Watch sunset from a Scenic Rim lookout, savor a BBQ dinner on a picnic blanket, then peer through a premium telescope to see moon craters, planets and galaxies. This two-hour Tamborine Mountain evening blends easy outdoor dining with guided stargazing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The ridge cools as the sun slips behind the Scenic Rim and the lookout on Tamborine Mountain fills with people drawn to the horizon. Guides lay out picnic blankets, the scent of charcoal from a BBQ drifts through eucalypt air, and the first pale planets begin to appear. As darkness deepens a powerful telescope becomes the evening’s focus—moon craters sharpen, Jupiter’s bands resolve, and distant galaxies appear as soft, ghostly smudges.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels—requires minimal walking and standing on uneven lookout surfaces
Wildlife
History
Tamborine Mountain is part of the eroded caldera formed by volcanic activity associated with the ancient Tweed Volcano and has long-standing cultural ties to the Yugambeh people.
Conservation
Stargazing is low-impact tourism here; visitors are encouraged to minimize light pollution by using red lights and to follow leave-no-trace practices in picnic areas.
Reserve your spot on the Brisbane/Gold Coast: Sunset, Dinner, Stars/Premium Telescope today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Temperatures drop quickly after sunset on the plateau—bring a warm jacket and hat.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the sunset and while waiting between telescope sessions.
Use a red flashlight
A red-filtered light preserves night vision for everyone watching through the telescope.
Arrive early for the best viewpoint
Lookouts can fill fast; arriving 15–20 minutes before sunset secures better sightlines.
Warm jacket
Keeps you comfortable as temperatures fall after sunset.
fall
Red-filter flashlight or headlamp
Protects night vision and helps navigate without disrupting stargazing.
Sturdy shoes
Provides traction on lookout paths and grassy picnic areas.
Phone with camera and spare battery
Useful for capturing photos through the telescope; bring a power bank for extended use.