Southern Cross Tours

Discover the wonders of the Gold Coast Hinterland with Southern Cross Tours, a trusted, ECO-certified local tour operator. Enjoy a personally guided experience through lush rainforests, abundant flora and fauna, scenic walking trails, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking lookouts. Along the way, sit back and take in the views while enjoying informative on-board commentary from knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Southern Cross Tours’ expert guides are true Gold Coast locals who know the hinterland like the back of their hand. They’re not just highly knowledgeable, they’re also a lot of fun. Throughout the day, they’re happy to answer questions, share stories, and add a touch of humour while providing insight into this incredible region. Passionate about showcasing the Gold Coast Hinterland, they’re committed to personalised customer service and creating unforgettable experiences that leave guests with a genuine connection to the landscape.

Get ready for an unforgettable nature-based adventure with six ECO-certified tours to choose from:

• Tastes of Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Tour
• Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s & Vineyard Tour
• Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour
• Evening Gold Coast Rainforest & Glow Worm Tour
• Kangaroos and Mountain Views Tour
• The Gold Coast Day Tour from Brisbane

Departures and Pick Ups

Tours depart daily and include light refreshments and hotel pick-up. Pick-up is available from a selection of hotels and apartments on the Gold Coast between Broadbeach and Southport, depending on your tour. Some tours may also offer additional pick-up locations.

You can confirm your pick-up location and time directly with us when you make your booking. Tour duration is approximate and may vary depending on the selected tour and daily operating conditions.

The Tastes of Tamborine Mountain

Duration:  8 hours (approx.)
Departs:  9.15am Weds – Sun

Experience Tamborine Mountain through the eyes of a local. Explore sub tropical rainforest, taste locally sourced organic produce and connect with the makers as you step in behind the scenes and hear their story. This is a premium full day food and wine tour including lunch.

Tour Highlights and Inclusions:

•  Enjoy the serenity of the forest as you breathe the fresh mountain air and spot native wildlife on your guided rainforest walk to the waterfall.
• Coffee plantation tour and glass of freshly made coffee.
•  Lunch featuring local produce and wine, beer or juice at a fully sustainable mountain top cafe.
• Learn about the local environment, history and the Tamborine township
• Time for shopping and optional wine tasting in the village of Mt Tamborine.
• Behind the scenes tour and tasting of a local mountain Distillery.
• National Park Fees included.
• Fully guided informative commentary on tour.
• Small group tours with our friendly guide offer a personalised experience.

Natural Bridge & Springbrook Waterfalls Tour

Duration:  5 hours (approx)
Departs:   8.45am daily.

Take in all that the World Heritage Rainforests of Springbrook and Natural Bridge has to offer in half a day. This afternoon tour has so much to offer only a short drive from the Gold Coast beaches allowing you to truly explore the green behind the gold on this nature based hinterland experience.

Tour Highlights and Inclusions:

• View 5 Waterfalls including Purling Brook Falls and Natural Bridge.
• Light refreshments included.
• Travel through Numinbah Valley with its high cliffs and green country pastures.
• Fully guided rainforest walk to Natural Bridge.
• Best Of All Lookout, 3000 year old Beech Trees, breathtaking views over Mt Warning and Green Cauldron of Northern NSW (weather dependent).
• Informative commentary throughout the tour.
• National Park fees included.
• Small group tours offer a personalised experience.

Evening Rainforest & Glow Worm Experience

Duration:  3.5 hours (approx)
Departs:  6:15pm daily

Join us for an unforgettable night in the rainforest after dark! On this tour we guide you through the ancient rainforest at night. This is a truly unique and memorable experience.

Tour Highlights and Inclusions:

• Mount Tamborine.
• Dessert at a local restaurant.
• Guided rainforest walk to waterfall at night time.
• View glow worms and nocturnal wildlife as we guide you to the waterfall.
• Stargazing, see the Southern Cross in the night sky.
• Each guest is provided a low watt flashlight (we don’t want to upset the glow-worms) to find your way.
• Small group tours offer a personalised experience.
• National Park fees included.

Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s & Vineyard Tour

Duration:  7 hours (approx)
Departs:  9:00am daily

This tour showcases the highlights of the Gold Coast Hinterland in one unforgettable day. Enjoy a fully guided experience through the ancient sub-tropical rainforest of Lamington National Park, visiting the iconic O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and the picturesque Canungra Valley Vineyard.

Along the way, take in stunning panoramic views, enjoy a treetop canopy walk, experience wild bird feeding, and travel through beautiful mountain landscapes on a relaxed journey reaching approximately 1,000 metres above sea level.

Tour Highlights and Inclusions:

• Canungra township.
• Guided rainforest and treetop canopy walk.
• Scenic lookout across the Scenic Rim, Brisbane & the Gold Coast.
• Wild bird feeding at O’Reilly’s.
• Canungra Valley Vineyard with a glass of sparkling wine.
• Meet the Alpacas at Mountain View Alpacas. (optional feeding and walking experience available for an additional cost)
• Light refreshments provided.
• Informative commentary throughout the tour.
• Small group tours offer a personalised experience.
• National Park fees included.

Kangaroos and Mountain Views

Duration:  5 hours (approx)
Departs:  8:30am daily

Explore Tamborine National Park, the Gold Coast Hinterland’s crown jewel, and enjoy this charming mountaintop community. Begin your adventure with a serene walk through Coombabah Lake Conservation Park, where you can encounter kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat. Continue your journey to Mount Tamborine, indulge in handcrafted scones and a warm cup of morning tea at the Manor, an enchanting historic hotel. Wander through Gallery Walk, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of local craftsmanship displayed in its unique boutiques. Finally, stand in awe of the spectacular panoramic views of the Gold Coast Skyline that unfold before you from atop the mountain.

Tour Highlights and Inclusions:

• Pickup & Drop off at select locations.
• Spot kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, reptiles and more, in their natural environment.
• Morning Tea at historic mountain top restaurant.
• Mt. Tamborine’s famous Gallery Walk, the hinterland’s arts & crafts centre.
• Breathtaking views to both the East & West of the Mountain.
• Conservation Park fees included.

The Gold Coast Day Tour From Brisbane

Duration: 11.5 hours
Departs: 7:00am Mon – Thurs

Experience the highlights of the Gold Coast in one unforgettable day on this fully guided tour from Brisbane. Begin with wildlife spotting at Coombabah Lakeland Conservation Park, followed by coastal views and the chance to spot dolphins and seasonal whales at The Spit, while learning about local Yugambeh culture. Enjoy lunch with stunning 360-degree views at the SkyPoint Observation Deck. After lunch, enjoy free time in Surfers Paradise to explore your way, whether that’s an Aquaduck tour, Paradise Jet Boat ride, shopping along Cavill Mall, or relaxing on the beach. Finish the day with a scenic drive through Numinbah Valley to Springbrook National Park, home to ancient rainforest landscapes and cascading waterfalls.

Highlights and Inclusions:

• Wildlife spotting at Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Park, with opportunities to see kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat
• Scenic coastal walk along The Spit, with chances to spot dolphins and seasonal whales
• Learn about the history, culture and customs of the local Yugambeh Aboriginal people from expert guides endorsed by the Yugambeh Museum
• Included lunch with 360° views at SkyPoint Observation Deck atop Queensland’s tallest building, Q1
• Fully guided rainforest walk to Natural Bridge Waterfall in Springbrook National Park
• Free time in Surfers Paradise for shopping, beach time, or optional Aquaduck or Paradise Jet Boating experiences (additional cost)
• Informative commentary throughout the day from experienced guides

Call us today on 07 5655 0716 to book