When taking a trip to the Gold Coast, most people tend to only think of the beaches and the beach towns that line the coast. Hey, it’s great and there’s no problem in that, but did you know that a green, rainforest getaway to the hinterland is just 30 minutes by car?
Mount Tamborine is one popular destination for a getaway in the Gold Coast Hinterland given its secluded vibe, the rainforest surroundings and the artistic attractions. Here are 8 things you can do on Tamborine Mountain when the Brisbane or Gold Coast city life has been a bit too much.
Gallery Walk is a popular street in Mount Tamborine that is lined with a number of arts and crafts type shops. It’s called a “walk” because visitors are meant to park the car before getting out to explore the 70 odd shops along the way. Check out Long Road for places like Mayfield Chocolates, She Beads, Simply Sandwiches and Capanart Gallery.
Obviously the two things go together, so it makes sense that the MT Brewery and the Witches Chase Cheese Company are found in the same building! Right at the end of the Gallery Walk, it is the perfect place to end the stroll — relaxing with a tasting tray of beers and cheesy snacks.
If beer and cheese isn’t the proper combo for your taste buds, perhaps some wine and cheese will do. The Mount Tamborine Vineyard & Winery is located on Long Road, in the heart of the Gallery Walk. Inside, you’ll find a restaurant, coffee shop and gift shop.
Located on Forsythia Drive, the botanic gardens covers 11 hectares of land and features several themed garden areas (Japanese garden, Rose garden, Bromeliad garden). It’s the perfect place to bring a picnic, so why not stop of for some treats at the Gallery Walk before heading this way.
The Songbirds Rainforest Retreat is located deep in the rainforest of Mount Tamborine, and it is there that you can also dine at the delightful, unforgettable Songbirds Restaurant. The dishes created are full of unique flavors and the atmosphere is open and serene. When you’re done dining, laze away the afternoon in the garden with a nice cocktail or glass of wine. In other words, plan for an extra long outing.
The Skywalk is a tree top walk in the rainforest of Mount Tamborine. The path is 300 meters in length and towers 30 meters above the creek in the valley below. The entire walk takes about 1 hour and is pram and wheelchair accessible.
Several walks are tracked out on Tamborine Mountain that lead to waterfalls. To get to one, follow the circuits to Curtis Falls, Witches Falls or Cedar Creek Falls, the latter being the easiest of the three walking paths.
The Glow Worm Caves are part of the Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery. The caves have been artificially constructed and the glow worms implanted a number of years ago to produce a fully functional glow worm experience.
Now, doesn’t a trip to the Gold Coast Hinterland just seem like a lot of fun?
