When it comes to Gold Coast holidays, it is usually all about the sun, sand and surf. These days, it’s also about the Theme Parks and Waterslides. But did you know that there is another side of the Gold Coast that is often overlooked, and most visitors to the region rarely even realize exists? It is the Gold Coast Hinterland, and it is packed with so much to do and see that you will need more than just a daytrip!
Table of Contents
- #1 The amazing drives
- #2 Visit beautiful Mount Tamborine
- #3 Hike till you drop at Binna Burra
- #4 Visit a Vineyard
- #5 Discover some waterfalls
- #6 Be amazed at Natural Bridge
- #7 Enjoy the Rainforest vibe at O’Reilly’s
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The Gold Coast Hinterland lies just to the west of the Gold Coast. Simply head across to the other side of the motorway, and keep driving. See those mountains? That’s it!
There are plenty of things to do in the Hinterland area, and several ways to access it. The most common way is to head up from Oxenford toward Mount Tamborine. Alternatively you can go from Nerang, or further south at Mudgeeraba and even the long way from Currumbin. Whichever way you choose, there is bound to be plenty to see, and amazing views to be had.
Now, just in case you are searching away on google maps and trying to locate the Gold Coast Hinterland, then stop now. The Gold Coast Hinterland is not a region, or name of an actual place. Most of it is made up of the Scenic Rim, but basically all of the mountain range that lines the west side of the Gold Coast is known locally as simply, “The Gold Coast Hinterland”.
There are plenty of reasons that you should be visiting the Hinterland, and today I am going to quickly run you through some of my favorites! So here goes….
#1 The amazing drives
The road trips in the Gold Coast Hinterland are second to none. The views are extraordinary, and will blow you away the first time you see them.
I remember the first time I did the drive up from Nerang toward Beechmont. The road ramps up very quickly, and after only a couple of minutes drive, I glanced out to my left and nearly had an accident. The views of the Gold Coast were incredible! Stretched out before me was the entire coastal strip, and the high-rises of Surfers Paradise were shining in the morning sun on the horizon. Amazing!
It’s not just views of the Gold Coast though. Once you get up the mountain to Beechmont you have views of the Hinze Dam down below, and never-ending panoramas of the entire Scenic Rim. Incredible.
Take a drive up any of the roads into the Hinterland and you will find a similar story. If in doubt, head up to Mount Tamborine and you can’t go wrong.
#2 Visit beautiful Mount Tamborine
Mount Tamborine is the main town in the Gold Coast Hinterland area, and the main place that tourists will come to from the Gold Coast itself. A jewel in the crown of the Scenic Rim, it certainly lives up to the hype.
To get to Mount Tamborine, follow the signs from Oxenford off the motorway. The road will wind up the mountain, affording you beautiful views as you go, before arriving at the top of the mountain and the township itself. Find yourself a park in the main street, and take a stroll past the quaint cafes, restaurants and eateries. Sit down to tea and scones (with jam of course) or browse through the local markets. This is a country town in the mountains, so just relax and enjoy it.
If you want to visit Mount Tamborine and don’t have a car, then you can always take a tour. They run from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, and visit some of Mount Tamborine’s best places, such as the Cheese Factory and Glow worm Caves!
#3 Hike till you drop at Binna Burra
Binna Burra is a place that I have been visiting ever since my Primary School excursion took us there way back in Year 6. It was amazing then, and it’s just as amazing now.
In recent years the Binna Burra Lodge and surrounding areas have been devastated by bushfire. The Lodge is rebuilding, and the forest, as a forest tends to do, is swiftly growing back. Either way, the hikes are amazing and the waterfalls are still flowing.
To get to Binna Burra, head up to Beechmont and continue straight through the main roundabout out to Binna Burra. When you arrive you will drive past the lodge and notice a couple of trailheads there. Continue on to the end of the road where there are some camping areas, more trail heads and a wonderful Information center and café.
The café serves awesome food, and has an incredible view. Stop for lunch, or take one of the tracks nearby and head out for a hike. If you like, you can set yourself up for a picnic. Just watch out for the local wildlife, because this deep in the rainforests it is everywhere!
#4 Visit a Vineyard
Mount Tamborine is home to several award winning wineries, distilleries and breweries. You can take a tour up to the wineries from the Gold Coast or Brisbane, or you can visit the cellar door of each yourself. Take a day touring around to each, taste testing their amazing products whilst learning about the process as you go.
There is not just wine to be tasted, however. There are also beers, spirits, liqueurs and vodka on offer. So whatever your palate, you will find something to your liking.
Don’t forget that there is also some amazing local cheese shops in Mount Tamborine, and we all know how well cheese goes with wine!
#5 Discover some waterfalls
If you are interested in waterfalls, (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), then the Gold Coast Hinterland is the best place in South East Queensland to see them. And there are plenty to see.
Head up through Beechmont toward Binna Burra and you have your pick of several to hike to. At Tamborine, they are only a short walk away. Then there is Springbrook, home to Natural Bridge and possibly the best place to access some of the very best waterfalls.
There is an embarrassment of riches in the Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim when it comes to Rainforests and waterfalls, so get out and find some!
#6 Be amazed at Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge is one of those places that you simply never forget. I still remember the first time that I visited, way back when I was still in school. It made an impact on me then and still does to this day.
Natural Bridge is a waterfall that tumbles down the rock and disappears into a massive, black hole, where it then plunges into a luminescent green pool inside a great cavern under the rock. You can view the falls from the top, or follow the stairs across and down the other side into the cavern itself.
Natural Bridge is an easy place to find and just as easy to take the family. The walk into the falls is only short, consists of a well maintained wooden boardwalk, and has information plagues along the way. You can’t go wrong for a great day out to see a true natural wonder.
For a tour to Natural Bridge, click HERE.
#7 Enjoy the Rainforest vibe at O’Reilly’s
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is iconic to the Gold Coast Hinterland area. Located in the middle of the range, and surrounded by lush rainforest, it is a true “getaway” experience.
Locals and tourists have been heading to O’Reilly’s for over 95 years now, and in recent years they have expanded even further to their facilities. An amazing array of accommodation facilities is available for guests to stay in, from luxurious villas, to studio rooms, or the new campground that has just opened.
At O’Reilly’s you can bushwalk, discover waterfalls, or even segway through streams to one of the closer waterfalls. There is a world class treetop walk, Day Spa, Lap Pool and restaurants. Needless to say, no matter who you are or what sort of Rainforest Retreat you are looking for, O’Reilly’s has you covered!
Summary
The Gold Coast Hinterland is an amazing place to visit. Take a break from the fast pace of the Gold Coast and head up the mountain for a drive. Take your picnic rug, hiking shoes or designated driver, because a good time awaits!
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