Top 5 Rainforests to Explore with Your Kids.
In Brisbane, we are lucky to have countless rainforests to explore, with many being within a 1-2 hours drive, making them the perfect destination for a day trip. Many have flat tracks, and some even offer paved pathways to make pushing the pram just that little bit easier.
Benefits for your Minis
There are a wide range of benefits of bringing your Minis on outdoor adventures!
Being outdoors promotes creativity and imagination for children. They are able to think freely in an open and beautiful environment while using all their senses. Your minis will be able to hear, smell, and touch the nature around them.
Getting outside is not only beneficial for their mental stimulation, but it also a great physical exercise. Going on rainforest walks is good for their bodies and can also make them more focused, which is also a major benefit for kids with ADHD.
Going to an unfamiliar outdoor area will also get minis to think and ask questions! Nature creates a unique sense of wonder for minis that most environments cannot provide.
If you are looking for fun and stimulating activities in nature for your minis, see Ideas for Getting Your Kids into Nature.
Rainforest Exploring Tips:
Wear plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent
Pack the binoculars and camera
Wear suitable clothing (long pants, socks and shoes)
Pack plenty of food and water
Take a plastic bag and some toilet paper with you (you never know when nature calls)
Have a basic first aid kit handy
Keep a change of clothes and shoes in the car (just in case)
Check closely for leeches
Keep our rainforests clean and free from litter by taking your rubbish home with you.
Top 5 Rainforest to take your Minis to:
1. Springbrook National Park - Natural Bridge Circuit
The Natural Bridge trail is one of the most popular in the area and perhaps one of the most spectacular as well. The trail is easily accessible with sealed and graded tracks, which makes it perfect for young families. There is however a large section of stairs, making it unsuitable for prams and wheelchairs. If possible, make the trek late in the afternoon/early evening so you can witness the natural wonder of the glow worms. The children will be amazed when the cave lights up with these tiny creatures.
Distance: 1km – approximately 1hr
2. Springbrook National Park - Twin Falls Circuit
This circuit is definitely doable for families, though there are segments of the track where you will need to show some extra care with little ones. The reward at the end of this trail, which you will really look forward to in Summer, is the stunning rock pools at the base of the falls. These pools are suitable for swimming and are a great way to cool down.
Distance: 4km – approximately 2hrs
3. Maiala Mount Glorious - Rainforest Circuit
In 1965, the Rainforest Circuit at Maiala was one of Queensland’s first self-guided walks and continues to be a firm family favourite many years later. If you wish to extend your walk, this circuit connects with the Greenes Falls track.
Distance: 2km – approximately 1hr
4. Tamborine National Park- Cedar Creek Section
Cedar Creek Falls track (to lookout): This track is suitable for prams and wheelchairs (with assistance) and rewards visitors with views of the gorge and waterfalls.
Distance: 500m – approximately 15min
Cedar Creek Falls track (to rockpools): Continue on from the Cedar Creek Falls lookout, through the rainforest, to the rockpools waiting below. There are many steps on this walk, so be prepared.
Distance: 1.1km – approximately 30min
5. Tamborine National Park – Rainforest Skywalk
Visiting the 30 acres of the privately-owned section of rainforest at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk will impress all family members. Nestled beside Cedar Creek in the Gold Coast Hinterland, you will walk amongst the rainforest canopy and can get down to ground level to explore waterfalls and rockpools. This eco-adventure comprises of a 1.5km walk utilising the forest floor, 300m of steel bridges and a 40m cantilever bridge soaring 30m above the rainforest below.