The Gold Coast is internationally recognised for its 72 kilometres of legendary beaches. However just 30 minutes to the west of the city, rolling rural landscapes give way to more than 100,000 hectares of national parks and reserves. No wonder this very natural city is Australia’s most bio-diverse.
Attractions like Paradise Country can allow you to feed kangaroos and cuddle koalas while the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to get a hands-on education about our native flora and fauna. To experience nature in its purest form head to the Gold Coast hinterland where you’ll find Tambourine, Lamington and Springbrook National Parks.
Celebrate our history of preservation with a visit to Tamborine National Park’s Witches Falls, part of Queensland’s first National Park. Or step back into the earth’s evolutionary history by walking through the ancient Gondwana Rainforests on the 54 kilometre-long Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk.
Add the calming rhythm of horse hooves to the bird calls of the rainforest on the Currumbin Horse Riding Farm or experience rainforest life like never before, from a 180 metre long suspended bridge high in the rainforest canopy on O’Reilly’s Treetop Walk.
For a little nature by night, take a tour over an ancient volcano into a black velvet sky lit with one of Australia’s largest glow worm colonies in Springbrook National Park. On the Gold Coast there are natural attractions to suit every taste, fitness level and budget.
Accredited ecotourism operators employ sustainable development to maintain the regions rich diversity of wildlife. All ECO Certified tours, accommodation and attractions have been assessed and audited under Ecotourism Australia's world leading certification program.