Looking for the perfect way to spend a weekend day with the family in Australia's Queensland? Just an hour’s drive from Springwood, Tamborine Mountain offers the ideal escape: a mix of nature, adventure and relaxation that everyone can enjoy.
This scenic hinterland gem is part of the beautiful Scenic Rim region and has plenty to keep kids entertained and adults relaxed! Overall, this is an easy, fun and affordable day trip that combines the best of South East Queensland’s rainforests, wildlife and village charm.
Please note that if you're planning on doing this trip with an ex (for the children's sake), it might be worth contacting one of the best Springwood family law solicitors beforehand and having their contact ready at all times during the trip.
We recommend leaving Springwood after an early breakfast: hop in the car and head south-west along the Pacific Motorway before turning inland toward Tamborine Mountain. The drive takes about 55 minutes and winds gently through green hills and quiet country roads (so it’s short enough for little travellers to enjoy without restlessness but long enough to feel like a real getaway).
Family Day Trip from Springwood to Tamborine Mountain
Please note that if you're planning on doing this trip with an ex (for the children's sake), it might be worth contacting one of the best Springwood family law solicitors beforehand and having their contact ready at all times during the trip.
Getting There
We recommend leaving Springwood after an early breakfast: hop in the car and head south-west along the Pacific Motorway before turning inland toward Tamborine Mountain. The drive takes about 55 minutes and winds gently through green hills and quiet country roads (so it’s short enough for little travellers to enjoy without restlessness but long enough to feel like a real getaway).
You’ll know you’ve arrived when the air turns cooler and the trees grow taller - the mountain’s rainforest canopy is your welcome sign!
You could start your adventure with a short family-friendly walk through the rainforest. For example, the Curtis Falls Track is a favourite: an easy 1.5 km return walk shaded by towering trees, leading to a beautiful waterfall (that tumbles into a rock pool)!
Morning: Rainforest Walks & Waterfalls
You could start your adventure with a short family-friendly walk through the rainforest. For example, the Curtis Falls Track is a favourite: an easy 1.5 km return walk shaded by towering trees, leading to a beautiful waterfall (that tumbles into a rock pool)!
Kids usually love spotting brush turkeys and listening for whipbirds, while parents can enjoy the peaceful forest air. If you prefer something different, you might want to try the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, an elevated steel walkway through the treetops that offers amazing views and a gentle thrill for all ages (but perhaps not the best idea for anyone with vertigo).
By midday, it’s time for lunch: option A is stopping for a picnic at one of the mountain’s lush parks, like Tamborine National Park’s Picnic Area near Cedar Creek Falls, where you’ll find grassy spaces, picnic tables and barbecue facilities. Alternatively, you could explore the charming Gallery Walk strip, where you'll find family-friendly cafés serving everything from fresh sandwiches to homemade ice cream. The little shops here are great for a wander too (there are fudge stores and quirky gift boutiques for kids).
For after lunch activities, taking the family to explore more of what makes Tamborine special might be a good idea (provided no one is too tired at this point). For example, you can visit the Glow Worm caves at Cedar Creek Estate: a short guided tour inside a purpose-built cave where thousands of tiny glow worms sparkle in the dark. It’s educational, magical, and completely safe for children!
Lunch: Picnic or Local Café
By midday, it’s time for lunch: option A is stopping for a picnic at one of the mountain’s lush parks, like Tamborine National Park’s Picnic Area near Cedar Creek Falls, where you’ll find grassy spaces, picnic tables and barbecue facilities. Alternatively, you could explore the charming Gallery Walk strip, where you'll find family-friendly cafés serving everything from fresh sandwiches to homemade ice cream. The little shops here are great for a wander too (there are fudge stores and quirky gift boutiques for kids).
Afternoon: More Family Fun & Local Discoveries
For after lunch activities, taking the family to explore more of what makes Tamborine special might be a good idea (provided no one is too tired at this point). For example, you can visit the Glow Worm caves at Cedar Creek Estate: a short guided tour inside a purpose-built cave where thousands of tiny glow worms sparkle in the dark. It’s educational, magical, and completely safe for children!
If your crew enjoys spotting animals, drop by the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, where butterflies, ducks and other colourful birds make frequently appear - and for a sweet finish, you can stop by one of the local ice cream shops before heading home.
To make the most of your day you might want to:
Finally, an important note: if you're feeling unsure about your family situation, it might be worth having the contact of a family law solicitor ready on your phone.
Tamborine Mountain is the kind of destination that reminds families why a simple road trip can be so rewarding: with easy walks, friendly wildlife, tasty food and breathtaking scenery, it’s a stress-free way to reconnect and make memories together. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring glow worm caves or sharing ice cream under the trees, this little piece of paradise is a reminder that you don’t need to go far from Springwood to find an unforgettable day out!
Travel Tips for Families
To make the most of your day you might want to:
- leave early to enjoy the mountain before it gets busy, especially on weekends;
- pack comfortable shoes, hats, sunscreen and bring a change of clothes for little ones (if you plan to visit waterfalls or creeks);
- mobile coverage can be spotty in some forest areas, so it's really worth downloading directions in advance;
- there are several car parks near each main attraction but they can fill up quickly, so arriving before 10am is ideal;
- don’t forget to take reusable water bottles!
Finally, an important note: if you're feeling unsure about your family situation, it might be worth having the contact of a family law solicitor ready on your phone.
Final Thoughts
Tamborine Mountain is the kind of destination that reminds families why a simple road trip can be so rewarding: with easy walks, friendly wildlife, tasty food and breathtaking scenery, it’s a stress-free way to reconnect and make memories together. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring glow worm caves or sharing ice cream under the trees, this little piece of paradise is a reminder that you don’t need to go far from Springwood to find an unforgettable day out!
