Discover this cool, green region only a 30-minute drive from the golden beaches and bright neon lights of the Gold Coast.
Drive along backcountry lanes through pretty canyons into quiet highland valleys with scenic lookouts.
At an altitude ranging from 500m to 1000m, savour the clean, crisp air as you explore national parks on foot or bike, spot wildlife and sample locally made wine at several boutique vineyards.
At 1000m above sea level, the drive alone is a great experience as you sweep around tight twists and turns through dense eucalyptus and ferns to reach this 20,200ha reserve, famous for its flora and fauna.
Lamington National Park is at the centre of the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A 160km-long network of hiking trails, ranging from 1.2km to 54km in length, wind through the rugged mountain scenery past tumbling waterfalls, eucalyptus wilderness, wildflower heaths and rainforest.
Experience rainforest canopy from the 15m-high O'Reilly's Treetop Walk or choose from several popular trails that start from O'Reilly’s guesthouse at Green Mountains, including the Box Forest Circuit (11km or four hours return), Toolona Creek Circuit (17.4 km or six hours return) and the Albert River Circuit (20.6 km or seven hours return).
More about Lamington National Park…
At 525m high and covering 2800ha on a plateau surrounding Tamborine Mountain and its foothills, this reserve offers picturesque bushwalks through lush rainforest, past numerous waterfalls, gorges, cliffs and open woodland.
Spot the rare Albert's lyrebird, satin bowerbirds, lorikeets or perhaps even a playful platypus.
Try the Witches Falls Circuit, a 3km walk leading to a cascade past shining burrawang cycads, palm groves and huge strangler figs.
Eight other trails, including the popular Curtis Falls rainforest track and the Knoll, lead to scenic cascades, forests of red cedars and groves of tall piccabeen palms.
Stretching along the McPherson Range, Tamborine Mountain is also home to the three heritage communities of Mount Tamborine, North Tamborine and Eagle Heights. From here, discover panoramic views across the valleys below to the impressive high-rises of the Gold Coast.
More about Tamborine National Park…
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site offers stunning natural sights including Natural Bridge, a naturally formed rock arch created over millions of years by water tumbling through the roof of a basalt cave.
Arrive after sunset to spot the resident colony of glow-worms.
Elsewhere, spot paradise riflebirds, green catbirds and purple-breasted wompoo fruit doves. On summer nights, look out for fireflies and luminous fungi.
Visit Purlingbrook Falls, see ancient Antarctic beech trees and enjoy one of the most scenic drives of the Gold Coast hinterland along the steep byways of the Numbinbah Valley.
More about Springbrook National Park…
This rural town is surrounded by scenic mountain hinterland less than an hour from the Gold Coast. Explore the surrounding national parks including the World Heritage parks of Mount Tamborine, Mount Lindesay and Mt Maroon.
Take a bushwalk through scenic woodlands or enjoy a leisurely drive through the winding country roads, with a stop for lunch at a country pub or one of the many boutique vineyards.
Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa
Location: Gold Coast Hinterland
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD420 per room
Description: Perched high on a ridge in the Gold Coast hinterland at Willow Vale this retreat offers year-round ambience and caters exclusively for adults (over fourteen years). The resort is just 30 minutes from the Gold Coast. Choose from eight beautifully appointed villas and one exclusive executive suite that feature the use of natural timbers and warm interiors. Guestrooms open to balconies. Flat-panel televisions come with satellite channels and pay movies. Refrigerators and coffee/tea makers are provided. Facilities incl.: restaurants, bar, outdoor heated pool, full-service spa and steam room.
Latest update: Gold Coast Hinterland Attractions: 10 September, 2022
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