Tamborine National Park Brisbane | Gold Coast

Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government

Visiting Tamborine safely

    Take care when using binoculars; steep track edges can be closer than you think.

    Take care when using binoculars; steep track edges can be closer than you think.

    Photo credit: Robert Ashdown, Queensland Government

    Getting there and getting around

    Maps

    Tamborine Mountain is about 80km south of Brisbane via Beenleigh and Tamborine Village or via the Pacific Highway and Oxenford–Tamborine Road.

    Travelling north from the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain is 36km from Southport via the Pacific Highway and Oxenford–Tamborine Road or 28km from Nerang via Nerang–Beaudesert Road. From Canungra, take Tamborine Mountain Road for 8km.

    Please note the following important access information:

    • The steep, narrow roads from Nerang and Canungra are unsuitable for buses, trailers, caravans and trucks.
    • In the interest of safety, access to the Cedar Creek section is prohibited at night—see opening hours for further information. Gates are locked during closing time.
    • There is limited parking at Cedar Creek. The car park fills quickly particularly during summer weekends and public holidays. Please be aware that police issue infringement notices for illegal parking along Cedar Creek Falls Road and Tamborine Mountain Road.

    • Access to the rock pools at Cedar Creek is via the designated track only. Observe the restricted access area notice (PDF, 87.1KB) .
    • Access to the Curtis Falls rock pool and surrounding area beyond the viewing platform in Joalah section is prohibited. Observed the restricted access area notice (PDF, 93.7KB) .

    Wheelchair accessibility

    The Cedar Creek walking track to the lookout is suitable for assisted wheelchair access. The toilets and picnic areas at Cedar Creek, The Knoll and Witches Falls are accessible for wheelchairs with assistance. Be aware that the picnic area at Cedar Creek can become boggy after rain.

    Staying safe

    • Wear sturdy footwear. Comfortable, ankle-supporting footwear is recommended—never thongs, high heels, new shoes or dress shoes. Your walk won’t be much fun if you get blisters or sprain an ankle.
    • Avoid bites, stings and scratches. Wear protective clothing and insect repellent to help prevent tick and other insect bites or stings, and scratches. Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it.
    • Do not disturb snakes—give them space and wait for them to move on. Some snakes are dangerous. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.
    • Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days. Start longer walks at cooler times of the day and carry drinking water.
    • Carry fresh water. Drinking water is not provided. Creek water is unsuitable for drinking as it may contain organisms that can cause illness.
    • Walk safely. Stay on the tracks and follow signs carefully to avoid getting lost. Tell a friend about your walking plans and avoid walking alone. Tracks and steps can be slippery, especially after rain.
    • Do not attempt to cross flooded creeks. If you are caught out on the tracks when creek crossings flood, wait until the water no longer covers the track. Water rises and falls in a short period of time.
    • Never jump or dive into creeks or rock pools. They contain hazards such as rocks and logs, water depth is variable and unpredictable and rock surfaces can be slippery.
    • Be aware of strong water currents if swimming in rock pools, even when the surface looks calm.
    • Do not enter or come in contact with creek water during or after heavy rainfall. High levels of harmful bacteria are flushed into creeks from upstream. Direct contact with temporarily contaminated creek water may cause illnesses or infections.
    • Take care of your property and personal safety. Thefts can occur in car parks. Do not leave valuables in parked cars.
    • Supervise children at all times, especially around lookouts and steep track edges. Do not allow children to run ahead.
    For your safety, please note the following important access information:

    For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

    Before you visit

    Essentials to bring

    • Sturdy shoes, a hat, protective clothing and sunscreen.
    • Rubbish bags to remove your rubbish and recyclables from the park—no bins are provided.
    • Your own drinking water—this is not provided in the park. Creek water is unsuitable for drinking as it may contain organisms that can cause illness.
    • Gas barbecues are provided at Cedar Creek and The Knoll sections. Electric barbecues are provided at Witches Falls section. If you are planning to have a barbecue in other park sections, bring a gas or fuel stove—fires are not permitted.
    • A raincoat and warm clothing at any time of the year as weather on the mountain can be unpredictable.

    Opening hours

    With the exception of Cedar Creek section, Tamborine National Park is open 24 hours a day. For your safety, walk in daylight hours only.

    Cedar Creek section

    For safety reasons, access to Cedar Creek section is prohibited at night. Signs inform visitors of the closure details.

    Access is permitted during these hours:

    • Between 1 October and 31 March—6am to 8pm.
    • Between 1 April and 30 September—6am to 6pm.

    The entry gate is closed and locked each evening.

    Please note: the park closure is enforceable under the provisions of the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Penalties apply.

    Permits and fees

    A permit is not required to recreate within the park unless the activity is a commercial activity or an organised event. All commercial activities and some organised events require a permit.

    Pets

    Domestic animals (except for horses on designated forest trails) are not permitted in Tamborine National Park.

    Climate and weather

    At more than 500m above sea level, Tamborine Mountain is consistently cooler than the adjacent lowland, with average daytime temperatures at 17°C in winter and 25°C in summer. Rainfall averages 1500mm per year, most of which falls between December and April. Take a raincoat and warm clothing at all times of the year. For more information see the tourism information links.

    Fuel and supplies

    Fuel and supplies are available in North Tamborine, Canungra and nearby towns. For more information see the tourism information links.