Tamborine Mountain, Australia is one of our favourite escapes in south-east Queensland. Perched at 550 metres above sea level in the Scenic Rim, this rainforest plateau is home to some of the best short walks in the state, along with cascading Mount Tamborine waterfalls, basalt gorges and glow-worm colonies tucked into the rainforest.



Whether you're planning a quick day trip up from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, or you're keen to make a proper weekend of it with camping Tamborine Mountain has to offer, this plateau rewards a bit of planning. The terrain shifts quickly from easy boardwalks to steep rainforest stairs, the weather can turn cooler than you'd expect at altitude, and the right footwear makes a real difference on the wetter tracks. So here's our full guide to the trails, tips and gear worth packing before you head up to QLD 4272 — whether you're back down the mountain by dinner or staying the night.

Tamborine mountain hiking guide: trails, tips and gear for your next trip

Best walking trails on Mount Tamborine

Tamborine National Park is split into several sections, each with its own character. Curtis Falls, in the Joalah section, is our pick for first-timers – a short, moderately graded track through wet eucalypt forest and rainforest, ending at a rock pool beneath the falls (swimming isn't permitted, but it's a beautiful spot to rest).

 
For something easier, the Cedar Creek Falls lookout circuit is stroller and wheelchair-accessible and still delivers sweeping gorge views. If you're after a longer walk, the Sandy Creek circuit at The Knoll takes you out to Cameron Falls, while the Witches Falls Circuit winds through Queensland's very first national park, gazetted back in 1908.

What to wear on Tamborine Mountain trails

The terrain on Mount Tamborine ranges from flat, accessible boardwalks to steep, slippery stairs down to the falls, so footwear matters more than people expect. We've put together an ultimate guide to hiking in sandals vs hiking shoes in Australia if you're not sure what suits the rainforest conditions. Browse our full hiking range for footwear and layers, and check out our men's clothing collection for breathable options that handle the humidity on the mountain.

Camping Tamborine Mountain: gear for an overnight stay

If you're staying longer than a day, Tamborine Mountain has some lovely camping spots dotted around the plateau. Our camping range covers everything you'll need on the mountain, and if you're carrying gear in on foot, our multi-day backpacks are built to handle a proper overnight hike.



For a shelter that suits the changeable Scenic Rim weather, our tents range has you covered, and our Mont Moondance 2-person tent guide is worth a read if you want something lightweight and reliable.

For inspiration on making a weekend of it, our story on a tipi camping trip with family, cooking and fishing is a fun read, and our ultimate camping gear checklist makes sure nothing gets left behind.

Gear reviews worth checking before you go

If you're after a trusted brand for your Mount Tamborine trip, our Fjällräven Australia gear review breaks down what's worth the investment for Australian conditions, from rainforest humidity to cooler mountain evenings.

Why shop with PAST Outdoors

We've helped thousands of hikers and campers across the country get properly geared up, and it's our first-hand experience on trails like these that shapes what we stock.

We explain more about our background in why PAST Outdoors is the best camping store in Sydney, NSW, but the short version is: we only sell gear we'd genuinely use ourselves on trips like a Tamborine Mountain hike.

Ready to plan your trip? Explore our full range online and get sorted before you head up.