About us
Thunderbird Park – Where Adventure Meets Nature
Set across 114 hectares of lush rainforest and open woodland on Tamborine Mountain, Thunderbird Park is one of Queensland’s top adventure destinations. Nestled into Tamborine National Park, the park offers a unique blend of nature and excitement in a stunning rainforest setting. Owned by Bob and Judi Minnikin, it’s home to iconic attractions like the Canyon Flyer zipline, TreeTop Challenge high ropes courses, the Thunderegg Crystal Mine, and Dig IT – Australia’s first mini excavator park. Visitors can also enjoy laser skirmish, adventure mini golf, and scenic bushwalking trails. It’s a natural playground for all ages.
Our Vision
Bringing Nature to Life Through Unforgettable Experiences
At Thunderbird Park, our mission is to inspire deeper connections with the natural world. We create meaningful experiences that blend adventure and relaxation in the beauty of our rainforest surroundings. Whether it’s through hands-on outdoor fun, peaceful escapes, or shared moments under the canopy of the trees, we aim to make every visit a refreshing and memorable encounter with nature. It’s all about turning ordinary days into something truly extraordinary.
Our Mission
Crafting Inspiring Moments in the Heart of the Rainforest
At Thunderbird Park, our purpose is to create unforgettable experiences that awaken the senses and celebrate the beauty of nature. From unique places to stay and delicious dining options, to thrilling adventures and memorable events, everything we offer is thoughtfully woven into 114 hectares of lush rainforest and scenic bushland. Whether you’re here to explore, unwind, or celebrate, our mission is to help you reconnect with nature and leave with memories that stay with you long after you leave.
Our Values
Guiding Every Adventure
At Thunderbird Park, our values shape everything we do. We lead with integrity, always choosing honesty and ethical practices as our compass. Through innovation, we push boundaries to deliver fresh, exciting experiences that raise the bar for eco-tourism. We pursue excellence by going beyond expectations and creating moments that truly matter. Wellness is at our heart—we champion healthy living, outdoor exploration, and mindful connection with nature. And above all, we are deeply committed to sustainability, working to protect this incredible environment for generations to come. Every adventure you take with us helps support a greener, brighter future.
Our Culture
Yes Certainly!
At Thunderbird Park, a positive mindset drives everything we do. Our “yes” attitude fuels a can-do spirit that embraces challenges with energy, teamwork, and enthusiasm. We’re dedicated to delivering warm, attentive, and professional service ensuring every guest feels truly valued. That same respect and support extends to our team, partners, and suppliers, creating a culture where everyone thrives and every interaction is a pleasure. It’s all part of the Thunderbird Park experience – uplifting, welcoming, and always ready to go the extra mile.
Our Commitment
Protecting Nature While Creating Meaningful Moments
At Thunderbird Park, we’re passionate about offering unforgettable guest experiences while actively caring for the environment. Through our partnership with Tamborine Mountain Landcare, guests can opt to contribute 1% of their bill to support essential ecological restoration projects. These efforts help regenerate native habitats, promote biodiversity, and protect the rich natural heritage of our region. Since 2020, we’ve also introduced immersive, nature-based experiences – such as guided eco-walks and educational activities – designed to connect guests with the remarkable wildlife and ecosystems that thrive across our rainforest property.
Get to Know the Thunderbird Park Family
Thunderbird Park
Bob and Judi Minnikin are the visionary custodians behind the transformation of Thunderbird Park and Cedar Creek Lodges – now rebranded as Tamborine Mountain Glades – into one of Australia’s premier nature-based tourism destinations. In 1999, they acquired the 114-hectare property on Tamborine Mountain, which was then heavily indebted and in a state of disrepair. Undeterred, the Minnikins embarked on a journey to revitalize the estate, infusing it with their passion for hospitality and commitment to excellence.
Over time, their dedication has seen the property evolve into a multifaceted retreat, welcoming over 200,000 guests a year from around the globe. Tamborine Mountain Glades now boasts a diverse array of accommodations, from luxurious lodges to glamping tents. The estate features a suite of attractions, including the award-winning Canyon Flyer Zipline, TreeTop Challenge, Dig IT mini-excavator park, and the renowned Thunderegg Crystal Mine – with the world’s largest known thunderegg deposit.
Driven by innovation and a passion for exceptional guest experiences, the Minnikins have earned widespread recognition – including the prestigious RACQ People’s Choice Award for Accommodation and the Gold Award for Best Business Event Venue in Queensland amongst many other wedding venue awards. Their journey is a powerful testament to vision, resilience, and the transformative impact of dedicated leadership in the tourism industry.”
TreeTop Challenge & Canyon FLyer
The Taylor family purchased the original Adventure Parc high ropes course in 2013, re-launching it as TreeTop Challenge. Since 2013, the Taylor family has continued to invest in safety and has made the TreeTop Challenge here at Thunderbird Park the largest High Ropes & Zipline destination in Australia. Driven by their shared love of outdoor adventure, the Taylor family turned the business into a thriving family enterprise.
In 2016, the family introduced the Canyon Flyer Zipline Tour, a guided multi-line zipline experience soaring above the breathtaking Cedar Creek Canyon. Quickly gaining national recognition, the Canyon Flyer became one of the most thrilling and awarded zipline tours in the country.
In 2021, the Taylors expanded again with TreeTop Juniors, a purpose-built course for children aged 3 to 7, allowing younger adventurers to explore safely and confidently.
With a focus on innovation, safety, sustainability, and hands-on customer service, the Taylor family has helped TreeTop Challenge become a must-do adventure experience for families, school groups, and corporate teams alike.
Thunderegg Crystal Mine & Dig IT
The Thunderegg Crystal Mine is proudly owned by siblings Kate Keegan and Sam Maccoll. After years of hands-on experience in tourism, including Kate’s time as General Manager of Thunderbird Park, the entrepreneurial duo took a leap of faith and purchased the iconic Thunderegg Mine from Bob and Judi Minnikin, the owners of Thunderbird Park. Their deep connection to the mountain and shared passion for customer service along with creating memorable family experiences inspired them to preserve the mine’s rich history while introducing new adventures.
In 2023, Kate and Sam brought a bold new concept to life with the launch of Dig IT – Australia’s first mini excavator park. Located next to the mine, Dig IT allows guests, young and old to operate real 1.7-tonne excavators in a fully supervised construction-themed zone. With a focus on hands-on learning, fun challenges, and teamwork, the park offers a one-of-a-kind experience for digger enthusiasts. From digging and demolishing to claw and precision games, Dig IT has quickly become a must-visit attraction for families visiting Queensland.
Laser Skirmish
Peter and Nicole Lander are the visionary founders behind Laser Skirmish, a pioneering outdoor laser tag experience nestled within the lush rainforest of Thunderbird Park. Since launching the attraction in 2002, the Landers have transformed Laser Skirmish into a must-do activity for families, school groups, and corporate teams seeking adventure in the Gold Coast hinterland.
Their journey began in 1999 when they co-founded Battlefield Sports, a global leader in live-action gaming technology. Their innovative SATR system – short for Small Arms Transmitter Receiver – provides real-time hit feedback and immersive sound effects, delivering a thrilling, pain-free alternative to paintball. This technology powers the Laser Skirmish experience, allowing players to engage in dynamic missions like “Capture the Flag” and “Battle Royale” across a jungle battlefield inspired by video games.
At Thunderbird Park, Laser Skirmish offers a unique blend of nature and technology, enabling players to navigate dense rainforest terrain while engaging in strategic gameplay. The Landers’ commitment to innovation and immersive entertainment has made Laser Skirmish a standout attraction, providing unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. We love entertaining groups of 50, 75 or even more players – it’s the perfect way to bring people together for high-energy fun in the great outdoors.
Adventure Mini Golf
Bob and Judi Minnikin, owners of Thunderbird Park, along with Bob’s brother Ken, developed Adventure Mini Golf in 2015. This championship-style course was designed by leading Australian mini golf designer, Craig Bartlett, and is nestled within the lush rainforest and beside Cedar Creek that meanders through Thunderbird Park for 1½ kms. The 9-hole course features water hazards, rock traps, bridges, bunkers, and other obstacles, offering a challenging and enjoyable experience for players of all ages. Each green includes three holes – beginner (white), intermediate (blue), and professional (black) – allowing players to choose their level of difficulty.
Adventure Mini Golf has become a popular attraction at Thunderbird Park, complementing other activities such as the TreeTop Challenge, Thunderegg Crystal Mine, and Laser Skirmish. The Minnikins’ commitment to creating engaging and family-friendly experiences has contributed to the park’s reputation as Australia’s largest adventure playground.
