip: Visit in the late afternoon for golden light and cooler temperatures, or combine this walk with nearby cafés and picnic spots.
8. Hang Glider Launch Lookout
Distance: Lookout / Short walk
Time: 15–30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Track type: Short walk to scenic lookout
An easy-access lookout offering wide views across the hinterland and coastline, Hang Glider Launch Lookout is a great stop for quick views without a long walk.
What You’ll See
The short walk leads to an open lookout perched along the escarpment, where sweeping views stretch across the Scenic Rim, hinterland farmland and out towards the coast. The open vantage point makes it a popular spot for photography and watching hang gliders take flight.
Wildlife & Fun Facts
- Birdlife is often seen soaring along the escarpment
- Fun fact: This lookout is a popular hang-gliding launch point thanks to reliable rising air currents along the cliff edge
Good to Know
- Suitable for all fitness levels
- Easy access with minimal walking required
- Not pram-friendly all the way to the lookout
- Dogs are not permitted (National Park rules)
- Take care near cliff edges and during windy conditions
Facilities & Access
- Parking available nearby
- No facilities directly at the lookout
- Free entry, no permits required
- Access via Hang Glider Road
Local tip: This is one of the best spots on Tamborine Mountain for sunset views or a quick scenic stop between walks.
Suggested One-Day Walking Itinerary from Brisbane or the Gold Coast
Start your day with the scenic drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast to Tamborine Mountain and begin with the Cedar Creek Falls Track. After your walk, stop at Bearded Dragon Hotel, conveniently located on the way up or down the mountain, for breakfast or coffee before continuing your day.
Mid-morning is ideal for completing the Curtis Falls Track and Palm Grove Circuit, which are close together and showcase classic Tamborine Mountain rainforest scenery. After lunch on the mountain, choose either the Witches Falls Circuit or the Cameron Falls Track for a longer afternoon walk.
Finish the day with a short walk to the Knoll Lookout Track or Hang Glider Launch Lookout before enjoying the easy drive back to Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
With rainforest walks, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts all less than an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain is one of the easiest and most rewarding hiking destinations in South East Queensland. Combined with the beautiful drive from Brisbane and the variety of walking tracks available, it is an ideal location for a relaxed day trip or weekend escape.
Image Credits
- Entrance to the Witches Falls section of Tamborine Mountain National Park — Photo by Daniela, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Witches_Falls_Section_-_Tamborine_National_Park_(3814181882).jpg ↩︎
