Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves is a purpose-built glow worm sanctuary at Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery, 50 kilometres inland from the Gold Coast, Queensland. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, access routes, accessibility and practical tips for planning your visit.
The sanctuary is a key stop on the Springfield and Tamborine Rainforest day tour from Brisbane, along with Hinze Dam and Natural Bridge.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily, 10am–4pm. Tours run every 30 minutes |
| Entry price | Adult $29, child (4–12 years) approximately $16. Booking online saves money |
| Address | Cedar Creek Estate, 104–144 Hartley Road, North Tamborine, Queensland 4272 |
| Nearest town | North Tamborine (3 kilometres), Surfers Paradise (45 minutes’ drive) |
| Time needed | 30 minutes for guided cave tour. Allow 1–1.5 hours including Frog Hollow exhibit |
| Distance from Gold Coast | Approximately 45 kilometres (40 minutes’ drive from Surfers Paradise) |
Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves opening hours
The caves are open daily from 10am to 4pm, 7 days a week. The last tour departs at 4pm. Tours run every 30 minutes throughout the day, subject to availability.
Access to the caves is by guided tour only. Walk-in visitors are welcome subject to availability, though advance booking is recommended, particularly on weekends and school holidays.
The Frog Hollow exhibit (included with cave tour admission) is open during the same hours and is self-guided.
Why book the Springbrook & Tamborine Rainforest tour from Brisbane?
- Explore World Heritage rainforest: Wander through ancient rainforest landscapes in Springbrook and Tamborine, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.
- See Natural Bridge: Visit the stunning Natural Bridge rock formation and its cascading waterfall — a highlight of the region.
- Glow-worm cave experience: Enjoy the magical sight of glow-worms lighting up a cave in the rainforest after dusk.
- Expert local guide: Learn about the unique flora, fauna and geology of the Gold Coast hinterland from a knowledgeable guide.
- Comfortable day trip from Brisbane: Includes transport so you can relax and enjoy waterfalls, lookouts and rainforest walks without needing to plan logistics.
Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves ticket prices
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in January 2026.
Standard admission:
- Adult: $29
- Child (4–12 years): $16
- Child under 4: free
- Family packages available
Check the official website for current pricing and online booking discounts.
Tours last 30 minutes and include admission to the Frog Hollow self-guided exhibit. Group packages (10 or more people) are available; contact the venue directly for pricing.
How to get to Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
The caves are located at Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery on Hartley Road in North Tamborine.
From Surfers Paradise/Gold Coast: Take the Pacific Motorway (M1) north towards Brisbane. Exit at Oxenford/Tamborine (Exit 57), following signs for Tamborine Mountain. Continue on Long Road then turn left onto Hartley Road. The winery and caves are at the corner of Long and Hartley Roads. Journey time is approximately 40 minutes.
From Brisbane: Take the Pacific Motorway (M1) south towards the Gold Coast. Exit at Oxenford/Tamborine (Exit 57) and follow directions as above. Journey time is approximately 1 hour.
The address for satellite navigation is 104–144 Hartley Road, North Tamborine QLD 4272. Note: roadworks on Tamborine Mountain can cause delays of up to 15 minutes. Allow extra time for your journey.
Public transport: Limited bus services operate to Tamborine Mountain from the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Services are infrequent and not suitable for day trips. A private vehicle or tour operator transfer is recommended.
From Brisbane, the easiest way to visit is on a Springbrook and Tamborine Rainforest tour.
Parking at Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
Free parking is available at Cedar Creek Estate. The car park accommodates approximately 100 vehicles, including coach and motorhome spaces.
The car park is located directly at the winery entrance, adjacent to the glow worm cave tour departure point. Parking is busiest between 11am and 2pm on weekends and school holidays.
Facilities: Public toilets are available at the winery. The Cedar Creek Estate restaurant and cellar door are open for lunch (11am–3pm) and tastings (10am–4pm).
How long to spend at Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to 1.5 hours at the attraction.
The guided glow worm cave tour lasts 30 minutes. This includes a rainforest boardwalk, audio-visual presentation and guided walk through the cave to view thousands of glowing glow worms.
The Frog Hollow exhibit is self-guided and takes 15–30 minutes to explore. The exhibit features tree frogs, invertebrates and giant snails native to the Tamborine Mountain rainforest.
Visitors combining the tour with wine tasting, lunch at the restaurant or exploring the winery grounds may spend 2–3 hours at Cedar Creek Estate.
Accessibility at Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
The glow worm cave is not wheelchair or pram accessible. The cave entrance includes three steps with no ramp access. The cave path is level concrete but narrow in sections.
The rainforest boardwalk leading to the cave is level and concrete-surfaced but includes a gentle slope. Visitors with limited mobility should contact the venue before visiting to discuss accommodation options.
Accessible facilities: The Frog Hollow exhibit is accessible via even concrete pathways. Public toilets at Cedar Creek Estate include accessible facilities. The restaurant and cellar door are wheelchair accessible.
What to see at Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
The caves are a purpose-built conservation facility housing thousands of native Tamborine Mountain glow worms (Arachnocampa flava). The facility was established to protect wild glow worm populations by providing an alternative viewing location that does not damage natural habitats.
Tours begin with a walk along a rainforest boardwalk through rehabilitated forest. The boardwalk crosses Cedar Creek and passes through native vegetation planted as part of a wildlife corridor restoration project.
In the presentation cave, visitors watch a short audio-visual display explaining glow worm biology and life cycle whilst eyes adjust to darkness. The glow worm is actually a larva (not a worm) that produces bioluminescent light to attract prey. The larva hangs sticky silk threads to catch small flying insects drawn to the light.
The main cave features realistic rock formations including stalagmites and stalactites. Thousands of glow worms line the cave ceiling and walls, creating a starry night effect. The controlled environment maintains constant temperature and humidity, ideal conditions for glow worm survival.
Visitors get close-up views of individual glow worms, their sticky threads and glowing abdomens. Guides explain conservation efforts, including a captive breeding programme supporting wild glow worm populations in southeast Queensland.
Frog Hollow is a complimentary exhibit featuring native frogs, giant land snails and invertebrates. Species include the emerald-spotted tree frog and colour-changing tree frogs. Informative displays explain rainforest ecology and species characteristics.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the caves to protect the glow worms. Flash photography and light from camera screens can cause glow worms to extinguish their glow. Photography is permitted on the boardwalk and in Frog Hollow.
Practical tips for visiting Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
| Tip |
|---|
| Book tickets online in advance to secure your preferred tour time and save money on admission. Tours can fill quickly on weekends and school holidays. |
| No photography or video recording is permitted inside the caves. Leave cameras and mobile phones secured in pockets or bags before entering the cave. |
| Children with light-up shoes cannot enter the caves, as the lights disturb the glow worms. Check footwear before your visit. |
| Keep noise to a minimum inside the caves. Loud sounds cause glow worms to extinguish their glow temporarily. |
| Arrive 10–15 minutes before your tour departure time. Latecomers may not be admitted and tours are not refundable for late arrivals. |
| Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for short rainforest walks. The boardwalk can be slippery after rain. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves suitable for children? | Yes. Children aged 4 and above enjoy the 30-minute tour. Children under 4 are admitted free. The tour includes educational content presented in an engaging manner suitable for all ages. Supervise children in the dark cave environment. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | Booking in advance is recommended, particularly on weekends and school holidays, though walk-in visitors are accepted subject to availability. Online booking saves money on admission. |
| Can you see glow worms in the daytime? | Yes. The caves are the only location in Queensland where glow worms can be viewed during daylight hours. The artificial cave environment remains dark inside, allowing glow worms to display continuously. |
| Are dogs allowed? | No. Dogs (except registered assistance dogs) are not permitted on cave tours or at Cedar Creek Estate winery areas. |
| Can you take photos inside the caves? | No. Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited inside the caves. Flash photography and camera screen light damage glow worms. Photography is permitted on the rainforest boardwalk and in Frog Hollow. |
| Is the cave tour guided or self-guided? | All cave tours are guided. Access to the caves is by guided tour only to protect the glow worms. Tours are led by trained biologists. |
Things to do near Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk (5 kilometres): A 1.5-kilometre elevated walkway through rainforest canopy, including a 40-metre cantilever bridge suspended 30 metres above the creek.
Curtis Falls (4 kilometres): A 15-metre waterfall in Tamborine National Park, reached via a 1.5-kilometre walking trail through subtropical rainforest. Wild glow worms visible at the falls after dark.
Gallery Walk (3 kilometres): A collection of art galleries, craft shops, cafés and restaurants along Long Road in North Tamborine.
Witches Falls Winery (4 kilometres): Award-winning winery offering tastings and cellar door sales. Open daily. Wine tasting fees apply.
Tamborine Mountain Distillery (4 kilometres): Craft distillery producing gin, vodka and liqueurs. Tastings and tours available.
Cedar Creek Falls (6 kilometres): Rock pools and waterfall in Tamborine National Park, accessible via a 500-metre walking trail. Swimming permitted.
More Queensland travel
Other Queensland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan your visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane.
- Guide to Old Government House in Brisbane.
- Plan your visit to the Queensland Maritime Museum in Brisbane.
- A guide to walking in Bunya Mountains National Park.
- Six reasons to visit K’gari (formerly Fraser Island).
