Mount Tamborine

Visited: autumn and winter

Recommendation: This is a stunning area with plenty of rainforest and tracks. Birding can be a bit tricky but it is definitely worth a visit.

Mount Tamborine is not a single peak, but rather a volcanic plateau or ridgeline that forms a distinct geographical feature in the Gold Coast Hinterland of Southeast Queensland, Australia. Its unique geography along this ridgeline is a direct result of its powerful geological history. The ridgeline is characterized by steep escarpments and dramatic cliffs on its eastern and western sides. These cliffs offer spectacular panoramic views out over the Gold Coast and the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the scenic rim and Great Dividing Range to the west.

The high annual rainfall (around 1550mm) on the plateau infiltrates easily into the deep soils, feeding subsurface streams and basins. This leads to the formation of numerous waterfalls, cascades, and rock pools along the escarpments, particularly after rain. Witches Falls, Curtis Falls, and Cedar Creek Falls are prominent examples that plunge over the basalt cliffs. Furthermore, the constant erosion by water has carved out deep gullies and ravines along the flanks of the plateau. These sheltered areas often retain dense subtropical rainforest, contrasting with the more open eucalypt forests on the higher, more exposed parts of the ridgeline.

The Tamborine National Park is not a single contiguous block but rather comprises 12 separate sections scattered across the plateau and its surrounding foothills. This fragmented nature reflects the historical land clearing for agriculture and timber, with the national park protecting the remaining pockets of pristine rainforest and unique geological features. This makes it a place you need to stay at in order to explore.

Satin Bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus)

I was staying locally at a glorious house sit and I found that the lush vegetation and associated birds meant there was plenty of see. Whipbirds called from the undergrowth and Satin Bowerbirds bounced around on the lawn and visited the bird bath. I was fascinated by this young male bird that was obviously moulting into its adult colours. 

Other common visitors were the rosella. This is the white-cheeked form of the Pale-headed Rosella. It is very different to the blue-cheeked form found further north in Queensland. Interesting how one small feature seems to change the whole colouring of a bird. They were very shy and I only got a couple of shots of them. Much more brazen was the Pied Butcherbird. There were a couple of adults and several youngsters being taught how to forage for worms. They were wonderful to watch and listen to. 

The Laughing Kookaburra were fairly common here, often waking me up at dawn with their characteristic cackle. An unexpected visitor  was a Pacific Heron with stunning plumage. I love how their slatey blue colours can transform in the right light to show purples and reds.

There are many different walking trails in the area. Most take you down the ridge into thick rainforest. The Curtis Falls Walk is a great one to start with through wet eucalypt forest which transitions into lush rainforest, leading to a rock pool at the base of Curtis Falls. The area is known for glow-worm habitat.

I mostly went on the Witches Falls Circuit. It winds down a steep slope through open banksia forest and into rainforest with cyclad groves, seasonal lagoons, and enormous strangler figs, leading to the lookout platform for Witches Falls (which flows best after rain). Unfortunately, after rain, it becomes very muddy and difficult to walk. It is a good place to hear (and if you are lucky, glimpse) birds like the Super Lyrebird and Noisy Pitta. 

The MacDonald Rainforest Circuit is also a short and easy rainforest walk to experience towering strangler figs and lush groves of piccabeen palms, although it too can become very muddy.