Our time at Thunderbird Park was a thrilling mix of adrenaline, nature, and exceptional service. The day began with the exhilarating Tree Top Challenge, where Robert's adventurous spirit truly stole the show. While I had to bow out after the first course due to the strenuous activity (thankfully, early exits were possible), Robert pressed on with determination, conquering even the toughest courses. From 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, we were completely immersed in this adventure, and it was inspiring to see him tackle every challenge.
After our treetop experience, we enjoyed a well-deserved lunch and took in the serenity of the park during the bird feeding. The sight of vibrant birds was a lovely contrast to the morning’s high-energy activity. We then settled into our cozy rooms, ready to recharge before heading out to a delightful dinner at the restaurant. It was the perfect end to an action-packed day, and we’re excited for more fun tomorrow.
While reflecting on our experience, I noticed some negative reviews from other patrons, and I wanted to address where our experience differed:
Early Exits on the Treetop Challenge: One review mentioned that once on a course, there’s no option to quit. For me, stepping out early was a smooth process. When my body wasn’t coping, I was able to exit safely, ensuring my well-being wasn’t compromised.
Outstanding Staff: While some reviews said the staff were just "kinda nice," I found them to be exceptional. At the Treetop Challenge, they were engaging, fun, and incredibly helpful. I even witnessed staff expertly perform mid-zipline rescues, retrieving children stuck halfway across. Their professionalism and dedication were truly impressive.
Gear Quality: Concerns about damaged gloves came up in some reviews. My son initially picked up a pair of torn gloves, but during the final safety check, a thoughtful staff member made sure he had the correct size and gloves without holes—a small gesture that made a big difference.
Efficient Check-In: There were complaints about long wait times for check-in, but we waited only about 30 minutes, which included safety instructions. Everything was organized and ran smoothly.
Time for All Courses: Some guests mentioned not being able to complete all the courses. From what I overheard, there is no official time limit. Staff explained they might call back participants if harnesses were running low, but during our 9:00 AM session, there was plenty of time to complete all the courses if you were up for the challenge.
Parking Logistics: Parking could be improved, as some reviews pointed out. Overnight guests have designated parking, but it’s not clearly marked, leading many to use the main lot upon arrival. The main lot is a bit tight, requiring careful maneuvering, but it’s manageable with a little patience.
Overall, our experience at Thunderbird Park was nothing short of amazing. The park provides a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping activities or serene moments to unwind, it’s a destination that truly delivers. We’re looking forward to another day of exploring and...
Read moreSuch an excellent experience! The instructors make the experience even more fun. The fun began straight away. Our drive in the 4wd buggy up the dirt track was so much fun. We had Jake and Ryan as our instructors. They were the perfect balance of encouragement, positive energy and dad jokes. Ryan was so funny! (I added that because I’m sure Ryan would love to hear a review about how funny he is). We swung and laughed our way across the jungle. The zip lining felt very safe and it wasn’t a daunting experience. The ledges and platforms at the start of each zip line were not dangling over the edge of cliffs, they all had the ground gradually falling away at the front so it wasn’t like you were jumping off a cliff every time you began a zip line. Every beginning and end platform were very secure and I did not feel unsafe at all through the whole experience. We were safely secured to the ropes every second so there was never a feeling of worry or danger. The platforms were a mixture of platforms secured to the ground or mid way up a LARGE tree (that was reinforced heavily to other trees and the ground). You could see through the grates of the ones secured to a tree, but it was so rigid that it did not creak or move at all. You can easily see that every aspect of the experience was designed and maintained with the utmost of care. The ropes, zip lines, platforms, harnesses, secured lines, all looked very well maintained, with no sign of damage or wear and tear. The experience did go for about 3 hours. Initially I wasn’t sure how 7 zip lines would take that long, but cheering on each participant in the group of 10, and very short 2-3 minute walks between each zip line did fill the time. It did not feel too slow or too rushed, it was the perfect amount of time to take in the experience and enjoy each different zip line. Some were zooming over the canopy with spectacular views down the valley and off in the distance, while others had views amount the trees and down to the creek below. I don’t particularly love heights, but I did not feel scared of heights at all. The instructors tailored their support to match the level of bravery of each participant. Pushing the dare devils to have fun, while also encouraging and supporting those that were nervous for the first zip line. We had a lady who was VERY nervous at the start of zip line 1, but once she took that first step off the platform for the first zip line, she enjoyed every minute. If you are unsure, be...
Read moreDisappointing Experience with Unwelcoming Policies
Our recent visit to the TreeTop Challenge at Mt Tamborine left us with mixed feelings, primarily due to the treatment we received from the staff regarding their policies.
Upon arrival, our family of four enjoyed the adventure activities while the kids had a great time with the tree top challenge. Meanwhile, my friends and I decided to relax at one of the outdoor tables. Shortly after, we were informed by a staff member that the table was designated for restaurant patrons only. This was understandable, and we expressed our willingness to purchase food from the on-site restaurant.
However, our experience took a turn when we were later approached by a manager regarding our own food and drinks. Despite seeing other tables with locals also having their own refreshments, we were singled out and informed of a "No BYO" policy. It was perplexing because there was no clear signage indicating this policy until after we were already seated an hour later that a staff came and put a "no BYO" sign on the table.
We complied by packing our own items back into bags but left them on the table, believing it unnecessary to return them to the car immediately. This seemed reasonable given the presence of other tables with similar setups. Nevertheless, the manager returned multiple times insisting that our bags be taken back to the car, repeating "are we on the same page?" as if our compliance was not understood.
As paying customers who spent over $500 during our visit, we were disappointed by the inconsistent application of policies and the lack of clear communication. It felt discriminatory that we were targeted when other tables nearby were treated differently, seemingly because we were international visitors.
To improve customer experience, we strongly suggest that TreeTop Challenge at Mt Tamborine clearly display all policies, including the "No BYO" rule, at the entrance or prominently near dining areas. This would prevent confusion and ensure that all guests, regardless of origin, are treated fairly and respectfully.
While the activities were enjoyable, our overall impression was marred by this incident. We hope that management takes steps to review their policies and enhance customer relations for...
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