Family-friendly things to do in the Gondwana Rainforests

For family-friendly things to do in South East Queensland, look no further than the Gondwana Rainforests. Straddling the southern Queensland and northern New South Wales border, Gondwana is the remains of the oldest rainforest on Earth – it’s literally like stepping back in time.

Comprising Lamington, Springbrook, Mount Barney and Main Range National Parks, these combined UNESCO World Heritage-listed beauties make up some of the most incredible, beautiful, and unique landscapes, and make the perfect backdrop for a family-friendly adventure.

In Gondwana, it’s less screen time, more green time with forest walks and nature encounters top of the agenda. Skip the screentime and head to the hinterland for the best things to do with the family in the Gondwana Rainforests.

Search for bush tucker

Foster inquisitive minds with a guided trek for locally grown bush tucker. Both Mount Barney Lodge and Binna Burra Lodge offer family-friendly activities for kids bursting to explore their surroundings.

Led by expert guides, tours head off the beaten track and include identifying traditional bush foods (and tasting them, if you’re game), learning about the unique flora growing in Gondwana – and spotting some incredible local wildlife along the way.

Go out after dark

To see a completely different side of the Gondwana Rainforests head out after dark at Mt Barney Lodge, where the forest’s nightlife really comes alive. Perfect for all ages, the lodge’s night adventure takes young adventurers out on a twilight creek walk and short hike around the expansive property to spot native animals – wallabies, possums, bandicoots, sugar gliders, even a glossy Black Cockatoo or two – before ending the evening’s activities with house-made damper and sausages around the campfire.

Tackle a trek

For a quintessential day out for all the family, complete one of Gondwana Rainforests iconic walking trials. Lamington, Springbrook, Mt Barney and Main Range National Parks each boast some incredibly beautiful hikes, ranging from relaxing strolls to multi-day treks through some of Australia’s most rugged landscapes.

The loops to Natural Bridge, Morans Falls and Queen Mary Falls are perfect for young families, with the lesser-known (and often quieter trail) at Mt Cordeaux a family-friendly hike on the northern side of Cunninghams Gap that won’t feel too strenuous on parents or little ones.

If you’ve got older, keener teenagers with (hidden) energy to burn, tackle the Scenic Rim Trail’s four-day adventure through Main Range National Park. Experienced hikers will relish the challenge through rugged terrain, and the elegant camping sites dotted along the trail make the experience unforgettable.

Want to really test the family ties? Ionic Queensland trail, the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk’s 54km odyssey snakes through the region and will be a bonding experience for all involved. Use this guide so you know what you’re in for. But then, you already know, don’t you…

Bask in the light of glow worms

So beautiful is the glow worm ‘light show’ at Natural Bridge, visitors come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of this incredible display of nature. Join a guided tour of Natural Bridge from O’Reilly’s as the sun fades for an up-close experience with Australia’s largest population of glow worms. Covering the roof of Natural Bridge’s magnificent, vaulted grotto, the bioluminescence of millions of glow worms casts an otherworldly light across both the cave walls and Natural Bridge’s waterfall.

Have a BBQ beside a waterfall

Trade your next backyard BBQ for one of Gondwana Rainforests most beautiful backdrops. A popular pit-stop after walking the easy 1km trail to Queen Mary Falls, BBQ and picnic facilities are set amongst the fragrant eucalypt forests and verdant ferns, earning the reputation as some of the prettiest BBQ facilities going.

Walk ancient tree canopies

Suitable for all ages the Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk is an insanely pretty 1.9km loop through the canopy of Gondwana’s ancient rainforest. Come face-to-face with the forest’s native butterflies and birdlife as you navigate across nine suspension bridges, all 15m above the rainforest floor! The views speak for themselves and the thrill of running across the ‘wobbly’ bridges will keep smiles on dials for the whole day.

Be eco rangers for the day

Designed to keep all ages entertained during the school holidays, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat boasts a smorgasbord of family-friendly activities in the heart of Lamington National Park.

Their popular ‘Eco Rangers’ program gives kids the chance to learn all about the rainforest (and its famous inhabitants) through their dedicated ranger team.

From exploring the rainforest floor to identifying wildlife by searching for dens and hollows, scavenger hunts, team games, crafts time, to learning to build a campfire (responsibly) after dark, this is a dream day for any budding wildlife lover. Parents, meanwhile, will find themselves at a loose end – and, crucially, kid-free.

Chase waterfalls

Laying eyes on a monstrous waterfall is as heart-racing for adults as it is for kids. And in the Gondwana Rainforests, there’s no shortage of falls to chase, gaze at or swim in. Seek out the iconic Morans Falls for easy walking tracks and a famous lookout point, the mighty Purling Brook Falls with its mighty 100m drop or rally the whole family on a day’s hike to Cronan Creek Secret Falls in Mt Barney National Park.

Camp among 3,000-year-old trees

Stumped for ideas on a few days away with the family in tow? One of the best things to do with the whole family in Gondwana is planning a camping trip. With no end of picturesque camping sites across four national parks, you’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to embracing the great outdoors.

Fans of minimalist camping will feel right at home at both Main Range National Park camping and Springbrook National Park camping spots, while Mount Barney Wilderness camping sites and cabins are perfect for larger groups. Camping permits are a must, as are walking shoes for the more remote camping grounds – bonus points if you remember the campfire snacks.

For even more family-friendly  inspiration, check out these family friendly activities for your Gold Coast trip.