Camp at Tamborine Mountain Glades and let the kids loose at Thunderbird Park

You’ve packed the 4WD, hitched the camper trailer and promised the kids an adventure. What you probably haven’t promised is another long drive after everyone is tired. Situated in the Gold Coast Hinterland, Tamborine Mountain Glades and Thunderbird Park are in a top spot to stay and play a few days and break up the drive on your QLD road trip.

At Tamborine Mountain Glades, you can set up camp among the trees and make a weekend of Thunderbird Park. The adventure precinct sits on the same Tamborine Mountain property as the campground, putting fossicking, digging machinery, treetop activities and mini golf close to your campsite. There’s plenty to do without packing up your setup each morning.

Set up camp and stay a while

Tamborine Mountain Glades offers powered and unpowered campsites, each with its own designated fire pit. Campers can use the shared amenities, including newer bathroom suites with open-air showers, along with a camp kitchen and laundry. Campfires are permitted subject to fire restrictions.

For families travelling with a camper trailer or a 4WD camping setup, the appeal is having a base for the weekend. Unhitch, sort out the beds and let the kids start thinking about tomorrow’s activities. If you’re bringing a larger trailer or need a particular site layout, check the available sites with the property when you book.

Dig, climb or hunt for thundereggs

Thunderbird Park has plenty to keep different ages occupied. At the Thunderegg Crystal Mine, families can dig for their own finds and have them cut open on site. Fully enclosed shoes are required for the mine, and children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

For kids keen to get up into the canopy, there’s the TreeTop Challenge. Dig IT puts children behind the controls of mini excavators, while adventure mini golf offers something the whole family can do together. Between the booked activities, you can slow things down with rainforest trails and time by the creek and rock pools. Check each activity’s age and participation requirements before promising it to the kids.

Make a weekend of It

The advantage of camping here is that you don’t have to squeeze Thunderbird Park into one frantic day trip. Choose an activity or two, leave time to wander and head back to camp when everyone has had enough. The property also has the Terrace Café for a casual bite and the Rainforest Restaurant if you’d like a night off camp cooking.

If you’re meeting friends who don’t have a camping setup, Tamborine Mountain Glades also offers rooms, glamping tents and self-contained lodges. Everyone can stay on the same property and spend the day together at Thunderbird Park.

Before you go: Thunderbird Park’s activities are separately operated and aren’t included with a campsite booking. Book the experiences your family wants in advance.

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