Mount Tamborine

 October 24, 2011 was a nice fine day so we decided to explore Mount Tamborine which is only around 10 kms from where we are camping at Canungra. Dubbed as "The Green Behind the Gold", Tamborine Mountain is a volcanic plateau set within the Gold Coast Hinterland. From Tamborine Mountain you can get great views out over the splendid surrounding scenery, as well as out over the Gold Coast, to Brisbane and Mount Warning. 


Mount Tamborine is around 35 kms to Surfers Paradise.



 Mt. Tamborine is a popular destination mainly because it has many beautiful tourist attractions ranging from 9 national parks, gorgeous waterfalls, gardens, winery and vineyards. Our first stop when we got there was the rainforest skywalk which is one of the must-sees.The walkway is a stable, high-tech steel structure enabling visitors to explore the forrest in a safe and secure way with a birdseye view. It is a 40 metre long span soaring 30 metres above the valley, with spectacular views over the creek and the rainforest canopies below.

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

This is about 30 metres high.

I was tempting the editor to follow me at the cantilever
so he can see the view but he doesn't.
He is acrophobic - has fear of heights!

Carved by nature





After a long walk exploring the skywalk we drove almost 4 kms to Cedar Creek Falls. There are 3 other waterfalls around town but after the steep and winding walk to see Cedar Creek Falls we thought we had had enough. The track was not very good and I think its not safe to go there. (what a lame excuse) On the way, we also dropped by Thunderbird Park where you can mine thunder eggs (but we did not do this). We just checked out the park and had a look around.

The park has camping sites, lodges and has heaps of adventure
activites like thunder egg fossicking, Tarzan swing and laser skirmish.

Cedar Creek Falls



A show-off going for a dive.

That would hurt i think.

It is never easy to go up.

There are still plenty of walking tracks leading through magnificent subtropical rainforest with several picnic and BBQs areas available to the public. A number of wineries and vineyards are also in the area for those that enjoy wine or would like to sample the local produce. We went to a winery after the visit to the falls but not to taste wine or see the winery. We were after the Glow Worm Cave. Yes it is a cave with glowing worms all over the walls and it is in a vineyard. It is cold inside the cave as Glow Worms require very specific environmental conditions year round. For $11 per adult you can enjoy a 30-minute tour of the cave and learn about these amazing tiny creatures. Unfortunately cameras are prohibited inside the cave but Mr. Google has several so have a look at the pictures below.

These is how it looks like inside the cave with the worms hanging on the walls.

 

Life Cycle of Glow Worms.



This is the entrance to the Glow Worm Cave.