7 spots you can't miss in the Gold Coast's hinterland

Explore further in the Gold Coast by heading away from those famous beaches and turning inland for adventure — and for eating!

Think boutique wineries, hidden cafes, and farm-to-table goodness, all set against lush green landscapes. Whether you're up for a scenic hike or just want to enjoy some top-notch food, here are our favourite spots that will make you fall in love with the Gold Coast beyond the shoreline.

1 | Take in the nature at Kamarun Lookout

This spot is well worth a trek from the coast, particularly if you pair it with a visit to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Sitting in the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park, Kamarun Lookout offers 270-degree views across to the Gold Coast and towards Brisbane. This is a lesser-known gem, and that means facilities are minimal. We recommend packing a picnic and your tramping boots!

2 | Taste a local tipple

Head to O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Winery, where you’ll find gorgeous spots for picnicking and — more importantly — a welcoming winery and cellar door. Speaking your language? We thought so. Nestled in the foothills of Lamington National Park, there’s something spectacular about stream-side outdoor dining under the shade of majestic Silky Oak trees. Brings your own picnic or pre-order a gourmet basket or vineyard BBQ for easy picnic perfection.

Fancy the stronger stuff? Visit the tasting room at Tamborine Mountain Distillery, one of the oldest in Queensland. Their ultra-smooth blends regularly earn international accolades, and the bar staff really know their stuff.

3 | Make a splash in the Currumbin Valley Rock Pools

Hidden in the foothills of the Gold Coast Hinterland, the Currumbin Valley Rock Pools are the perfect spot for a dip. Arrive by an easy stroll past small farms, gentle creeks and huge willows and you’ll find free BBQs and spots to picnic. If you come on a weekend, don’t miss calling into nearby Currumbin Valley Harvest or Freeman’s Organic Farm for garden-fresh produce and treats.

4 | Follow your sweet tooth to a fudge tasting

Granny Macs is something of a Hinterland legend, so you’ll want to sample a few of the seriously creative and freshly made flavours. Those with dietary restrictions are surprisingly well looked after too — and if you’re missing a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss the savoury pies.

Walk off your sugar rush by pottering along the many stores and art galleries along Gallery Walk.

5 | Go chasing waterfalls at Tamborine Mountain

Travel northwest of the Gold Coast and you’ll run right into Tamborine Mountain’s stunning 2,800 hectares of nature. Our perfect day might involve a picnic lunch at the Cedar Creek Falls picnic ground and a tramp to Cedar Creek Falls for a refreshing dip in the rock pools. Feel like a challenge? Add on a visit to Witches Falls — no such thing as too many waterfalls, right?

After a bit less of the whole tramping thing? Take an easy option with the 1.5-kilometre Curtis Falls circuit, which still treats you to palm-dotted rainforest, scrambling brush turkeys and a cloud of mist as the falls tumble over the rocks.

6 | Treat yourself to a long lunch

For true foodies, a visit to the restaurant at Songbirds Rainforest Retreat is a must-do. You’ll find incredibly Instagrammable dishes and a menu that reads like a guide for local sourcing. We recommend the six-course lunch — complete with paired wines for serious splurging!

7 | Splash out for a bit of glamping

If there’s one thing the Gold Coast Hinterland does exquisitely, it’s glamping. For the ultimate couple's escape, you can’t beat the luxury eco-tents at Tuckers Retreat. With a rainforest backdrop, it’s a perfect spot for tramping, mountain biking or simply unwinding. Bonus — it’s still close enough to visit Canungra’s friendly restaurants, and pubs. To top it off, every tent is fitted with a hydrotherapy jacuzzi, or as we like to call it, a Champagne nest.

Or if you’re a longer stay in Lamington National Park, ask your consultant about Nightfall Camp’s luxury tents, which sit just beside crystal-clear Christmas Creek. A seriously indulgent experience, each tent offers twin bathtubs and a rotating fireplace. A word to the wise: Nightfall is limited to just eight guests at a time, so book early!

Ready to explore the beauty of the Gold Coast and its stunning Hinterland? Whether it’s adventure-filled days at the theme parks or tranquil escapes in lush rainforests, connect with one of our Gold Coast specialists today to start planning your dream getaway!