We are always looking for a family holiday that is unique and bursting with fun activities for kids AND the grown-ups. Well, right on our doorstep, Thunderbird Park is one Gold Coast staycation that every family will love.
With accommodation ranging from camping to family holiday homes, dining facilities and adventure activities including TreeTop Challenge (Australia’s largest and highest ropes course), laser skirmish set in a rainforest battlefield, fossicking for million-year-old treasures in the world’s largest open-air mine, mini golf, bush walking and rock pools… phew… there is something for EVERYONE at the fabulous Thunderbird Park.
Treetop Challenge at Thunderbird Park offers adrenaline adventures for everyone that dares! Credit: Supplied
Adrenaline activities for kids at Thunderbird Park
Thunderbird Park has a huge range of adventure activities designed for every age from three to 99!
“Our tree top challenge at Thunderbird Park is one of our most popular adventure activities,” says Judi Minnikin, Managing Director at Thunderbird Park. “It’s certainly one for the daredevils in the family, as you experience the dizzying heights of the tree tops whilst soaking up the beautiful rainforest views of Tamborine Mountain.”
There is an adventure high ropes course, a Canyon Flyer Tour and a smaller ropes course especially for the younger kids. Also perfect for all ages, families can enjoy mini golf, pedal go karts, jumping castles and 4WD buggy rides.
Kids love to battle? Thunderbird Park also has Laser Skirmish in the rainforest. Using safe and powerful laser guns, the rainforest provides a scenic yet authentic jungle warfare experience like no other.
Ride the ziplines through the canopy of the rainforest. Credit: Supplied
Dig for treasure at Thunderbird Park!
What child (ahem, and adult!) doesn’t like to dig for treasure? Thunderegg fossicking is a unique activity for the whole family.
Discover your own 200-million-year-old treasures from prehistoric volcanic lava in the world’s largest Thunderegg mine. Select your favourite rocks to cut in half and see what treasures are inside. And yes, you can take home whatever geodes you find!
Taking digging to a new level, Australia’s first mini excavator park for kids, DIG IT, will become the latest adventure activity at Thunderbird Park this Autumn. Prepare yourself for real excavator machinery and construction inspired activities where the kids are IN the drivers seat!
Digging for thundereggs at Thunderbird Park, Gold Coast. Credit: Supplied
A family holiday immersed in the rainforest of Tamborine Mountain
Aside from all the adrenaline and adventure, Thunderbird Park is set in an idyllic 112 hectares of rainforest.
“Kids love being amongst nature and exploring the natural surrounds. Something they don’t always get to do in suburban life,” says Judi.
Tamborine Mountain is a favourite place for nature lovers and bird watchers. And Thunderbird Park helps guests access this with bird feeding every day.
“Come along to the daily bird feeding where hundreds of native birds including rainbow lorikeets come to feed,” says Judi.
Thunderbird Park is also fortunate enough to have a portion of Cedar Creek flowing through the property. This gorgeous waterway provides natural, cascading rock pools to swim in and explore—the perfect way to spend a hot summer’s day.
“Our hidden gem is definitely the rock pools—these are magical and only available for guests staying at Thunderbird Park,” says Judi.
As the pools can get slippy, children should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Just a 15 minute walk from Thunderbird Park, in Tamborine National Park, visitors can enjoy one of the most stunning waterfalls in the region—Cedar Creek Falls. This is especially popular in the warmer months when the temperature is several degrees cooler on the mountain. Cedar Creek Falls is one of Mount Tamborine’s most popular tourist attractions with stunning views over the open canyon, waterfall and rock pools.
Glamping tent for families at Cedar Creek Lodges, Tamborine Mountain. Credit: Supplied
A family holiday sleeping under the canopy at Cedar Creek Lodges, Thunderbird Park
Thunderbird Park has a wide variety of accommodation options perfect for a family holiday.
Self-contained lodges available including 13 x 2-bedroom lodges, 2 x 3-bedroom lodges and 1 x 4-bedroom Mill Lodge, which was refurbished in February this year.
For those on a budget, there are 26 comfortable motel rooms located in the Hillside Lodges. These rooms work well for single, couples and small families. And for the romantics, there are two gorgeous rooms complete with their own private courtyard with jacuzzi, wood fire pit and more.
If the budget allows and you are truly looking for something special you can’t go past the Woodlands Family Glamping Tents. These tents provide an authentic outdoor experience, complete with a deck overlooking Cedar Creek and an outdoor kitchen and barbecue.
“Even more exciting, we are currently installing a private plunge pool into one of the Family Glamping Tents. This is going to be a massive hit with the families!” Judi says.
To experience everything the park has to offer, we recommend staying at least three nights. But to really immerse yourself in the experience, the longer the better!
WHERE: Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine Mountain, QLD, 4272
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