Exploring the Unsung Gold Coast Hinterland

On a map, the Gold Coast hinterland is the green patch to the left of the ‘Goldy’ as we know it. The unsung hero of south eastern Queensland, the under-appreciated (by most) area covers the Tweed Range, Nimmel Range, Tamborine Mountain, Numinbah Valley and eastern parts of the McPherson Range.

Believe it or not, this forgotten chunk of land is stocked full of stunning rainforests, charming cafes, boutique wineries, family-owned eateries, UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, quaint mountain towns, and the hinterland list goes on and on …

We look at some of the best parts of the Gold Coast hinterland, so when you’re in need of a non-beach day, you know where to go.

Springbrook National Park

Springbrook is a protected national park, 27kms of ancient volcanic landscape broken up by gorges, plateaus and peaks. The cool temperate rainforest is home to epic views, many waterfalls and the Natural Bridge – a naturally formed rock arch over Cave Creek.

Dancing Waters Café

Next to Springbrook National Park, the Dancing Waters Café offers homemade treats and brilliant coffee in an amazing location. Try the ‘Mountain Mince Toastie’ (slow-cooked, fat free topside mince, rich red tomatoes and melting mozzarella) and the ‘Hot Fluffy Scones’ (fresh made scones, strawberry jam, whipped cream).

Tamborine National Park

Another park offering plenty of pleasantly imposing views, waterfalls and walking trails, Tamborine National Park is Queensland’s oldest national park.

Witches Chase Cheese Company

If you’re into small-batch cheeses, yoghurts and ice creams, Witches Chase Cheese Company is your kind of stop. Everything is minimally processed and produced from happy pasture-based goats and cows from local farms.

Mount Tamborine Coffee Plantation 

This is a family-owned, international award-winning plantation, making use of their perfect growing climate and organic principles, and winning people over with their beans. Simply put – if you’re a coffee drinker, you should go here.

Granny Mac’s Fudge Store

An old school fudge store for a classic sweet tooth. Choose from 80 different varieties of fudge, of which 40 are for sale at any given time. Everything from ‘Bubble Gum Bliss’ to ‘Strawberry Shortcake’, ‘Tamborine Passionfruit’, ‘Red Velvet’, ‘Wild Jaffa’ and ‘Peppermint Swirl’.

Hickory

American BBQ in the Gold Coast Hinterland? YEP. After a big day of trekking, what could be better than tucking into rubbed whole rack of ribs, succulent maple chilli chicken wings, rosemary real potatoes and local craft beers?

Tamborine Mountain Distillery 

This joint is run by an old bloke with a big white beard. He obviously knows a thing or two about distilling because Tamborine Mountain Distillery has the most awards of any distillery in Australia, which is over 300 and counting.

Lamington National Park

With more than 160km of walking trails, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a great spot to go bush.

words by niall roeder