Top Things to do in
Top Hotels in Gold Coast Hinterland
- 1. Songbirds
- 2. O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Mountain Villas and Lost World Spa
- 3. Cedar Creek Lodges
- 4. Avocado Sunset Bed and Breakfast
- 5. Hazelwood Estate
- 6. Tall Trees Motel Curtis Falls
- 7. Camelot Boutique Accommodation
- 8. Mt Barney Lodge Country Retreat
- 9. Nightcap at Commercial Hotel
- 10. Tambaridge Bed and Breakfast
The 10 Best Things to do in , Queensland
Discover the best top things to do in , Australia including Springbrook National Park, Natural Bridge, Tamborine Mountain Distillery, Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, Witches Falls Winery, Purling Brook Falls, Curtis Falls, Witches Falls Walking Trail, Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves, Cedar Creek Falls.
Restaurants in Gold Coast Hinterland
1. Springbrook National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Reviewed By LeanneP188 - Cardiff, Australia
I spent a single day exploring this park and have set out what I was able to see in a single day and have suggested a timeline for anyone who is planning a similar day trip. The park is approx 1 hour from the Gold Coast. I was visiting at the end of October and set out about 8 am in a southwards direction towards Neranwood. The temperature in the park when I arrived about 9am was between 3 and 5 degrees cooler than the coast, so it was no hotter than 25 even though it was 28 on the coast. My first stop was the 'best of all' look out at the far end of the eastern ‘branch’ of the park. There is a 300m easy walk on a paved surface to the lookout which is spectacular. You can see Byron Bay from here on a clear day. Drive back along Repeater Station Road and turn right onto Springbrook Road and drive to the end which brings you to a picnic area and Goomoolahra falls. There is a 100 m walk to the falls, which are quite small, and the lookout, which gives you a view back towards the coast. From there drive back towards the Tallanbana picnic area. From here you can take the 90 min walk to the base of the twin falls. There is no view of these falls from anywhere except the base. You need to be quite sure footed as the path is largely unsealed and contains a number of sections of uneven steps. At the base of the falls is a pool which is swimmable but the base of the pool is quite rocky and entry and exit are not easy. Small children would need to be assisted in and out of the water. I’m in my 50s and while I walk regularly on level surfaces, the walk back up is challenging and I had to stop 3 or 4 times to have a few minutes rest. Even with the rests, I still made the return trip in the 90 minute time estimated. I then drove back along Springbrook Road and turned right onto Boy Ull Road which takes you directly to the Canyon lookout. From here you can view Purlingbrook falls from the top. You can walk to the base which would be a similar walk to the twin falls. If you are doing one or the other I think the twin falls walk is more worthwhile because you can't see those falls from anywhere but the base, and you can also swim at the base if you like. By this time it was approx 12.30. I had a packed lunch with me but there enough eateries around that you will be able to find something to suit you. I then drove to the Natural Bridge which is on the western arm of the park. This takes you through a steep descent into the Nunimbah valley which is green and lovely with the mountains behind it. There is a very nice park and picnic area running alongside the Nerang River which would be a good place for a late lunch. A little way past the park turn left onto Bakers Road which takes you to the Natural Bridge. I spent about half an hour here walking around the track that takes you to the bridge, which can be viewed from two sides. Note that despite the beautiful pictures of the water here, swimming is prohibited due to effects on the glowworm habitat. I drove back to the coast via the Nerang Murwillambah road which takes you past Advancetown Lake and the Hinze Dam, which is on the northern end of the lake. Turn right onto Advancetown Road to access the dam. This is worth having a look at if only (when the water levels are low) to snap a few photos of the whitened dead trees against the blue of the lake. This route brings you back to the coast from the northern end and I arrived about 4.30 pm.
2. Natural Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 865 reviews
Reviewed By bobjanh - Brisbane, Australia
Natural Bridge is well worth a visit: sealed road access all the way with a well made 2km circuit track from the car park down to the rock formation and back. A bit steep in places but easily doable if slow and steady: I would recommend doing clockwise to get the easier uphill direction on return. Be sure to look for the bat colony when you get to the bottom.
3. Tamborine Mountain Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Experience something unique. Imagine a place nestled atop a beautiful mountain, set against a backdrop of lush sub-tropical rainforest. Imagine sampling a range of mouth-watering Liqueurs and Spirits that take your taste buds on a memorable journey. Imagine a place that can take you on a journey back in time to experience the real world of Elizabethan or Tudor England. There is such a place and it is called Tamborine Mountain Distillery, a place where true old-world charm and history co-exists. So why not allow your palate to be tantalised with your favourite tipple from one of the eighty or so Liqueurs and Spirits, or dare to challenge with new flavours. A place like no other. Our friendly staff will take you through our very large range of Liqueurs and Spirits and share a joke or two. This itself is worth the visit. There’s a perfect serve for everyone. Our exceptional blends can be mixed and enjoyed in a multitude of ways. Our products have won over 300 International Awards.
Reviewed By D1628WTDoMoZ - Sunshine Coast, Australia
We had the best tasting session by Angela who was attentive and knowledgeable. We will return as we are from just down the street in the Sunny Coast.
4. Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens is an 11 hectare site in the heart of Tamborine Mountain in the hinterland to the west of Queensland's Gold Coast. Our site encompassing a wide variety of gardens from Roses, Magnolias, Bromeliads, Orchids, Camellias, Rhododendrons and Natives, to name but a few. With easy walks, plus some that are not suitable for those with walking limitations, you will be able to see the results of 30 years of dedicated work by our Volunteers. Picnic tables and shelters are available, plus, throughout the Gardens, contemplative sites, with a seat, enable the visitor to rest and take in the beauty of nature. On Wednesday and Thursday mornings, plants that have been propagated at the Gardens are available for sale.
Reviewed By AngelaS111 - Raceview, Australia
Wow this place is the place to go when on mountain it is beautifully maintained easy paths to walk on just great. Kids would love it here also. Imagine so much to see different times of year. Has public toilets at entrance & free entry (there is a donation box)
5. Witches Falls Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Tamborine Mountain’s only 'working' winery. Sourcing our fruit from Ballandean in The Granite Belt QLD, producing 'unique, exceptional wine'
Reviewed By scottmcg65 - Brisbane, Australia
This small boutique winery is relaxing contemporary and Sienna our host for the Wine tasting was knowledgeable friendly and easy to chat to.. The wild fermented chardonnay has long been one of my favourite queensland whites and the 2018 vintage is no exception... Queensland wines are getting better and better every year.. So to those of you who turn up your nose at our wines I say give them a chance.... If you are visiting Tamborine Mountain then a trip to Witches Falls is a must....
6. Purling Brook Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
Reviewed By danielkayelene - The Summit, Australia
A moderate length walk of around 3 hours at a steady pace. It is recommended to walk in a clockwise direction so to avoid walking up steps. The return journey up the hill is via a more sensible gradient with mostly hiking trail rather than steps. I was disappointed to see a large group of swimmers (mostly late teens & young adults) swimming at the base of the Falls, There are signs declaring this is a No Swimming zone to protect the ecosystem. We walked another 20mins further down to find rock pools where swimming was permitted. Amazing rainforest jungle and extremely interesting walk. Falls were a little underwhelming due to the long drought. I look forward to revisiting after a downpour. Toilets, BBQ's and plenty of parking available at the trail start.
7. Curtis Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Reviewed By ChloeAnne26 - Brisbane, Australia
Great walk to do with the family as there is a short walk or a long fun adventure walk. We took 1 and a bit hours to do the lower creek circuit. Great adventure, best track I’ve done in mount Tamborine. I have done witches falls, the knoll, the one near thunderbird park and another one that is now closed. Would recommend this track over all of them :)
8. Witches Falls Walking Trail
9. Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 665 reviews
Welcome to the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Tours! During our tours you will experience the results of our ground-breaking conservation project, as we guide you through our spectacular purpose-built cave, filled with thousands of glowing Glow Worms! We offer the only opportunity in Queensland to see Glow Worms during the day, and over the course of 30 minutes, you’ll meet a Glow Worm up close and learn all about their life cycle and behaviour. Our cave features a colony of native Mt. Tamborine Glow Worms, and is part of a long-term breeding program, so your admission helps support and ensure the survival of the species in South East Queensland for future generations!
Reviewed By Adelie2015 - Blue Mountains, Australia
A heart-warming story in these times of species extinction and habitat loss due to land-clearing and global warming. At the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves, you can see glow worms up close while hearing all about their life cycle from an expert. It is very easy to access (no rough bush tracks or steps) on a good boardwalk through a small section of rainforest. Once inside the cave, there is a short video to help accustom eyes to the darkness then a short, flat walk into the inner cave to see the glow worms. After visiting the glow worm cave, be sure to check out the adjoining Frog Hollow which gives you the opportunity to see different species of frogs. A few steps here, but nothing onerous. Definitely a great educational experience and a wonderful opportunity to see a species that is declining in the wild.
10. Cedar Creek Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By zpphie - Singapore, Singapore
A short 30 min return hike to a charming little waterfall and some rock pools. We did the hike with our 5 year old who had no trouble with it at all. At the end of the trail, where the falls is, there are some charming rock pools which you can swim in if you’re up for it.
