In 1998, an Australian couple discovered glow-worms on a forgotten 30-acre property. 11 years later, they turned it into a rainforest attraction without cutting down a single tree

Rainforests are fascinating natural ecosystems, offering a rich mix of biodiversity, lush trees, gushing streams, and wildlife. But besides their ecological significance, rainforests can also support tourism and nature-based adventure activities. These green havens can be turned into elevated walkways, canopy bridges or guided forest trails, giving visitors unique wildlife experiences. Australian couple, Ian and Jennifer Moore, did something similar after they bought a large 130-acre piece of land in 1988 in Queensland that came with a small house and beautiful gardens. The land was divided in two by Tamborine Mountain Road.

Glow-worm discovery sparks rainforest adventure

In 1989, Ian and Jennifer converted the house into a restaurant, launching the Forest Restaurant on the upper side of the property. But while the Songbirds turned into a popular attraction, the lower 30-acre portion of the property was left untouched until the Moores discovered a colony of glow worms beside the creek that gave them an idea.

The Australian couple decided to transform the new site along Cedar Creek into a night-time eco-adventure tour where visitors can watch these glow-worms illuminating the space. Entry paths had already been built by loggers in the 1990s. So, the Moores decided to remove the overgrown Lantana to convert these old timber-cart trails into roads suitable for mini-buses.

Glow-worm tours lead to rainforest skywalk construction

In 1999, the Moores finally commenced their glow-worm eco tours, operating every night until 2004. These night tours became the catalyst for building the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, a 1.5-kilometer eco-adventure walking tour. Ian and Jennifer sold the last subdivision, the Songbirds property and began the new business venture.

Building the Skywalk was quite challenging, taking nearly 5 years of planning, research, and obtaining state and local council approvals, with the construction of the high steel bridge on steep, volcanic soils being the most difficult, especially because Ian and Jennifer decided not to cut down any trees and damage the environment.

All about Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

The Australian couple’s sons, Brendan and Nicholas, joined them on the construction. Cranes weighing 120 tonnes, fitted with booms extending up to 80 metres, were used to manoeuvre the towering support columns. They were also used for the 40-metre walkway and cantilever components above the treetops before being lowered into the rainforest canopy.

The Skywalk finally opened in 2009 by the then Federal Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson. The eco-adventure space is now managed by Ian and Jennifer’s sons Nick and Brendan, who are carrying forward their family’s legacy.