glow worm caves tour gold coast

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Hop on Hop off Glow Worm Day Tour from the Gold Coast

• From AUD $115.00
• Tamborine Mountain, QLD
• 6 Hours (approx.)

Tour Description

Witness the effects of an innovative conservation effort. We invite you to join us on a guided glow worm tour of a specially constructed cave. We can ensure that guests will have the opportunity to see glow worms because access to the cave is restricted to guided tours in order to protect the glow worms that live here. Do not overlook our frog show! With your glow worm tour, you may visit a self-guided frog and bug display at no additional cost.

Situated in a restored rainforest as a consequence of decades of replanting work on top of Tamborine Mountain. Trained biologists will lead you on a journey along our boardwalk through the jungle and into the glow worm habitat. Here, you can get a close-up encounter with a glow worm and observe its sticky silk threads and glowing body.

Glow worms are dependent on rainforests and wet caves for their continuous survival since they need a home that is perpetually moist. However, due to climate change and human activities, Australia’s rainforest habitats are dwindling. This specially designed glow worm cave at Tamborine Mountain offers the best conditions for glow worms in a controlled habitat, mitigating the effects of human activity.

Pickup Locations:

Turtle Beach Resort – 2346 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218

Elk Espresso – 12 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218

Peppers Soul – 8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Mainbeach Tourist Park – 3600 Main Beach Parade, Main Beach QLD 4217

Australia Fair – 42 Marine Parade Southport

If you’re accomodation is along the main route please let us know and we will try to accomodate.

Tour Highlights

– Get picked up from your hotel and take a quick scenic drive out to the Scenic Rim and Tamborine Mountain

– Visit the Famous Glow Worm caves on Tamborine Mountain

– Learn about the History of Tamborine Mountain through the eyes of a local

– Visit a boutique Winery – $10 extra

– Time for morning tea at Restaurants, cafes and eateries

– Stop at lookouts along the way and enjoy views of the Scenic Rim

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Your tour includes:

Small Group Experience

Visit the Famous Glow Worm caves on Tamborine Mountain

Daytime Tour so no need to go out late at night

Drive through Tamborine Mountain National Park

Stop for photos at Scenic Lookouts

Eco Friendly

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If you’re looking for a nature-friendly experience, come and tour the unique glow worm caves. There are several eco-certified tour operators around the Springbrook National Park that offer environmentally and culturally sensitive guided tours .

A Gold Coast glow worm tour takes you to Springbrook National Park; a World Heritage site that hosts a unique variety of plant and animal life, including millions of creatures that make their home in the forest.

Gold Coast Glow Worm Caves & Springbrook Night Tours

Glow worms tours are often held at night so that visitors can fully appreciate the nocturnal beauty of the rainforest. Many of the tours lead visitors to a cave with cascading waterfalls, where a colony of glow worms live. These creatures are invisible to the naked eye during the day, but at night, they look like an array of stars in the darkness with their collective luminescent glow.

Glow Worm tour operators offer a variety of options, including dinner options on their tours. Tours also often include hotel pick-up and drop-off, an experienced local guide , a rainforest walk, national park fees and hiring fees for torches and other equipment. Since the tour involves walking in the rainforest, visitors are advised to wear comfortable sealed shoes.

So if you want to make your next visit to the Gold Coast truly remarkable, explore the glow worms caves on the beautiful Gold Coast.

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Cedar Creek Estate

Glow Worm Tours

Experience the results of our ground-breaking conservation initiative. Come with us on a guided glow worm tour through our purpose-built cave. It is filled with thousands of glowing glow worms! Located on top of Tamborine Mountain at Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery, our site is located in a rehabilitated rainforest, the result of decades of replanting efforts.

We offer the only opportunity in Queensland to see glow worms during the day. Over the course of 30 minutes, you’ll see a glow worm up close and learn all about their life cycle and behaviour. Our cave features a colony of native Mount Tamborine glow worms. Your admission helps support and ensure the survival of the species in South East Queensland for future generations! Read the story of our conservation initiative.

Our glow worm cave on the Gold Coast has been designed to maintain ideal conditions for our delicate glow worms throughout the year, providing the perfect environment for a healthy colony. This means you are guaranteed to see THOUSANDS of glow worms inside our cave all year round. Guests can also explore our frog exhibit, an exhibition of native frogs and insects on our rainforest boardwalk.

During a tour, our biologists will lead you down through our rainforest boardwalk into our glow worm habitat. Here you get the chance to meet a glow worm up close, and see their sticky strands and glowing bums! Because our site is not a natural area, our glow worm sightings are guaranteed.

Bookings are essential to guarantee a spot!

LEARN MORE ABOUT GLOW WORMS HERE

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Evening Rainforest & Glow Worm Tour

Information, evening rainforest & glow worm tour.

• $119 - Adult
• $96 - Child (2-16)
• $48 - Infant (must be pre-booked)
• $114 - Concession

As the sun sets, join our expert guides for a torchlit journey into the heart of the rainforest, revealing its nocturnal wonders. Encounter a symphony of night sounds, spot elusive wildlife, and be captivated by the beauty of Curtis Falls waterfall illuminated by moonlight.

The highlight? Witness the enchanting glow worms, turning the rainforest into a celestial masterpiece. Immerse yourself in the magic of the night, where every step unveils the secrets of this thriving ecosystem.

Book your nocturnal adventure and let the rainforest reveal its captivating mysteries after dark.

Destination:

Glow Worms at Tamborine Mountain

Departue Time:

Your adventure begins at 6:15 pm every day

Walking Grade :

Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km.

More information about the walking grades

Dessert at Mt Tamborine cafe, National Park fees, Expert tour guide, Glow Worms & Waterfalls viewing, In vehicle and guided walk commentary, A small group experience, Pick up/drop off at selected locations Please note: No luggage/pram/stroller storage on the bus

Important Info:

Before setting out on your adventure, please visit our Know Before You Go page for important preparation tips. Also, review our Terms and Conditions to ensure you’re familiar with the guidelines that will help make your tour enjoyable and safe.

• Scenic drive up the mountain and panoramic views across the Scenic Rim and Gold Coast.
• Guided walk by torchlight with an expert local guide through the night time rainforest.
• Along the walk see the nocturnal rainforest inhabitants that are unique to the region.
• There is nothing quite as unique as the sounds and sights of the rainforest in the evening.
• Our walk will take us down to Curtis Falls, a stunning waterfall that flows into a basalt rockpool.
• Along the rock face we see the glowing lava which is Glow Worms , unique to the Australian east coast.
• Learning about the local environment, history and the Tamborine township.
• Enjoy the serenity of the forest as you breathe the fresh mountain on this unique and stunning experience.

Star Casino

Crowne Plaza

Aquaduck Office

Sheraton Mirage

Australia Fair

Helensvale Station

Mount Tamborine

Tamborine village.

On the top of Tamborine Mountain you will find the locality of Tamborine. Part of the Scenic Rim, Tamborine village is home to approx 4000 residents who enjoy living the treechange lifestyle. Mt Tamborine is home to a variety of boutique accommodation including cabins, bed and breakfast, and local lodges all offering a hinterland escape and the country hospitality the mountain is famous for. Many of the locals own and operate their own businesses. A Mt Tamborine tour through the area will take you past restaurants and cafes, boutique distilleries , brewery and vineyards, artist studios ,   cheese factory and even an organic skincare producer.

Gallery Walk

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. 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.

Stay Safe in the National Park

Whilst you are enjoying the natural beauty of the park it is important to do so with respect so we can protect its inhabitants. You can help conserve this natural wonder by remembering the following:

• There are no bins in the park. All rubbish must be taken away with you. 
• Do not feed the wildlife. 
• No riding bikes in the park as it causes erosion and disturbs wildlife.
• Take only memories. Do not take plants or animals out of the park. Best not to touch anything as it can be dangerous. 
• Stay on track. For your safety and to minimise damage to plants do not veer off the designated walking trail. 
• Enjoy the tranquility. Notice how you feel when you listen and connect with nature. Keep the noise down. 

Explore the rainforest at night

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*Please note this tour requires minimum numbers to operate.

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Evening Rainforest & Glow Worm Experience

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Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves - All You NEED to Know Before You Go (2024)

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Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves

Top ways to experience Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN GLOW WORM CAVES: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Premium Springbrook Natural Bridge, Glow Worm Cave & Skywalk (From S$180.64)
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• Daytime Scenic Rim Glow Worm Tour (From S$103.86)
• Tamborine Mountain and Paradise Point Tour from Brisbane (From S$149.30)
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• (0.96 km) Witches Falls Cottages
• (1.73 km) Amore Bed and Breakfast
• (2.12 km) Mountain Sanctuary B&B
• (2.77 km) Avocado Sunset Bed and Breakfast
• (1.09 km) Mt Tamborine Stonehaven Guest House
• (0.04 km) Cedar Creek Estate Restaurant
• (0.49 km) Gallery Walk
• (1.20 km) Hickory
• (0.68 km) Mason Winery Restaurant and Cellar Door
• (1.44 km) Spice of Life Cafe & Deli

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Gold Coast & Brisbane DAY TOURS

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Evening Glow Worms & Curtis Falls Stargazing

• Tour Overview
• Gold Coast National Park with Waterfall

Glow Worm Tours Gold Coast – GLOW WORMS GUARANTEED!

Get away from the glitz and glamor of Gold Coast nightlife and enjoy a peaceful evening. Experience one of our World Heritage Listed National Parks like never before by joining one of our highly qualified eco-tour guides for an evening adventure into the Rainforest. As you explore this incredible cavernous environment, thousands of Glow Worms will light up your path. Our secluded location guarantees Glow Worms that will light up your night!

Take a walk through the rainforest in the evening with a small group. Discover luminescences, wildlife, and other natural wonders of the forest like you’ve never seen them before. Observe Australian nocturnal animals by torchlight in their natural habitat and discover their hidden lives before heading back to the Gold Coast to see the stunning Surfers Paradise Night Skyline.

Package Includes

• Coach Touring
• Full Commentary
• Guided Walks
• Glow Worms Guaranteed
• Gold Coast Lookout
• Personal Torches
• Rainforest Walk
• Wildlife Spotting
• Pickup & Dropoff
• World Heritage
• National Park Fees

Tour Destination

Tour duration, multi excellence & tourism award winner every year since 2013.

A Gold Coast Glow Worm tour takes place after dusk, so you can explore nature & waterfalls. Nocturnal creatures come alive in the rainforest during the nocturnal season. There are many things to do on the Gold Coast, including glow worm tours. A magical Waterfall where glow worms live is reached by well-formed rainforest paths. Red torches are provided for you on the evening for you to use.

During their hunt for prey, Gold Coast glow worms create a small galaxy of light with their tails. A visit to the Gold Coast glow worm caves offers a true sensory experience, with the sound of the flowing waterfall and the gentle light of the glow worms. After visiting the Curtis Falls you can also do some stargazing, spotting the Southern Cross and Milkway before returning to your Gold Coast accommodation.

See a stunning natural light show at the Curtis Falls Natural G low Worm  in the Gold Coast hinterland. During a guided walk through ancient coastal rain forest, you can see a cave lit by millions of tiny worms, as well as stargaze in the pristine night sky.

$ 99.90

Children: $69.90

Adults: $99.90

Seniors: $94.90

Download the 2022 scenic day tour brochure

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• 07 5531 5536

• Glow Worm Tour
• Japanese Tours

• Pick up and drop off from nominated hotels
• Experienced local guide
• National Park admission fees
• World heritage visitation certificate
• Spotlight rainforest walk
• Glow worm viewing in the cave
• Stargazing (weather permitting)
• Rental wireless guide system
• Rental torch
• Raincoat (wet weather only)
• Please refer to tour availability from the calendar on Online Booking page
• We require a minimum of 4 adults to operate the tour
• This tour is not wheelchair and baby stroller accessible
• Tour itinerary may be changed without notice due to weather and road conditions
• Tour is cancelled when the national park is closed due to extreme weather
• Return transfers may be combined with other tours or other languages
• Please be at designated pick up hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to departure time. If you are not at the lobby after the departure time, the tour may depart. In this case tour fee is non-refundable.
• If you have booked the tour through a travel agent , local tour desk or concierge, please see your booking agent regarding cancellation charges.
• No charge if cancelled before 5pm two business days prior to tour date.
• 50% charge if cancelled between 5pm two business days prior to tour date and before 5pm one business day prior to tour date.
• 100% charge if cancelled after 5pm one business day prior to tour date.

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Explore the tropical rainforests of the Gold Coast Hinterlands and venture into the darkness to find yourself mesmerised by the glow worms hanging from the rocky overhangs and earth banks of the arched caves.

These magical invertebrates can be found in the Springbrook National Park where the majestic mountains include one of the largest concentrations of Australian glow worms.

Glow worms are in fact, not worms at all, but the larvae of a primitive fly, the fungus gnat. The adult fly resembles a large mosquito in appearance, compared to the larvae resembling a small caterpillar. These worms are famous for their natural blue/green light that they admit at night. The way these worms produce the natural glow is due to a chemical reaction within their body. A waste product, an enzyme, an energy molecule as well as oxygen reacts together to produce the natural light at the end of their bodies.

The reason for this glow is to draw in their prey. The small insects are ensnared to the glowing lights, and once reaching a short distance, are caught in the glow worm’s sticky silk threads. These silk threads drop from the cave ceilings, looking a lot like a sliver of hanging drool. Once trapped in the silk thread, the worms slowly draw up the insect to devour. This style of hunting is very similar to a spider’s web. The worm’s cycle is around 9 months and will remain in the caves feeding slowly until turning into a full fungus gnat adult. The adult life is much shorter compared to their larvae life span, only lasting a few days before perishing.

They prefer wet environments in a warmer temperature. Because of this, the Gold Coast ’s humid climate is a perfect habitat for the worms. Springbrook National Park, a World Heritage listed area around about an hour away from the Gold Coast is home to the largest glow worm colony in Australia. Make sure to visit during December to March as these are the warmer and wetter months in Australia’s East Coast.

They are best seen after the sunset as the true magic begins after dark when they start to light up the areas they inhabit like stars in the night sky! Journey with the nocturnal tours to learn in more detail about these amazing creatures as our guides lead you through this evening wonderland.

Before your night adventure, begin your day with a tour through the rest of Springbrook’s national Park. See the stunning waterfalls dotted in one of the oldest forests in Australia. Stand atop the largest extinct volcanic caldera in the Southern Hemisphere. As well as marvel at some of some of natures wonders, such as the renowned Natural Arch .

Glow Worms Map

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Glow Worm Evening Tour $119

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Glow Worm Evening Tour Itinerary

Discover a different kind of Gold Coast nightlife as you explore the forest after dark with our Glow Worms Evening Tour!

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the mystical Glow Worms creatures, as we take you on a journey to explore the Mount Tamborine National Park, like you’ve never seen before! Enjoy some delicious cake with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at the mountain-top restaurant.

We’ll then take you on a leisurely walk through the rainforest before arriving at the perfect spot to see Glow Worms. Enjoy a fully guided rainforest walk, where your guide will share with you their expertise on this precious ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled to spot some nocturnal animals by torchlight as they come to feed in the cool of the night.

The end of the walking trail is at Curtis Falls, a majestic subtropical waterfall. Eventually, we’ll arrive at the magical glow worms that will light your way, creating a magical ambience. With a view up close, you’ll be amazed by the glimpse of the glow worms’ sticky little threads that hang like spiderwebs.

Book your Glow Worm Evening Tour with us for a night that is out of this world.

Why Not Check Out Our Other Gold Coast Tours

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How to visit natural bridge glow worms cave – a magical experience.

• Post published: 19 April 2016
• Post category: Australia / Oceania/South Pacific / Queensland

Natural Bridge glow worms cave is likely to be the most touristy spot in Springbrook National Park , and one of my favourite natural landmarks near Brisbane . I’ve stopped counting the number of times I’ve visited this magical place. Here are my tips to organise your Natural Bridge glow worms cave visit.

Important things to know about Springbrook Natural Bridge glow worms

Glow worms caves can only be found in Australia and New Zealand . The glow worms, who are actually the larva stage of a small fly and not worms, are rare and fragile so it’s important to respect the instructions on site to protect them. The main ones:

• do not use lights in the cave (but have a torch with you to walk there) – including flash for your photos: the glow worms will stop glowing (and feeding)
• do not use insect repellent and do not smoke: it can kill them
• keep noise and the size of your group to a minimum

Springbrook Natural Bridge glow worms are Australia’s largest population of glow worms and it’s the best place to see them in their natural habitat.

At night, the glow worms produce a blue-green bioluminescent light with their bodies to attract their prey (midges and mosquitoes) to sticky threads. You can see the thread close-up on the photo above of worms in a New Zealand cave.

When the time comes, they cover the entire cave ceiling for a magical experience. At Natural Bridge, it looks like there are stars everywhere. It’s a unique sight.

How to take photos of Springbrook glow worms?

To photograph the glow worms, you must not use your flash. Firstly, flash photography disturbs them and they stop glowing. Secondly, the result won’t be good anyway as you wouldn’t capture the bioluminescence of the glow worms in the cave.

The best way to photograph the glow worms is to take a long exposure shot with a tripod. The most challenging part is not to move at all, and you may need a few tries to get the right amount of light in. You want to avoid pushing your ISO too much as it will create noise in the image, but you may need to do it if your camera doesn’t allow long exposure.

When is the best season to see glow worms at Natural Bridge?

The Springbrook Natural Bridge cave is a sanctuary for glow worms. The temperature does not vary too much during the seasons, keeping a perfect environment for the glow worms. Hence, Springbrook Natural Bridge glow worms may be seen all year round.

However, they are best observed when it’s hot and humid, from December to March. So if you can aim at visiting Natural Bridge on a hot summer rainy day, you’ll have the ultimate glow worm experience . During winter, their display is significantly reduced.

When is the best time to see Springbrook Natural Bridge glow worms?

Springbrook Natural Bridge glow worms can only be seen at night . And the later you go, the more glow worms you’ll see.

Make sure you turn off all your lights before entering the cave. You will adapt to the obscurity. The glow worms cover and light up the entire cave, it looks magical.

If you want to spend the night in Springbrook National Park, I recommend having a look at the  Lyrebird Retreat* . I haven’t tried it yet, but I love the concept: it’s a non-profit accommodation that redirects all its profit to rainforest restoration.

If you want to see the glow worms but don’t want to drive at night , you can book an evening tour from the Gold Coast (click here for more info) *. Alternatively, there is another glow worm cave in Tamborine National Park that you can visit during the day. Although it’s a purpose-built cave, the glow worms are real! Check out this tour from Brisbane that will take you there *.

Is it free to see the glow worms at Natural Bridge?

Springbrook National Park is free to access. Unless you choose to go with a guided tour, you won’t have to pay to see the glow worm cave. There are rules to respect to see the glow worms and ensure all visitors have an enjoyable visit.

Natural Bridge walk: one of my favourite hikes in Springbrook National Park

The Natural Bridge walk is not only about the glow worms: it’s awesome during the day too. The waterfall in the cave is one of the most photogenic landmarks you’ll ever see. It’s one of the best walks and waterfalls in Springbrook National Park .

They built a beautiful asphalt track so despite the number of people the traffic is flowing rather freely to keep the visit enjoyable. The views of all the different facets of the Natural Bridge waterfall are remarkable.

As it is a popular destination, the wildlife is limited, but you can always hear many birds during the walk. We also spotted a python a few meters away from the track. The cave near the fall is inhabited by small bats that you can distinguish if you look attentively.

When you walk there at night to see the glow worms, turn off your light while you’re on the track: we saw glowing mushrooms too !

Sadly, we picked up a lot of trash on the Natural Bridge walk (even bottles of wine or cans of beer). It is surprising how people can travel that far to admire nature and leave their rubbish there…

Responsible travel tip : Always dispose carefully of your rubbish, especially when you’re visiting a remote place where waste collection can be challenging. If a bin is full, don’t risk contaminating the place and bring your rubbish home with you. If you see rubbish where it shouldn’t be, it’s a fantastic habit to collect it – even if it’s not yours!

Have you seen the Natural Bridge glow worms in Springbrook National Park? How was it? Share your experience in the comment below!

Where is natural bridge glow worms cave.

Natural Bridge glow worms cave is in Springbrook National Park in Queensland , approximately one hour away from the Gold Coast and 1.5 hours from Brisbane .

It’s one of the stops on my Australia’s East Coast road trip guide that you can download for free here .

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The Best 10 Things to do on the Gold Coast with Kids

I f you are looking for an exciting way to spend a week or so in Queensland, Australia, you really cannot go past the Gold Coast. From theme parks, to beaches, waterfalls and bushwalks, it is no wonder that the Gold Coast is the most searched location in Australia for a holiday this year.

In this article we will show you a range of places to add to your Gold Coast holiday bucket list. It doesn’t matter if you are going during the school holidays or term time, these are all family friendly attractions on the Gold Coast that we have personally visited. We can assure you that they are excellent. We have included a little bit of everything so that no matter what the weather , you can see the breadth and depth of fun family attractions on offer on the Gold Coast.

Dreamworld & Whitewater World

Dreamworld is the Gold Coast’s BIGGEST theme park, offering an experience for locals and tourists unrivalled anywhere in Australia. Since 1981 Dreamworld has been a place of thrill rides, Australian wildlife as well as tigers, award-winning entertainment and a giant water park onsite. You won’t find more bang for your theme park buck than Dreamworld & Whitewater World.

Find out more about everything Dreamworld here.

Read more: The best Australia itinerary options

Aquaduck is an amphibious vehicle that is iconic on the Gold Coast. You literally see it driving down the street and into the water daily! What’s more, kids love it! It is a great Gold Coast kids activity that is one of our favourite family friendly things to do where they’re actually involved with the creation of the fun! Aquaduck is an hour long tour that runs every day of the year (except Christmas Day). It starts in the heart of Surfers Paradise and is a brilliant way to tour the area on both land and water!

Find tickets to Aquaduck here.

Jet boat ride

If your kids are thrill seekers like mine, then check out the amazingly fun jet boat rides on the Gold Coast. A white-knuckle ride on a jetboat through the Gold Coast’s canals and out onto open water will provide your kids with an experience they won’t forget in a hurry. Suitable for kids aged 4 and up, there are range of different tours and experiences to choose from, depending on your budget and how wet you want to get!   

We love this jet boat ride here.

Hot air balloon ride over the Gold Coast

If you are looking to indulge during your time on the Gold Coast, then check out the options for taking a hot air balloon ride. You will need to get up super early in the morning, wear something warm, but layered and expect to be wowed! This is the stuff family memories are made of and will have everyone talking about long after the experience ends. It is a gorgeous, exciting yet serene activity suitable for kids, teens and adults on the Gold Coast.

You can find a good deal for a hot air balloon ride with breakfast here.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

No trip to the Gold Coast is complete without a stop at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you can feed the rainbow lorikeets, pat a kangaroo and hold a koala and interact with dozens of animals unique to Australia. If your kids are little they will particularly like the train that carries them around the park and to the animal shows. 

Top tip: Bird feeding times are at 8am and 4pm each day and participation is free with your entry.

Grab your tickets to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary here

Glow Worm experience

I wish I was a glow worm,

For they are never glum,

They have a little light,

That shines right out their bum.

Show your kids the magic that are glow worms located on the Gold Coast. Well, technically the glow worms are in the hinterland of the Gold Coast at Mt Tamborine. You can see them during the day or at night as they are located in caves within the rainforest. The bushwalk is easy and the path is well marked and suitable for children. This is a great experience for kids, and I highly recommend it! It’s one of the most unique and best things to do on the Gold Coast of Australia with kids of all ages.

You can book a guided 4WD tour to see the glow worms here.

Best beach on the Gold Coast for kids is Burleigh

Easily the best beach on the Gold Coast for families is Burleigh Beach. Known just as Burleigh to the locals, this is one of the most beautiful beaches along the Gold Coast. Your kids will be safe swimming in the protected waters of the beach, which isn’t as rough as some of the other beaches around the Gold Coast.

BBQ areas are everywhere and with the option of oceanfront dining, you and the kids won’t be going hungry. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a local arts and crafts market going on along the foreshore. 

If you’re looking for a great beach to visit, check out Burleigh Heads.

Currumbin Rock Pools

One of the Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets for kids, this local swimming spot has an added bonus – it’s also free! If you want to escape the heat, hustle of the bustling Gold Coast, and you fancy swimming, but not at the beach, then pack a picnic and head for the hills where you can cool your heels at the Currumbin rock pools. The Currumbin rock pools are one of our favourite free Gold Coast activities for families.

Read a detailed review about our trip to the Currumbin rock pools here.

Gold Coast Aqua Park

The Gold Coat Aqua Park, located in Southport is suitable for adults and children to bounce, slide and have fun on over 300m of inflatables on the water. The aqua park is an affordable way to spend an hour or so they will really wear the kids out in the afternoon, especially if you have a quiet evening planned. The Aqua Park is nestled opposite Australia Fair Shopping Centre, and the Broadwater Parklands, so if you all have energy to spare you can always keep going at these family friendly attractions on the Gold Coast.

SkyPoint Observation Deck

Want to travel 77 floors up and see the Gold Coast from upon high? SkyPoint!! Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Skypoint Observation Deck is Australia’s only beachside observation deck. Not only can you get great views from up high, but you will also find a restaurant, a small history display of the Gold Coast and during schools holidays they have different shows for the kids. 

Find out more about SkyPoint including pricing here.

So – there you have it! Our round up of our top 10 things to do on the Gold Coast with kids. Do you agree with our choices? Did we leave out your favourite? Let us know!

Where to go next

If you’re planning a longer trip to Oceania, don’t miss these articles to help you plan:

• Action-packed Australia travel itineraries for every length of trip
• Your 5 day Australia adventure in Port Douglas
• Quicksilver Reef Cruises: the best way to see the Great Barrier Reef with kids
• The best way to visit Kuranda, the village in Australia’s rainforest
• Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures: a family-friendly crocodile tour in Cairns
• Melbourne to Sydney drive: the ultimate guide
• An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Kangaroo Island, Australia
• Top 7 awesome family experiences in Margaret River
• A spectacular way to see Coles Bay, Tasmania: kayaking with Freycinet Adventures

New Zealand

• 10 things to know before you visit New Zealand
• A Local’s Guide to 2 Days in Queenstown
• Bike the Otago Central Rail Trail
• Up close with Maori culture at Tamaki Maori Village
• Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga: Exploring the beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
• Beautiful pictures of New Zealand’s North Island beaches

Still planning? Pin this for later!

About Janine

Janine lives in Brisbane, Australia with her teenage son (and fellow blogger) Alex. Together they explore Queensland and beyond and guide other families through adventures on several websites and in Janine’s long-standing print publication, Families Magazine .

The post The Best 10 Things to do on the Gold Coast with Kids appeared first on The Family Voyage .