Gold Coast is famous for its beaches, yet its Hinterland might be even more compelling! Mount Tamborine is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway with its natural wonders, swish gastro experiences and beautiful scenery! It's also part of the Scenic Rim, a scenic mountain range with bunch of recreational activities, lush rainforests and art galleries. The town of Tamborine Mountain has lots of natural attractions but it's also a foodie-paradise - fancy restaurants, boutique wineries, cafés and pubs, locally grown organic veggies, avocados, kiwifruits and macadamia nuts, award-winning cheeses and delicious fudge all over!
Fun fact: Did you know that the Scenic Rim region is considered to have the most fertile land in Queensland?
As a remnant of the former Mount Warning volcano, the scenic Mount Tamborine sits on a level plateau about 550-metres and offers view both to the skyline of Surfers Paradise with the Pacific Ocean and the Scenic Rim. The Tamborine National Park protects an over 2000 ha area divided into 14 sections, including the Witches Falls area, the first national park of Queensland. The park gives home to numerous protected animals such as Australian bush-turkey, pademelon, land mullet, noisy pitta or Albert's lyrebird.
Getting Here and Around
As Australia is a massive country, renting a car is inevitable to get around. Tamborine Mountain is located in the Gold Coast Hinterland about an hour drive from Brisbane and about 35 minutes from the Gold Coast.
The Tamborine Mountain Visitor Information Centre is located in North Tamborine, on Main Western Road. Here you'll find maps, itineraries and knowledgeable staff to help.
Things to Do Here
There are plenty of attractions and activities for spending a whole weekend here, but you can experience the local atmosphere on a daytrip too. The mountain offers walking routes in the national park areas, while the town is perfect for eating, relaxing and shopping. Start your day the the central Gallery Walk to get to know the town, go for a hike, then enjoy the local delicacies or shop around for souvenirs.
Explore The Gallery Walk at Eagle Heights
If you visit only one place in the town, this should be it. The walk is the tourist hub of the town, and easy to see why: it's packed with intriguing shops, cozy B&Bs, historic pubs, cafés, boutique wineries, weekend markets, antique stores, art galleries and award-winning restaurants. Look for authentic German clocks and watches at German Cuckoo Clock Nest or opal jewelry at Australia Outback Opals.
Walk in the Tamborine Mountain National Park
Of the 14 sections of the national park, 6 offers walking routes. There are 11 walking tracks to explore and none of them is longer than 3 km. Join a tour or walk around by yourself, the tracks can be walked in a few hours. There are public toilets, picnic and barbeque areas in the national park, but note that camping, jumping into rock pools and bringing a pet into the park is not allowed. Be a responsible traveler and keep to the defined walking tracks, take your rubbish home and do not disturb any plants or animals! Oh, and it's completely free!
We recommend the Cedar Creek Section, which is quite short but beautiful. The 500 m long Cedar Creek Falls track to the lookout and the 1.1 km long track to the rock pools. The shorter track takes 15 minutes and offers view to the gorge, waterfalls and rock pools, while the longer trail leads to the rock pools below through the eucalypt forest and takes about 30 minutes. Our favourite is the Joalah Section that leads to the charming Curtis falls, also you can spot fish, turtles, or even a platypus in the water if you're lucky!
Climb the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is a rainforest canopy walkway at a private owned rainforest area by Cedar Creek. The Skywalk is 1.5 km long and takes 30-45 minutes to walk around. You can have some refreshments at Birdwing Cafe. Buy your tickets at the reception for 19.50 AUD.
Have Fun at Thunderbird Park
Thunderbird Park is a mountain resort combined with an adventure park. The main attractions include Australia's longest and highest rope course, the TreeTop Challenge and ride on the Canyon Flyer. Book and find the prices here. Have some snack from Terrace Kiosk or have a romantic dinner at Rainforest Restaurant and Lounge Bar. The 112 ha area is located on Cedar Creek Falls Road, a 20 minute walk from Cedar Creek. The park shares the rainforest property with Cedar Creek Lodges therefore offering several accommodation options from camping to resorts.
Visit a Glow Worm Caves
The Glow Worm Caves in Mt. Tamborine are purpose-built caves as part of a conservation initiative to protect the glow worm colony at Mt. Tamborine. During the day, they're accessible only through a guided tour. The 30 minutes guide is available for 15 AUD here.
Enjoy the sunset at a Lookout
The Robert Sowter Park Lookout or Hang Glider Lookout offers a spectacular scenery to the Scenic Rim and the Great Diving Ranges and it is also the launching spot of the paragliders and hang gliders of the mountain, providing a very unique experience. Another option is the Rotary lookout which is not far from here. Bring your blanket and glass of wine (or beer) and enjoy a wonderful sunset from the Rotary Lookout! You can admire the view of the Scenic Rim from benches, binoculars or from your car.
Find Local Art and Antiques
Hilltop on Tamborine offers both contemporary and traditional art works, while Tamborine Mountain Arts Collective holds an Open Studio event each year to bring together local artists and showcase their work. For some authentic landscape, check out the work of the 'Father of Australian Outback Art' at Arthur Hamblin Art Gallery. If you want more than paintings, visit the Mountain Dreams Gallery & Studio where Maki Horanai's unique creations are displayed. She paints on canvas and wood but works with ceramics and mixed media as well. If you like antiquing, step into Jodi's Antiques Plus and dwell in the past with her lovely vintage products.
Picnic at the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens
The botanical garden in Mt. Tamborine is a 11 ha area, including a peaceful Japanese Garden, a lake, a tropical rainforest walk, a rose garden, a bromeliad garden, wisteria-covered pergolas, a perennial cottage garden and many more. The gardens are maintained by volunteers and donations are welcomed as visiting the garden is free. There are picnic areas in the garden, but there are no BBQ facilities and dogs are not allowed either. This garden is a lovely venue for any type of event.
Try Eco-friendly Cosmetics at Jasmin Organics
Jasmin Organics Skincare Farm and Factory is Australia's purest organic skincare farm and factory. The eco-friendly company offers tours to learn about the farm, manufacturing facilities and the skincare making process. Sample the products in the retail shop.
Relax at a Spa
Ripple Mt. Tamborine Massage is a mobile day spa and beauty salon, offering different massages, manicure & pedicure and spa treatments. They operate in Gold Coast and all Gold Coast Hinterland, bringing the spa into your home or hotel. Find the details and prices here. If you prefer the bit more traditional spa feeling, ease yourself at Getaway Day Spa on West Road.
Where to eat and drink
Shop at the Local Markets
There are regular markets at Tamborine Mountain each month. Tamborine Mountain Local Producers Market is held every Sunday from 7-12.00 at Mount Tamborine Showground in the Green Shed. You'll find organically grown fresh veggies & fruit, flowers, herbs & plants, preserves, nuts and honey. The Tamborine Mountain Country Markets take place on the second Sunday of each month from 7.30-13.30 at Tamborine Mountain Showgrounds. The market area is quite large with lots of stalls, a wide range of products, fresh food, plants and coffee. This is a great place to look for art & crafts too, fashion and free entertainment with special fun area for kids. Tamborine Mountain School Markets are held on the last Sunday of each month from 7.00-13.00 at the car park across from the school. You'll find a variety of locally made products like cookies, soaps, collectables and vintage items - a perfect place to get unique souvenirs!
TOP TIP: Try the Dutch pancakes (proffertjes) and the German sausages with mustard (Knackwurst) at the Country Market!
Gourmet Delights
Mount Tamborine is well known for its local gourmet specialties that definitely worth tasting! Choose from a great variety of quality cheese from Witches Chase Cheese Company, step into heaven at Chocolates on Gallery Walk, let the 40 different fudge melt in your mouth at Granny Mac’s Fudge Store and Café or try the "Adults Only" version in Fudge Heaven not so far from here.
TOP TIP: Have an Gelato after the hike by the entrance of the Joalah Section tracks at Lemon Lovers Gelato & Cheese. They have various sorbets and gelato as well as Pure Artisan Chees made locally.
There are also heaps of options for dinner, it is hard to choose the best one. Here're some good options we recommend.
The Three Little Pigs Bar and Bistro
The Three Little Pigs Bar and Bistro is our favourite. It has excellent food, long wine and beer list and great service. This restaurant is very popular, so make sure you book ahead on their Facebook page here! It is also available for group bookings.
Hickory
A small restaurant with tasty American style slow cooked meat dishes, fine wines, local craft beers and special cocktails. Have a lunch or a late dinner here or even you can book it for private functions. Make a reservation here.
Clancys’s Irish Bar & Restaurant
This place has an authentic Irish pub atmosphere and great menu. Try the Beef & Guinness Pie or the Irish Stew and wash it down with a Guinness or Kilkenny to complete the experience! You can reserve a table here.
If you want some Mexican food try the El Burro Cantina, who offers fresh and delicious taco platter, vegetarian options, plenty of drinks and a great service! For healthy Japanese cuisine go to the Leaf Japanese Restaurant & Sushi or try Mountain Top Chinese & Japanese Cuisine for an Asian fusion kitchen.
Coffee and Tea
Take a sip of fresh coffee at Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation, the mountain's only coffee plantation and lose yourself in the world of coffee. Take a Crop-to-Cup tour and experience coffee making first-hand, participate in a course on sustainable farming or do a sensory training to know how to identify different coffee flavours. You might get hungry after walking through the over 600 coffee trees, try something from the menu of Coffee House & Restaurant. If you want to spend more time in this enchanting place, take part in a culinary event with guest chefs or book your private event here.
If tea is more your tipple, Tea and Niceties serve steaming cups of their signature loose leaf teas nearby in Eagle Heights. Take it to another level with the high tea or scoff some scones beside a backdrop of rainforest at the café.
Queensland's Finest Beverages
If you like wine, you'll definitely will love Mt. Tamborine! Wineries here are popular wedding venues and easy to see why: a charming winery, picturesque ground and lush rainforests make a very romantic atmosphere. Try the area's first winery Mount Tamborine Winery, marvel at the purpose-built glow worm caves at Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery, visit the cellar of Heritage Estate Winery, take a farm tour at Albert River Wines or enjoy a wine tasting at Witches Falls Winery.
But not just wines are excellent here! Try different locally manufactured liqueurs, cocktails, schnapps, vodkas, gin and more at the award-winning Tamborine Mountain Distillery. The Elizabethan Tudor-styled building is located on MacDonnell Road, But if you can't come by, online orders are available as well. A selection of 4 drinks in the Tasting Room costs 5 AUD/person. If you want more, book your experience here and visit the distillery museum too.
Fun fact: This establishment is the third oldest distillery in Queensland.
If you're more like a beer enthusiast, don't worry, there's a treat for you here as well! Fortitude Brewing Co. offers a great range of good quality beer with unique tastes. Come with your mates for a tasting paddle or relax in the beer garden with live music on weekends. The place gives home to Witches Chase Cheese Co. as well, so you can combine your two favourites: beer and cheese!
When to Visit
In South East Queensland the climate is sub-tropical, therefore the summers are sunny, moderately hot and humid, while winters are pleasantly cool and dry. The wettest months being January and February, and the waterfalls are the most spectacular after a rainfall. It is quite nice to visit Tamborine Mountain all year round, though floods and bushfires can occur, hence always check the current conditions!
What to Wear
Dress for the weather and your activities. If you go for some shopping and a picnic or a dinner, a nice summer dress or shorts will do fine. If you're into nature, you don't have to put on a full hiking gear either, because the treks are not so difficult. However, wear a comfortable pair of shoes that you can walk in and a light sweater for the night won't hurt either. Sunglasses, sun screen and a hat against the sun is a must in Australia, but you can also bring a small backpack for your water, some snacks, bug protection and camera gear! Take a blanket in the car for watching the sunset in a lookout!
Where to Stay
There are plenty of options in accommodation as well - bed & breakfast, cottages and farm stays, retreats, lodges, camping, glamping, Mount Tamborine has it all!
For Cozy Mid-Range Accommodation
Little Bank House
This cozy one bedroom apartment has a nice little balcony, bathroom, air conditioning and free parking. The house also has a kitchen but it is located close to the Main Road and lots of good restaurants, so you don't have to worry about the food at all. Book the Little Bank House here.
The Silvermoon Villa
This bed and breakfast offers double rooms with kitchen, dinging area and private bathrooms. The rooms has a nice atmosphere, free wi-fi, air conditioning and private parking. The guests can use the shared lounge, garden and terrace, also à la carte and American breakfast options are available each morning. Book your stay here.
For Groups
Tamborine Palm Farmhouse Modern Hinterland Cottage
Try this renovated farmhouse with your friends! The luxurious cottage has three stylish bedrooms, two modern baths, a kitchen, a terrace, fire pit and BBQ area and everything you need, even a trampoline for the kids. The house is located and right next to a working palm farm, so lookout for wildlife, especially kangaroos on the property! It is also pet friendly, and close to the local shops to pick up essentials for your stay. You can book this cottage here.
For Something Unusual
Yumeji
Yumeji is a luxurious Japanese styled boutique retreat at Mount Tamborine. They offer traditional Japanese styled rooms with tatamis and wood baths also contemporary mixed Australian and Japanese styled suites with an outdoor spa pool. Leave your shoes outside, slip in to your yukata and sip a tea in the Japanese Garden or play some games in the lounge. You can eat a combined Japanese and Australian breakfast and a traditional Japanese dinner in the in the dining area that has a fireplace for colder mornings.
The Rustic Greenhouse
This small studio apartment has a lovely rustic vibe and lots of green plants! It is attached to a family home, but has its own entrance and deck with more plants and a fireplace. You can get a complementary breakfast, borrow the bikes, picnic basket and the blanket to explore the mountain. Book this cozy place here.
For Glamourous Romantic Getaways
Cedar Creek Lodges
The Cedar Creek Lodges are located by the Cedar Creek Falls and share rainforest property with the Thunderbird Park. Hillside Lodges offer cozy holiday cabins and stylish rooms with or without a spa. The self-contained lodges have a modern country chic with spas and log fire. Our favourite is the Garden Lodge. The lovely design, wonderful modern bathroom and the huge bathtub make is ideal for a romantic weekend! You can eat light meals, snacks and homemade pizza from the Terrace Kiosk or a stylish dinner at the Rainforest Restaurant & Lounge Bar. Cedar Creek Lodges is a beautiful venue and can be reserved for special events, weddings, conferences or corporate functions. You can make a booking only on their website.
Hampton Estate Wines
Hampton Estate Wines is a winery, restaurant, accommodation and wedding venue. They offer boutique, uniquely styled suites with comfy beds, a private balcony, fireplace and the deluxe suites come with a spa bath as well. It's an ideal place for a romantic weekend getaway. The restaurant is in the Hampton House with an open fireplace, verandas and view to the valley. The restaurant is open on the weekends, but a mid-week opening can be requested for special occasions. The Hampton House also contains Cellar door for the award-winning wines, a Whisky Bar and an Art Gallery featuring pieces of the local Tamborine Mountain Arts Collective.
Songbirds Rainforest Retreat
The Songbirds is a charming retreat offering 6 villas on a 51 acres of lush rainforest. Each unit has a with a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with shower along with a pleasant balcony with a view to the garden and the rainforest. You can bring you pet for an extra $50, and you can eat at the local restaurant. The retreat is also available for functions and weddings with customizable packages. Book your stay here.
Witches Falls Cottages
This private retreat is located opposite the Witches Falls. It offers 6 exquisite cottages in three different style with a glamourous glass-roofed spa, private garden and veranda, kitchenette, a little fireplace and polished wood floors. The cottages are adults only, making it a perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. Breakfast hampers are delivered to the cottages every morning. Dine out, order from a restaurant or ask for a BBQ Dinner Hamer of Cheese Platter from the hosts. Book your cottage here.
Pethers Rainforest Retreat
This private and secluded retreat is surrounded by a pristine rainforest and offers 10 spacious treehouses with private spa and a huge, five-meter high glass windows, a balcony and a little fireplace. This retreat is also a kid free accommodation, perfect for couples on a romantic escape. Breakfasts are delivered to the door and you can have a drink at the bar or dinner at the restaurant during the day. Book your treehouse here.
Find the mentioned places here on the map.
Hope you'll find this post helpful and enjoy your trip to Mount Tamborine! Check out my detailed post about the Natural Wonders of Mount Tamborine and the other about the Top 8 Experiences here!
Comments