Guide
By Sarah Bristow
Next time you find yourself on the southern end of the Queensland border, forgo the golden sands and the world-famous beach breaks that typically entice travellers to the Gold Coast. Instead make the most of the luscious foliage out back in the picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland. Just an hour inland lies this playground of experiences, diverse enough to entertain every type of traveller. Picture a place overflowing with ancient national parks, vineyards, farmers markets, and adventures aplenty. Whether action or romance is calling, here lies a slew of things to do in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Lamington National Park, Gold Coast
Spend the night with a Queensland icon with a stay at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. This family-run enterprise will appeal to both history buffs and adventurers alike - this place pioneered eco-tourism, launching back in the 1920s. Today O’Reilly’s remains one of the most popular places to stay, thanks to its collection of 48 self-contained villas which sit on the cusp of the ancient Lamington National Park where walking tracks, waterfalls, and the famed TreeTops walk is at your disposal. After something a little more memorable? Embrace the glamping options now available, with O’Reilly’s Campground boasting 17 powered safari tents.
Pack your sense of adventure - a bushwalk is one of the best things to do in the Gold Coast Hinterland. With something to choose from, there’s something for every fitness level, with light strolls mingling with arduous mountain hikes across the natural landscape. Lamington National Park and Springbrook National Park are particular favourites for the fitness inclined, with trails meandering through prehistoric foliage.
There are of course a few stand outs - challenge yourself with the 54 kilometre Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, which takes three days and commences in Lamington National Park. Or keep it leisurely with the Natural Bridge walk in neighbouring Springbrook, weaving through forest, across Cave Creek and into an iconic cave illuminated by glow worms.
Treat that special someone with a romance-heavy getaway. There are plenty of things to do in the Gold Coast Hinterland which are big on the wow factor, especially when it comes to where to stay. Like Nightfall Camp, a collection of four luxury safari tents clustered around Christmas Creek in Lamington National Park. Prepare to be spoilt - each architecturally designed space comes equipped with a duo of bathtubs and a rotating fireplace. Though you may prefer Mount Tamborine’s Pethers Rainforest Retreat an adults-only getaway with ten private treehouses to choose from. Each is adorned with floor-to-ceiling glass windows to look out onto the surrounding rainforest.
Immerse yourself among Queensland’s fastest-growing wine region with a visit to one of the many resident vineyards. Among the things to do in the Gold Coast Hinterland this is one of the most popular - drop by Cedar Creek Estate or Canungra Valley Vineyard to sample local vinos, alongside a fine dining experience (and maybe an alpaca or two). Or enjoy a romantic refresh, treating yourself to a stay at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat. The multi-award-winning health resort sits tucked into the Tallebudgera Valley and offers up to its guests a program focused on the detoxification of body and soul - imagine a getaway heaving with spa and wellness therapies, yoga, meditation, and organic menus.
Immerse yourself amongst the great outdoors with the kids in tow with a stay at Thunderbird Park. Sharing a rainforest property with Cedar Creek Lodges, you’ll find accommodation options range drastically, promising something for everyone. Make yourself at home at one of the property’s stylish lodges or larger family homes, or sleep under the stars instead, pitching a tent at one of the park’s bush camp sites.
Your temporary abode provides plenty of adventure potential. On the property itself your family will be given the opportunity to go fossicking for prehistoric thundereggs in the world’s largest open-cut thunderegg mine. The rainforest canopy may also come calling - tackle the high ropes course dubbed the TreeTop Challenge, or fly like the wind courtesy of the Canyon Flyer.
Cooling off with a dip in one of the many freshwater waterfalls and swimming holes in these parts may also be on the cards - Twin Falls and Purling Brook Falls are two popular attractions. While there’s plenty of things to do in the Gold Coast Hinterland you can also branch out, making your way back to the cluster of adored theme parks closer to the coast - Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld and Wet’n’Wild are among the most popular.
Food fans are best basing themselves at the Mouses House Rainforest Retreat which lies tucked into the foliage at Springbrook National Park. This collection of 13 rustic timber chalets promises plenty of seclusion, thanks to it being nestled in dense rainforest, with a tumbling mountain stream as your only neighbour. Each self-contained chalet boasts a handful of creature comforts, such as a fully equipped kitchen, wooden fireplace, and spa bath. But most enticing is its location - Mouses House sits within easy reach of a cluster of foodie favourites, like Mudgeeraba, a historic town famous for its farmers markets and iconic pub, and the town of Springbrook where a rising number of eateries reside.
Photo by @mycolourfulworld_ via Witches Falls Winery FB
If you’re a foodie you’ll no doubt be delighted with the array of edibly focused things to do in the Gold Coast Hinterland. A healthy population of local producers continues to flourish here - get better acquainted with these growers and makers at the farmers markets hosted around the district, with two of the most beloved found at Mudgeeraba and Mount Tamborine.
Or take the easy route, letting Gold Coast Food and Wine Tours lead you on a food and wine-focused foray through Tamborine Mountain, sampling local flavours as you venture through a series of vineyards and distilleries.