Animal Encounter Surfers Paradise

Following a morning pickup from your central Gold Coast hotel, you’ll leave the Surfers Paradise skyline in your wake as you venture towards the Gold Coast Hinterland and Tamborine Mountain. But rather than follow the conventional roads, your tour takes the more adventurous route – a private mountainside trail comfortably traversed in our luxury Mercedes 4WD vehicle. You’ll stop for a panoramic photo opportunity overlooking the coast and continue upwards, ready to explore Tamborine Mountain.
And explore you will – first on a leisurely, fully-guided rainforest bushwalk through Tamborine National Park. Your guide will explain your subtropical surrounds, pointing out significant trees, wildlife and historical features as you descend towards picturesque Curtis Falls. Freshly baked morning tea of delicious scones with jam and cream with tea and coffee awaits your return, and then it’s off to Gallery Walk, the hub of Tamborine Mountain’s arts and crafts community, for some free time.
It’s then time to descend into the beautiful Sarabah Valley to our private lunch venue, Spring Gully. Tucked away amidst 400 acres of farmland and with all the appeal of the Aussie outback, you’ll be treated to a BBQ lunch of beef, chicken, fish or a vegetarian option with crisp salad and fresh fruit, plus beer, wine and soft drinks. Cool off with a refreshing dip in a crystal clear, spring fed waterhole (yes, bringing swimmers is recommended!) and try your hand at Boomerang throwing.
But you’re not finished yet. One of Australia’s most scenic and unforgettable drives lies ahead as you climb from the valley floor to the summit of World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, part of the largest continuous, preserved stand of subtropical rainforest anywhere on earth. You’ll traverse the iconic Treetop Walk, Australia’s first canopy-level boardwalk, climb the observation tower some 25m above the forest floor for remarkable bird’s-eye views if you wish, and even feed the colourful wild parrots at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (bird seed is included).
Farewelling this enchanting area, you’ll soak in 300-degree views from the Gold Coast north to Brisbane, and westward towards the Great Divide at Kamarun Lookout, before descending through eucalypt-filled valleys back to the coast.
Your guide will provide commentary throughout your adventure, covering topics such as Gondwana, the region’s geological, indigenous and early pioneer history, and exactly what makes this World Heritage-listed area so special on a global scale. Wildlife-spotting opportunities abound all day, and native birds, reptiles, kangaroos and wallabies are frequently seen.
All this in the Gold Coast’s most comprehensive hinterland day tour, and with no more than 16 people per tour traveling in luxury Mercedes 4WD vehicles, you’re assured a personalised, memorable experience.

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a comprehensive, full-day Australian wildlife and rainforest adventure. Our Window to the Wilderness tour strikes a perfect balance, taking in multiple iconic destinations and experiences and spending long enough in every location without racing against the clock.

No other full-day rainforest tour departing the Gold Coast has so many inclusions, and we pride ourselves on genuine, friendly service and providing informative, entertaining tours for guests of all ages and backgrounds.