> > by Melissa Reynolds and Gold Coast Tourism
Just 40 minutes’ drive from Gold Coast beaches is a hinterland of subtropical rainforest, interspersed with mountain villages, bushwalks, waterfalls and swimming holes, plus valleys of working produce farms and cattle stations. The World Heritage-listed Springbrook and Lamington National Parks, plus the extended township of Tamborine Mountain offer access to unmatched Australian landscapes with some of the best campgrounds available and other eco-friendly accommodation venues. Roaming wildlife and an array of flora and fauna represent nature at its finest. Watch for roadside stalls selling everything from honey and rhubarb to lemons and organic avocados.
Things to Do: If you’re feeling active try hang-gliding, horse riding, 4WD tours, hot air ballooning, ATV adventures or canopy walks. Bed-and-breakfast outlets, wineries, boutique distilleries, breweries, restaurants, rustic homesteads, plus local produce, arts and crafts and jewellery stores are scattered throughout this rural setting. Get back to nature with a breathtaking stroll at tree top level along the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk or bask in the simple natural pleasures at any one of the many hinterland walkways scattered throughout. Some walks have glow worm caves as part of the natural spectacle which makes for a truly amazing encounter to be enjoyed together.
Wine & Dine:
Topping the list of ‘must dos’ is the multi-award winning Songbirds in the Forest, set on a 50-hectare rainforest property it also offers luxurious overnight, chalet accommodation. Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery is the home of the all-new Queensland Wine Centre with 14 wineries from across the south east of the state represented. Couples can also enjoy award-winning wines and lunch on the verandah of an historic Queenslander homestead at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. The Polish Place at Mt Tamborine is another multi award winning restaurant and accommodation venue that provides spectacular views from the cottages and outdoor dining area. You’re assured a decadent dining experience among relaxed surrounds at Liquid Amber Restaurant that resides within the Witches Chase Cheese/Mt Tamborine Brewery complex. For the total Hinterland experience, take your taste buds on a journey and discover the area’s seasonal produce and local products along the route for the Gold Coast Hinterland Food and Wine Trail. Follow the Tourist Drive 8 signs and enter the trail from Exit 57 from the north (Brisbane) and Exit 69 from the south (Coolangatta) on the Pacific Motorway.
Insider Tips:
There are daily opportunities to hand-feed rainbow lorikeets at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat or picnic at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards and savour the taste of a local drop
• Splash into the Currumbin Rock Pools to cool off on a hot summer’s day
• Indulge with an exclusive range of locally made cheeses and ice cream from Witches Chase Cheese Company
• Stroll down the Gallery Walk whilst nibbling Mt Tamborine’s world famous handmade fudge
Best beach: Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta
Best spot: for view and ice cream, Point Danger
Best Fish and Chips: PKG’s (just over border at 212 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads)
Walks: O’Reilly’s
Shopping: Robina Town Centre
Boating/Fishing: South Straddie