Day trip from Brisbane to Mount Tamborine
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 23 Jun 2026
When you’re in Brisbane, there’s no need to spend days on the road to find breathtaking views. With just over an hour’s drive southward, you’ll be rewarded by forest hikes, small-town food scenes, and beautiful vineyards in Mount Tamborine. Spend a day in the hinterlands with a rental car from Brisbane and use VroomVroomVroom’s day trip guide so you don’t miss out on the highlights of Tamborine Mountain.
Brisbane to Mount Tamborine day trip itinerary
Tamborine National Park
Glow Worm Caves
Canungra
Brisbane to Mount Tamborine: Key facts
| From | To | Distance & duration |
| Brisbane | Tamborine National Park | 68 km & 1 hour |
| Tamborine National Park | Glow Worm Caves | 8 km & 15 minutes |
| Glow Worm Caves | Canungra | 13 km & 20 minutes |
| Brisbane | Canungra | 89 km & 1 hour 35 minutes |
All distances in kilometres, calculated on the shortest direct route by car with Google Maps. Distances and trip times correct as of 23 June 2026.
Hike and unwind in Tamborine National Park
Most areas inside Tamborine National Park are open 24 hours, meaning you’re free to start your day trip as early as you want. Leave Brisbane early in the morning to catch the cool temperatures and head to the Rainforest Skywalk — pack a rain jacket in case of slight drizzles. You’ll find several plant species along the ground-level Curtis Falls track and Sandy Creek Circuit; flooded gums, piccabeen palms, and other native plants found in the Gold Coast. Adding to the ambience are sounds of wildlife, with the Albert’s lyrebird leading the band of songbirds — pittas and Australian Australian brush-turkeys among them — while pademelons forage in the undergrowth. As the national park is situated less than an hour from the Gold Coast by car, preservation efforts go toward the protection of these native species amidst urban development.
Tamborine National Park also includes the natural rock pools in Cedar Creek Falls. Best experienced in the warmer months, the rock pools’ waters are cool, swimmable, and safe for kids, making it a recommended stop after hikes. The rock pools are only accessible by the forest walking trails, so wear shoes or sandals to better negotiate the slippery paths — insect repellent spray might come in handy, too. While Cedar Creek Falls is open during daytime, be aware that water levels rise in certain weather conditions and management prohibits access when the waters are deemed unsafe.
How far: Tamborine National Park is a 68-km drive from Brisbane.
Drive time: It will take you about an hour to drive from Brisbane to Tamborine National Park.
Take an immersive photowalk at the glow worm caves
Head out to Tamborine Mountain’s glow worm caves for an in-depth tour of the conservation site led by biologists and the caretakers themselves. Opened in 2005, the human-made glow-worm caves serve as habitats for fungus gnats that exhibit bioluminescence in their larval stage. As the self-sufficient species thrive in grottos and caves, taking photos inside the glow-worm caves can prove to be challenging. Meanwhile, wildlife photographers and animal lovers alike will enjoy the various wildlife that reside in the area, including land mullets, kookaburras, and rainbow lorikeets.
The photo walk continues about two kilometres from the glow-worm caves, with numerous lookout points to choose from. One of the popular spots is the Rotary Lookout, featuring a panoramic view of the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim. Nearby is Robert Sowter Park, high enough to let you watch hang gliders and paragliders pass by as you lay on the grass or enjoy a picnic basket until sunset. Both frequented by residents and tourists, the lookouts are located near car parks, though expect limited parking spaces and congested traffic conditions during weekends, school holidays, and peak times between 10 am and 3 pm.
How far: The distance between Tamborine National Park and the glow worm caves is 8 km.
Drive time: Driving from Tamborine National Park to the glow worm caves will take about 15 minutes.
Wine, dine, and feast your eyes in Canungra
Five minutes into your southbound drive is the iconic St Bernards Hotel, dating from the 1880s, where a pair of resident Saint Bernards will greet you at the entrance. Continue driving for about 15 minutes to Canungra and cap off your day trip with delicious food and homegrown wine. A small town in the Gold Coast hinterlands, Canungra is filled with architectural remnants of its past in sawmilling and timber trade making self-guided walking tours well worth your time. The historic town is now home to world-class wineries, bed-and-breakfasts, and restaurants, with family-owned vineyards hosting private events, wine-tasting, and curated meals.
If you’re in luck, you might catch a rodeo show at the Canungra Showground in Coburg Road, hosted by the Canungra Show Society. More than a small-town horse event, the rodeo show is held only once a year and promotes local businesses by opening food stalls and carnival rides that friends and families will enjoy. The highlight of the event may appeal to adults and horseback riders, but on the sidelines you’ll find puppet shows, magic shows, face painting and circus acts for the younger audiences. Each Canungra Show ends with a fireworks display and a live band to keep the night going.
How far: From the glow worm caves, you must drive 13 km to reach Canungra.
Drive time: Canungra is about 20 minutes away from the glow worm caves by car.
Driving tips for a Brisbane to Mount Tamborine trip
When travelling in and outside Brisbane, it’s important that you plan your drive with peak times and seasons in mind. With Mount Tamborine located near Brisbane and the Gold Coast, you may encounter heavy traffic during the weekday rush hours, weekends, and school holidays. There are no toll roads along the way from Brisbane to Tamborine Mountain, and the roads leading to the national park and its surrounds are sealed and safe for hire cars. If you’re planning to visit deeper areas of the forest, remember that taking a hire car off-roading is prohibited and subject to damage fines.
When is the best time to visit Mount Tamborine?
Tamborine Mountain is best visited outside the rainy months, in the autumn from March to May and winter months June to August, especially if you’re spending most of your time in the rainforest. The daily maximum temperatures in the autumn don’t go past 25 °C (77 °F), while winter temperatures can drop to 17 °C (63 °F) and below, making your long forest walks and afternoon naps at the park comfortable and cool. The rainiest months in Mount Tamborine are between December and March, and if your trip falls within these months — which we don’t encourage — gear up with umbrellas, raincoats, and mud-friendly boots.
Best car to take on a Mount Tamborine day trip
Compact cars similar to the Suzuki Swift and Toyota Yaris make for great day trip cars. The drive down to the national park and its surrounding areas are on sealed roads and protected carparks. If you’re travelling with one or a few friends with no plans to kayak or hitch a tent, a compact car is cost-efficient, manageable through heavy traffic, and small enough to drive through narrow roads and park in tight spaces.
Can I take a campervan to Mount Tamborine?
Yes, campervans and motorhomes are permitted in Tamborine Mountain, with holiday parks and camping areas located in certain areas, however Tamborine National Park forbids on-site camping with a campervan due to limited space and facilities. Be aware that some roads in Canungra may be too narrow for wide vehicles. If you’re visiting small towns and passing residential areas during your day trip, consider the size of your vehicle and choose a different route.
Are SUVs and 4WDs allowed in Mount Tamborine?
Yes, SUVs and 4WDs are allowed in Mount Tamborine and are well-suited to family trips. The spacious interiors and expansive seating space allow your passengers to sit comfortably during the drive. If you’re travelling with kids and need to bring a change of clothes for the rainforest walk and rock pool swim, large vehicles have wide compartments to carry all your luggage, backpacks, and even a huge cooler. You can convert this space into seating and a table for food, in case the picnic areas in your destination are occupied.
How about electric vehicles?
Driving an electric vehicle from Brisbane to Tamborine Park means you won’t have to pay for petrol, though if you’re renting an electric vehicle, as with cars running on fuel, you must return the car charged up to the agreed upon level stated in your Rental Agreement. As of 2026, the network of charging stations in Brisbane continues to expand, so you won’t be short on options during your day trip. While EVs are convenient road trip cars thanks to the smooth driving experience and quiet technology, know that EVs take longer to charge compared to fuelling up petrol cars.
Tips for renting a car or campervan in Brisbane
Flying into Brisbane for a day? Rent a car in Brisbane Airport or take a shuttle to a nearby off-airport rental company. Car pickup locations differ for domestic and international passengers, so contact your hire car provider and confirm the details of your car rental collection before your arrival.
If you need more amenities for your trip, hire a campervan in Brisbane suitable for the drive to Tamborine Mountain and the surrounds. Be aware that size restrictions apply when you’re visiting national parks, lookouts, and hinterland towns. For this day trip, consider renting a Class B campervan for its compact size.
Present a valid driving licence along with the necessary documents, at the rental car desk to collect your rental car. Be aware that drivers under 25 usually attract a young driver surcharge, depending on the provider.
Some areas in the Tamborine National Park are wheelchair accessible, so renting a wheelchair-accessible vehicle such as the Kia Carnival makes sense.
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around Australia by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
