Why thousands of families are flocking to Dig IT Tamborine Mountain for the ultimate dirt-loving adventure.
From hard hats to high-vis, mini-excavators to million-block demolitions, Queensland’s one-of-a-kind Dig IT, Australia’s first mini-excavator park, has given over 200,000 kids (and plenty of parents) the thrill of operating real machinery. And they’re just getting started.
Everything you need to know about Dig IT, Tamborine Mountain
It’s fun, it’s educational, it’s muddy, and it’s the only place in Australia where kids operate real diggers. Welcome to the best day out you didn’t know you needed: a hands-on family day that’s equal parts play, learning and pure dirt-loving joy. What’s better, Dig IT is at home at Thunderbird Park at Tamborine Mountain Glades, a place that’s legendary for family stays!
After bursting onto the scene like a wrecking ball just over two years ago, Dig IT has cemented itself as one of Australia’s most unique, hands-on attractions, and the numbers tell the story.
More than 200,000 visitors have rolled up their sleeves, donned their hard hats and high-vis gear, and taken control of real 1.7-tonne CAT mini-excavators in an outdoor construction zone that’s fast becoming the stuff of childhood legend.
Mum and child in the cab of a digger at Dig IT Tamborine Mountain. Credit: Josh Woning
From the moment they step onto the site, kids transform into mini construction workers – climbing into the driver’s seat (either solo or with a parent/carer riding shotgun) and learning how to operate the machines. They dig deep, scoop and dump dirt, use a claw to lift and stack tyres, and even master the delicate skill of using a hook to catch rogue ‘crocs’ that keep things interesting.
“The kids’ reactions still blow us away. There are smiles for miles out here in every session,” said Dig IT co-founder Kate Keegan.
“There’s nothing like watching kids put on their hard hats and high viz, climb into the cab, and take control of their digger. It’s fun, educational, screen-free and totally unique. The mile-wide smiles on kids and grown-ups are proof that digging in the dirt never gets old.”
The stats are equally impressive: in just 24 months, nine Queensland-built mini-excavators have clocked more than 3 million minutes of digging, lifting, stacking and demolishing – including the toppling of nearly one million blocks in the fan-favourite Demolition Zone.
How It Works: A Day at Dig IT
From the moment you arrive, Dig IT feels like a real construction site, only way more fun. Here’s what your little diggers are in for (FYI, just the best Day Ever!):
- Suit Up: Every child gets their own hard hat and high-vis vest. Suddenly, they’re not visitors, they’re members of the Dig IT construction crew!
- Listen Up: Dig IT’s famous BLUE CREW (that’s the operating team) takes all little diggers through an orientation – parents love this – it covers everything you need to know while on site.
- Climb In: Then, it’s into the cab of a real 1.7-tonne CAT mini-excavator. Kids can operate solo or share the seat with a parent/carer to guide them through the controls.
- Choose Your Zone:
Dig Zone: Move mountains of dirt!
Claw & Croc Zone: Stack the tyres and catch those sneaky ‘crocs’.
Demolition Zone: Everyone’s favourite – take down a wall of blocks in one mighty swipe.
The RC Zone: Use state-of-the-art remote control machines like dozers, dump trucks, excavators, and rear loaders, just like on the work site.
Drive mini excavators in the RV Zone at Dig IT Tamborine Mountain. Credit: Josh Woning
5 ripper reasons why Dig IT is the Best. Day. Ever.
1. You get to drive a REAL digger, mate!
These are real, 1.7-tonne mini-excavators, built right here in Queensland. Kids (and big kids at heart) get to jump in the driver’s seat, flick the levers, dig up dirt, catch crocs, and feel like a proper tradie for the day. Hard hats on, fun mode activated!
2. There’s always something extra going on!
Cupcakes? Tick. Face painters? Tick. Colouring stations? Tick. Whether it’s a birthday bash or just a regular day, Dig IT goes above and beyond with themed fun and surprises to keep the little legends grinning from ear to ear.
3. Knock things down… and no one tells you off!
Demolition Zone = pure joy. Kids (and adults) get to smash, crash and destroy block towers with total permission. It’s a little chaotic, a lot of fun, and the kind of mess that doesn’t need cleaning up. What a dream!
4. It’s screen-free, dirt-soaked family time
No iPads. No phones. Just good old-fashioned fun in the great outdoors, where the only thing getting recharged is your love for real play. Plus, you’re on Tamborine Mountain – fresh air and family vibes for days!
5. It’s uniquely Aussie – and 100% legendary
Where else but Australia would you find a construction theme park on a mountain, surrounded by rainforest, powered by diggers, dirt, and imagination? Dig IT is one-of-a-kind, just like the legends who visit it.
Kids and the owners at Dig IT Tamborine Mountain. Credit: Josh Woning
We feel like Willy Wonka when we open the gates each day, the kids come in beaming and leave with even bigger smiles, every day is magic. — Dig IT co-founder and dad, Sam McColl.
Can we sleep over at Dig IT?
While you can’t sleep in the driver’s seat, you CAN stay at Thunderbird Park and Tamborine Mountain Glades, Dig IT’s home! See more at tamborinemountainglades.com.au
Book your Dig IT experience
Thunderbird Park – Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine Mountain, Scenic Rim Queensland
2-hour sessions – For bookings, phone 1800 00 DIGIT, email or visit digit.com.au
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT for our readers: Use code KIDS10 for 10% off! Visit digit.com.au
Fun for everyone at Dig IT Tamborine Mountain. Credit: Josh Woning
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