Journal destination
Stories from this city location. Explore published field notes, guided trips, and local perspectives.
The collection
01Walk above the forest floor at O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk, where an elevated boardwalk threaded through UNESCO-listed Gondwana rainforest frames birdlife, waterfalls and panoramic escarpment views. This is rainforest intimacy—accessible, wildlife-rich, and surprisingly wild.
02A compact slice of Gondwana rainforest perched above the Gold Coast, Tamborine National Park pairs accessible trails and waterfall bowls with adrenaline ziplines and boutique wineries — all within an easy drive from the city.
03Stroll 27 hectares of subtropical bushland where lorikeets swoop, vets tend to rescued wildlife and a canopy of ziplines offers a different kind of view—Currumbin is equal parts family-friendly sanctuary and conservation hub.
04Step into a living cathedral of trees where canopy walkways, waterfall trails, and a vineyard tasting combine for a single, layered day in Lamington National Park. Perfect for first-time rainforest visitors who want depth without the driving.
05Wake with the surfers and trade neon nights for glassy dawns at Surfers Paradise. This feature blends practical intel—surf lessons, jetboat thrills, and amphibious city tours—with the local context you need to plan a seamless Gold Coast escape.
06Escape the high-rises for wind, dunes and clear water: South Stradbroke Island is a short boat hop from the Gold Coast but a world apart. From jetski charge-outs to quiet lagoon lunches at Tipplers, here's what to know before you go.
07Perched above the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain turns evening into a cathedral of tiny green lights. Explore elevated skywalks, short rainforest hikes and a carefully managed glow worm cave that makes an ordinary day feel quietly extraordinary.
08Mists, moss and a cave full of glow worms: Springbrook National Park blends short, rewarding walks with ancient rainforest and dramatic waterfalls. This guide shows what to see, when to go and how to prepare.
09A high-probability whale-watching cruise off Australia’s Gold Coast that combines close humpback encounters with expert commentary, practical comforts, and a strong conservation focus.