Walking high above the rainforest canopies is a special treat. The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk in Queensland Australia was opened in 2009, and visitors can see the forest from this treetop walk in absolute safety, without damaging the fragile environment below. It is remarkable that not one forest tree was cut down when installing the skywalk.
The privately owned 30 acres of rainforest and the rock-pools of Cedar Creek are full of amazing Australian fauna and flora. Entrance to the skywalk is via the Eco Centre. There are information displays at the centre of the types of vegetation and animals you can see here. Displays of exotic butterflies show the beauty and diversity of these fragile creatures.
There is also a café on site where you can experience the most amazing rainforest views whilst enjoying a rest and refill.
An onsite gift shop is perfect for souvenir purchases, or maybe you might want to pick up a gorgeous piece of Australian artwork.
Information on the local indigenous Australian history is displayed on information panels at the centre. I was keen to get into the walk, so left the information centre until last. However, I highly recommend a visit before the walk, and then another after the walk. By doing this you will be more prepared for the interesting things you see when outdoors, and then refresh your knowledge when coming back.
The sound of running water from the creek below is like music, highlighted by the bird song from above. Breath deeply, to fully get that rainforest fresh air circulating in your body. It is truly refreshing and I honestly think it improves alertness. The trees are just so majestic, you don’t know whether to look up or down at first.
Once you step upon the airwalk, it can feel a little wobbly, which eases when you realise that you will start to walk with a different gait that upon terra firma. If you do feel a bit disorientated, make sure you hold onto the handrails at the sides. It will soon pass.
The entire 1.5km walk will take around an hour. A third of the trail is on the skywalk, the other two thirds is on marked paths on the ground.
The cane toad is an introduced pest in Queensland Australia has very few predators. One of them is the Saw-Shelled Freshwater Turtle, who is unaffected by the cane toad’s deadly poison. The turtle can be found living at Cedar Creek. Also living in the creek is the Longfin Eel, Rainbow Fish, Freshwater Shrimp, Crayfish, Whirlgig Beetles and Giant Water Bugs.
Ground Orchids can be spotted in the bush here. Look in sunny spots for pink fingers, flying ducks, bearded orchids, double-tails, green hoods and ladies tresses. Other orchids can be found growing in tree stumps and hollow logs. The giant climbing orchid can reach up to 15m high, and is noticeable by its yellow flowers. Around December the Christmas orchid grows with its tall sprays of white flowers.
On the lower grounds of the rainforest can be found an abundance of ferns. These hardy plants need little sunshine as the canopy of taller trees and palms overhead shade them. This is where the maidenhair fern thrives. Where the sun does shine through, you can find bracken fern and the coral fern. In the moist areas, bat’s-wing fern grows abundantly. The floor of the forest is covered with leaf litter. Various ferns also hang from the trees, including the weeping sleepwort, basket fern and hare’s foot fern.
Various spots on the walk have side trails where cantilevered walkway allows you to truly get amongst the canopies.
There is a walk through the forest to the creek, which I highly recommend you not to miss. The whole ecosystem is fascinating as well as absolutely splendid.
The entire rainforest walk is a brilliant way to introduce yourself or friends to the beauty of the Australian bush. Whether from the skywalk amongst the tree canopies or at ground level, this is untouched raw beauty.
Along the walk are various rest areas. Keep a an eye out for various old pieces of wood that have been transformed into seats with native Australian animals beautifully carved into them.
333 Geissmann Drive, North Tamborine, Queensland, Australia
Happy Travels!
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