4 WD Mountain Safari (full day)
Travel beyond the beaches to Nature’s Paradise, the World Heritage Listed Rainforests of Lamington National Park and Tamborine Mountain. Sweeping views, cascading waterfalls and some awesome four wheel driving make this an exciting and unforgettable day.
Your “Window to the Wilderness” tour begins on Queensland’s Gold Coast, truly a holiday paradise. However, a short distance beyond the beaches another paradise awaits, Nature’s Paradise, the World Heritage Listed Rainforests of Lamington National Park. The trek into the Hinterland region follows the original pioneer’s track to the volcanic plateau of Tamborine Mountain. This area of secluded eucalyptus forests provides a private sanctuary for koala,s wallabies and other unique Australian wildlife.
Upon arrival at Tamborine Mountain, you can enjoy a break for morning tea with delicious fresh scones served with jams, cream, tea and coffee. There will also be time to browse through the craft and gift shops on the Mountain's Gallery Walk.
The day with nature continues as the four-wheel drive negotiates mountainside tracks. We might encounter a shy koala sleeping the day away in a gum tree, catch a glimpse of a resident wallaby or come across a goanna basking in the sun. Who knows what other natural experiences lie ahead as we travel deeper into the bush?
Time to stretch the legs when guides, who are renowned for their local knowledge and expertise, escort you on a leisurely bush walk. Discover lush subtropical rainforests with cascading waterfalls, learn about the forest's unique characteristics, how the Aboriginal people gathered food from the forest floor, and the animals and birds that call the area home.
Lunch time, getting hungry? Tucked away in the Aussie bush beside a crystal clear creek is our unique lunch venue “Spring Gully”. With all the appeal of ‘The Outback” yet only a short distance from the Gold coast, this property provides the ideal venue for a delicious BBQ lunch with all the trimmings. Mouth-watering beefsteaks, chicken, fish or vegetarian meals accompanied by crisp salads and fresh fruit. Entertainment includes a whip cracking demonstration and everyone is encouraged to participate, often with hilarious results! On a hot summer’s day, nearby cool waters and rock pools provide the opportunity for a refreshing swim so it is recommended that guests bring their swimsuits.
Following lunch, the tour continues on into the mountainous regions of Lamington National Park (Australia’s largest preserved natural stand of subtropical rainforest). At O’Reilly’s Plateau, some 914 metres (3,000 feet )above sea level, colourful native birds congregate and can be hand fed. The Treetop Boardwalk through the rainforest canopy offers a bird’s eye view of this enchanting area, especially for those who climb the observation tower, while a browse through Gran O’Reilly’s Gift Shop will reveal unique souvenirs of your visit to this special place.
Leaving O’Reilly’s, the four-wheel drive heads down to the Kerry Valley along a bush track. The magnificent view of mountains and valleys to the west provide some great photo opportunities. On the return journey to the Gold Coast, sightings of kangaroos are common as they emerge from their bush retreats at dusk to feed on the lush pastures of the Kerry Valley farmlands.
Your luxury touring coast will return to your accommodation by 5.30pm.
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