Gold Coast

Wollumbin—the “Fighting Chief of the Mountains”—is the caldera rim of an ancient shield volcano, and its near‑perfect symmetry makes it one of the most recognisable silhouettes on the eastern seaboard. The 13‑kilometre return hike to the summit is a rite of passage for hikers: the trail climbs through subtropical rainforest thick with booyong trees and red‑cedar, then breaks into gnarled montane heath near the top. Reaching the southern platform as dawn spills over the Tweed Valley is transcendent; on clear mornings you’ll see the Gold Coast skyline, Byron Bay and the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon. The mountain is deeply sacred to the Bundjalung people, and climbing is a privilege, not a right—visitors are asked to tread lightly, listen to interpretive signage and refrain from loud or disrespectful behaviour.

Suspended high in the canopy of the ancient Gondwana Rainforests, the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk offers a bird’s-eye perspective of one of Australia’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Located on Tamborine Mountain, this 1.5-kilometer eco-trail begins with a winding boardwalk through the forest floor, where ferns unfurl at your feet and the calls of whipbirds and catbirds echo through the trees. The highlight is the cantilevered steel bridge that extends dramatically over the rainforest canopy, providing a thrilling vantage point 15 meters above the ground. From here, you can gaze out over a sea of green, spotting epiphytes, vines, and the occasional land mullet sunning itself on a branch. The walk culminates at the Forest Skywalk, a series of steel platforms that allow you to immerse yourself in the treetops without leaving the ground. It’s a family-friendly experience that combines gentle adventure with environmental education, making it a perfect introduction to the wonders of the Scenic Rim’s World Heritage-listed rainforests.