DESCRIPTION
See glow worms lighting the rock face beside Curtis Falls on a guided evening rainforest walk. Easy pace, clear paths, and a calm setting make this a memorable night experience. Perfect for couples, families, and visitors who want a unique Australian highlight without crowds.
Why you will love it:
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Real glow worms in their natural habitat | no caves | waterfall setting
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Short, easy night walk with an experienced guide
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Peaceful atmosphere | small groups | no rush
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Learn simple tips to see more glow and protect the habitat
Itinerary at a glance:
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Pick up from your location
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Drive to Mount Tamborine rainforest
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Guided night walk to Curtis Falls
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Glow worm viewing by the waterfall
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Return walk and a comfortable drive back
What is included:
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Private transport and pick up | drop off
- Guided rainforest walk with safety briefing
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Torches for low-light walking
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Bottled water
What to bring:
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Closed shoes | light jacket | small bottle of water if preferred
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No insect spray near the viewing area
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Camera use allowed without flash
Good to know:
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Duration: approx 3.0 to 3.5 hours door to door
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Fitness level: easy | short trail with steps near the falls
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Weather: operates in light rain | the glow often appears stronger on damp nights
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Photography: no flash | low-light photo tips provided
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Conservation: red or dimmed light only near the colony | quiet voices
Who this tour is for:
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Couples seeking a romantic night activity
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Families who want a gentle adventure after dark
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Travellers who prefer small, calm, nature-rich experiences
Results you can expect:
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Clear views of glow worms by a waterfall
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Safe, simple walk with guidance and local insights
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Stress-free evening with transport handled for you
About the Glow Worms
What they are
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Species: Arachnocampa (native to Australia and NZ)
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Stage: The glowing form is the larva of a small gnat
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Why they glow: A natural bioluminescence reaction that creates a blue-green light to attract prey
How they hunt
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The larva builds a silky nest on damp rock and hangs sticky threads
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Insects fly toward the glow and get caught
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The larva reels in the thread and feeds
Life cycle
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Eggs → Larva (glows) → Pupa (glows) → Adult gnat
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The adult lives only a few days, long enough to mate and lay eggs
Best viewing conditions
- Darkness: darker nights bring a brighter glow
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Moisture: damp, cool evenings show stronger light
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Quiet: less noise means less stress and more glow
Where you’ll see them at Curtis Falls
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On damp rock faces beside the waterfall
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Clusters look like a patch of glowing stars
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Hanging silk threads may be visible with careful low light
Do’s & Don’ts
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Do: Walk slowly | keep voices low | follow your guide’s instructions
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Don’t: Use flash | shine bright light | touch rocks or threads | spray insect repellent near the colony
Photography tips (no flash)
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Use night mode or long exposure on smartphones
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Stabilise with a railing or small tripod
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Lower screen brightness and take steady shots
Common questions
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Will we see them year-round? Yes, though brightness varies with the weather
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Are they in caves? Not here, you’ll view them on the waterfall rock faces
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Safe for kids? Yes, with supervision | the walk is short and easy
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Do they bite or sting? No | they are harmless but very delicate
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Will my eyes adjust? Yes, your guide pauses to let night vision develop
Why this matters
Glow worms are sensitive. Bright lights and loud noise can disturb their feeding and reduce their glow. By staying on the path, keeping lights low, and following your guide, you help protect the colony and ensure this natural wonder lasts for future visitors.
