With its rugged mountain ranges, lush rainforests and numerous national parks, the Gold Coast Hinterland is one of nature’s quintessential playgrounds. You’ll find plenty of things to see and do in the great outdoors on your getaway to this majestic region of South East Queensland.
Serenity awaits in the Gold Coast Hinterland
Where to Stay
Camping is a perfect way to really get back to nature, and there’s no shortage of options in the Gold Coast Hinterland. From the Settlement area of Springbrook National Park to the Green Mountains camping grounds and beyond, we can help you find the perfect campsite.
Of course, there are plenty of lovely no-tent-required accommodation options, too. We can help you choose from cosy cottages, quaint guesthouses, luxurious lodges, romantic rainforest retreats and intimate B&Bs.
Take a refreshing dip in Lamington National Park's pristine waters
What to See & Do
Your Gold Coast Hinterland trip will be full of activity, adventure and lots of wildlife. Be sure to visit the Tweed, McPherson and Nimmel mountain ranges; Tamborine Mountain; the Numinbah Valley; and the several national parks in the area.
Tamborine Mountain, which holds the title for third-oldest national park in the world, is a hub of activity. Here you can bushwalk through rainforests (there are 12 walking tracks, all less than three kilometres long), glimpse waterfalls and enjoy the scenery from lookouts.
The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, an elevated walkway through the canopies of the rainforest, is a must-do experience. You’ll see rock pools, local wildlife and magnificent views. Or get up close and personal with Tamborine Mountain’s glow-worm colony on a guided tour of their home in man-made caves.
The Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park is rich with birdlife and wildlife. Look out for fauna along its numerous picturesque trails, including the Morans Falls, West Canungra Creek, Border and Mount Merino tracks.
You’ll find plenty more ‘must-dos’ in Springbrook. Among the park’s many natural attractions is the Best of All lookout in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest and the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park. The ‘bridge’ is actually an impressive rock formation that spans Cave Creek.
Marvel at Lamington National Park's cascading Moran Falls
Where to Eat & Drink
After a day of bushwalking, birdwatching and invigorating fresh air, taking a break from all the activity can be relaxing and equally satisfying. Indulge in some of the hinterland’s amazing fresh produce, food and wine tours and award-winning restaurants as your respite.
Pack a picnic of local produce – avocados, kiwis, macadamia nuts, local cheeses and home-made fudge are all popular here. Then dine with the crimson rosellas and other extraordinary fauna and flora in Lamington National Park.
Or, let us organise a culinary tour for you. We can include wine tasting at the hinterland wineries, stops at the local brewery and distillery on Tamborine Mountain, and visits to other local-produce favourites.
From casual cafes to hatted restaurants, the Gold Coast Hinterland has dining options that cater to all budgets and tastes.
Tamborine Mountain alone offers lots of choices. Pay a visit to The Bearded Dragon, DeliVino, French restaurant La Ferme Provencale, fine-dining establishment The Heritage or the restaurant at Songbirds Rainforest Retreat. In North Tamborine, don’t miss the restaurant at Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery. Sip a glass of shiraz or verdelho looking out on Wild Duck Lake.
For something simple and satisfying, enjoy great food and coffee in the midst of the Gondwana Rainforest at the Scuttlebutt Cafe Restaurant in Springbrook.
gold coast hinterland south east queensland
