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Thunderbird Park

4.3
·3k reviews·Tamborine Mountain, Australia

Adventure awaits at Thunderbird Park! From soaring high ropes to digging for treasures and operating excavators, it's a family fun destination.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Full range of activities available

CrowdHigh
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Rock Pools

Thunderbird Park

Best Time

Weekends

Full range of activities available

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Adventure awaits at Thunderbird Park! From soaring high ropes to digging for treasures and operating excavators, it's a family fun destination.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"Kids had an absolute ball at the high ropes course and gem fossicking!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Adventure Courses Ahead

Popular high ropes and other adventure activities fill up fast. Book online to guarantee your spot! :ticket:

Pack for the Dig Site

Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water for gem fossicking – it gets hot and dusty! :sunwithface:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

High Ropes Adventure

High Ropes Adventure

Adventure Park

Soar through the trees on thrilling aerial obstacle courses. Fun for all ages!

Gem Fossicking

Gem Fossicking

Dig Site

Unearth treasures and discover fascinating rocks. A dusty but rewarding family activity.

Dig It! Excavator Experience

Dig It! Excavator Experience

Dig It! Area

Operate real excavators in a safe, fun environment. Kids love this hands-on adventure.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Adventure

Thunderbird Park offers thrilling activities like high ropes and gem fossicking. Book in advance, especially for popular adventure courses, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Consider the weather; it can get dusty and hot, so pack essentials.

Picnic & Dig Smart

While a cafe is available, many visitors opt for picnics. Note that public seating is limited, so bring your own picnic blanket or portable BBQs. For gem fossicking, hats and water are a must, and a little extra guidance from staff would enhance the experience for kids.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Full range of activities available
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
School holidays
Why
Special events and activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

$45 for tickets.book as they sell out quick.New attraction kids can learn to operate 1.7 tonne excavators 📍Thunderbird Park. Cnr Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tambourine Mountain #digit #thunderbirdpark #parentsoftiktok #mums #dads #thingstodowithkids #activityforkids #machinery #excavator #kids #Vlog #review #goldcoast #epic #fyp #sandpit #toddlersoftiktok #mustvisit #mom #bobthebuilder #onsite #dig
@cyansocial
161.5K likes • 3M views

Book Adventure Courses Ahead

Popular high ropes and other adventure activities fill up fast. Book online to guarantee your spot! :ticket:

Pack for the Dig Site

Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water for gem fossicking – it gets hot and dusty! :sunwithface:

🥚✨ Wait until you see what we discovered inside our BIGGEST thunderegg… 👀💎 We mined 200 million year old crystals at the Thunderegg Crystal Mine, right here at Mt Tamborine. @Thunderegg and Crystal Mine Just 1 hour from Brisbane (or 45 mins from the Gold Coast) — it’s the ultimate family adventure filled with digging, cracking, and crystal hunting magic. Would you have guessed what was hiding ins...
@the.experience.mama
7.6K likes • 305.5K views
An unforgettable day out at Dig IT Thunderbird Park #brisbanekids #getoutside #thisisqueensland #thunderbirdpark
brisbanekidsofficial
174 likes • 13.8K views

Picnic Preparedness

Limited public seating. Bring your own picnic blanket or portable BBQs for a comfy lunch. :sandwich:

Dig It! Time Limit

The Dig It! excavator experience offers unlimited time for $65, making it great value for kids. :moneybag:

Feathers, laughter, and a touch of magic 🐦✨ Thunderbird Park in Mount Tamborine — where the locals have wings and zero fear of strangers! #ThunderbirdPark #MountTamborine #VisitTamborine #QueenslandAdventures #TravelQueensland #NatureLovers #BirdFeeding #WildlifeExperience #ExploreTamborine #TravelAustralia #ThisIsQueensland #WanderlustAustralia
wanderlust_nsk
13 likes • 489 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Adventure Courses Ahead

Popular high ropes and other adventure activities fill up fast. Book online to guarantee your spot! :ticket:

Pack for the Dig Site

Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water for gem fossicking – it gets hot and dusty! :sunwithface:

Picnic Preparedness

Limited public seating. Bring your own picnic blanket or portable BBQs for a comfy lunch. :sandwich:

Dig It! Time Limit

The Dig It! excavator experience offers unlimited time for $65, making it great value for kids. :moneybag:

Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Thunderbird Park is a beloved spot for family adventures, with the high ropes course and unique Dig It! excavator experience receiving high praise. While some areas show signs of age, the overall atmosphere is fun and engaging. Visitors appreciate the hands-on activities, though some note limited public seating and a desire for more staff guidance at the fossicking site.

"Kids had an absolute ball at the high ropes course. Was a little disappointed that there was no public seating/BBQ areas to have a picnic lunch while waiting. I understand that there is a cafe for people to enjoy but when the cost of the activities is quite high we wanted to do our own lunch. Thankfully there was a grassy patch of grass and we took some gas BBQs of our own. A really relaxed enjoyable afternoon."

Danielles Days Out

"It's a great adventure with my lil one , who has enjoyed every bit of but I feel the timings abit shorter of only 4 mins per ride but we will see you again next to dig it out cheers , we have a great time"

ROnn1E Sharma

"Fossicking was a great activity for the kids - very dusty and hot in the sun (make sure you take a hat and bottle of water).

A suggestion - it would be nice if a few staff were up in the dig site to help kids identify areas to dig or rocks that 'might' be worth taking down to be cut.

Whilst some parts of the park are looking a little tired it was still a fun day out overall."

Sawyer Smith

What People Like

Thrilling high ropes course
Exciting Dig It! excavators
Fun gem fossicking for kids

What People Dislike

Limited public seating
Some areas look tired

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thunderbird Park is located on Tamborine Mountain. Driving is the most common way, approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from the Gold Coast. There are no direct public transport options, so consider a car or ride-sharing service. Reddit

Yes, ample parking is available at Thunderbird Park. It's generally free for visitors, making it convenient for those driving. Reddit

Absolutely! Thunderbird Park is a popular destination for day trips from the Gold Coast and Brisbane, offering a variety of activities to fill your day. Reddit

Driving is highly recommended for flexibility. The scenic drive up Tamborine Mountain offers beautiful views. If you don't have a car, consider organized tours or ride-sharing services. Reddit

Currently, there are no dedicated shuttle services directly to Thunderbird Park. Visitors typically drive or arrange private transport. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the park grounds is generally free, but specific activities like the high ropes course, gem fossicking, and Dig It! excavator experience have separate fees. Check their website for current pricing. Reddit

It's highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for the adventure activities like the high ropes course, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Opening hours can vary depending on the season and specific activities. It's best to check the official Thunderbird Park website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours. Reddit

Thunderbird Park sometimes offers package deals for multiple activities or family passes. Keep an eye on their website or social media for any promotions. Reddit

While some activities might be available for on-the-day purchase, booking in advance is strongly advised, particularly for the high ropes course, to ensure availability. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Key attractions include the high ropes course, gem fossicking, mini-golf, the Dig It! excavator experience, and beautiful natural surroundings for walks. Reddit

Yes, Thunderbird Park is very family-friendly. Activities like gem fossicking and the Dig It! excavator experience are particularly great for younger kids, with some high ropes courses also catering to them. Reddit

Wear comfortable, casual clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, especially if you plan on doing the high ropes course or fossicking. Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection. Reddit

Restrooms are available. While there's a cafe, public seating and BBQ areas are limited, so many visitors bring their own picnic blankets and portable BBQs. Reddit

Most visitors spend a full day at Thunderbird Park to enjoy a variety of activities. You can easily spend 4-6 hours or more, especially with kids. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Thunderbird Park has a cafe offering food and drinks. However, many visitors choose to bring their own picnic lunches due to limited public seating. Reddit

Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is common, especially for picnics. Just be mindful of where you set up and clean up after yourselves. Reddit

Public BBQ facilities are limited. Some visitors bring their own portable BBQs, but it's advisable to check park regulations regarding their use. Reddit

The cafe typically offers standard cafe fare like sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. It's a convenient option if you prefer not to pack your own food. Reddit

Bringing a picnic is generally more budget-friendly, especially for families. The cafe can be a convenient but more expensive option. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the lush rainforest canopy from the high ropes course, the unique textures of the rocks during gem fossicking, and the excited faces of kids operating excavators. Reddit

It's generally not recommended or permitted to take photos while actively on the high ropes course for safety reasons. You can take photos before and after your climb. Reddit

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing the diverse activities. For the natural scenery, a wide-angle lens can be useful. Ensure your gear is protected from dust at the fossicking site. Reddit

The natural rainforest setting provides many scenic spots. Look for clearings and elevated points for panoramic views, especially during the drive up Tamborine Mountain. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and private recreational areas for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check Thunderbird Park's specific drone policy before flying. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Thunderbird Park is a fantastic destination for families. The gem fossicking and Dig It! excavator experience are huge hits with younger children, offering hands-on fun and excitement. The high ropes course has options for various ages, ensuring everyone can find an adventure. Reddit

Pro-tip: Pack plenty of water, hats, and sunscreen, especially for the fossicking area. Consider bringing your own picnic as public seating is limited. Booking adventure activities in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment during peak times. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While some activities like the high ropes course can add up, Thunderbird Park offers value. Entry to the park grounds is free, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty. Bringing your own picnic is a great way to save money on food, as cafe prices can be higher. Reddit

Focus on activities like gem fossicking, which offers a rewarding experience for a set fee, or simply enjoy exploring the park's natural trails. Look out for any package deals that might offer discounts for booking multiple activities. Reddit

🌿 Nature Lovers

Nestled on Tamborine Mountain, Thunderbird Park is surrounded by beautiful rainforest scenery. Take time to explore the walking trails and enjoy the natural environment. The park's location offers a refreshing escape into nature. Reddit

While the focus is on adventure activities, the natural setting provides a peaceful backdrop. The drive up Tamborine Mountain itself is scenic, offering glimpses of the lush landscape. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of the High Ropes

Thunderbird Park's high ropes course is a major drawcard, offering a series of challenging aerial obstacles suspended high in the trees. Participants navigate suspended bridges, wobbly logs, and zip lines, all while securely harnessed. The courses are designed with varying difficulty levels, making them accessible to a range of ages and fitness levels, though some may find it physically demanding. It's an exhilarating way to experience the rainforest from a unique perspective. Reddit

Many visitors rave about the sense of accomplishment after completing the course. It's important to note that booking in advance is crucial, as sessions often sell out. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, and be prepared for a workout. The park provides all necessary safety equipment and a briefing before you begin your adventure. Reddit

Unearthing Treasures: Gem Fossicking

The gem fossicking area at Thunderbird Park offers a hands-on experience where visitors can sift through dirt and gravel to discover a variety of rocks and semi-precious stones. This activity is particularly popular with families and children, providing an engaging way to learn about geology. While the experience is fun, reviewers note that it can be quite dusty and hot under the sun, so sun protection and hydration are essential. Reddit

Some visitors have suggested that having staff present in the dig site to offer guidance on identifying potential treasures or areas to focus on would enhance the experience. Despite this, the thrill of discovery makes it a memorable activity. Remember to bring your own water bottles and hats, and be prepared for a bit of a mess – it’s all part of the fun! Reddit

Dig It! A Unique Excavator Adventure

For a truly unique experience, the Dig It! excavator attraction allows children (and adults!) to operate real mini excavators in a safe, controlled environment. This hands-on activity is a massive hit with younger visitors, offering them the chance to dig, scoop, and move dirt like professional construction workers. The $65 fee for this experience is often described as great value, especially as it allows for unlimited time on the machines. Reddit

Reviewers highlight how much children enjoy this activity, with many not wanting to leave. It's a fantastic way to provide a memorable and exciting experience that's different from typical park attractions. The Dig It! area is well-managed, ensuring safety while maximizing the fun factor for its participants. Reddit

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