Tamborine Mountain Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, hiking routes, food scene, accommodations, and more in Tamborine Mountain. Plan your perfect trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


Your Ultimate Guide to Tamborine Mountain, Queensland

Tamborine Mountain is a hidden gem located in the Scenic Rim region of South East Queensland, Australia. This stunning mountain is home to lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Gold Coast skyline. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, an adventurous foodie, or just looking for a peaceful retreat, Tamborine Mountain has something for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through all you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Tamborine Mountain.

List of Places to Visit in Tamborine Mountain

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in history and culture, Tamborine Mountain has plenty of museums and historical places to explore.

  • Tamborine Mountain Heritage Centre: This center offers insight into the local Indigenous culture and is home to a museum showcasing the area’s settlement history.
  • Gallery Walk: This is a cultural center in Tamborine Mountain with a variety of art galleries and boutique stores you can explore.
  • St. Bernardine’s Catholic Church: A masterpiece of architecture built in the early 1900s in honor of St. Bernardine, with its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the sea.

Natural Attractions of Tamborine Mountain: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tamborine Mountain offers stunning natural attractions ranging from waterfalls to rainforests open for exploration. Here are some of the top attractions:

  • Curtis Falls: This is a stunning waterfall, an easy half-mile trek through a lush rainforest to the waterfall. This trek offers incredible photo ops.
  • Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk: A 300-meter-long walkway that allows you to have a birds-eye view of the beautiful waterfall flowing underneath and the lush greenery surrounding it.
  • Witches Falls Circuit Track: This offers an excellent short trail through eucalyptus forests and rainforests leading to the stunning Witches Falls.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain is perfect for adventure lovers looking for invigorating hiking and biking trails. Here are some options:

  • Knoll Section: This is an 8km route that will take you on a scenic journey through the rainforest and the mountain’s stunning scenery.
  • Elabana Falls: This is a rather moderate six-mile trek through the lush rainforest, with a rainforest waterfall at the end to cool you off.
  • Curtis Falls Circuit: This is a short, easy 1.5km trek to the Curtis Falls waterfall through a lush rainforest.

Best Things to Do in Tamborine Mountain: Activities and Tours

Tamborine Mountain offers a wide range of activities and tours that are perfect for exploring the region. Here are some of the best:

  • Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery: Explore Tamborine Mountain’s wine industry by touring the Cedar Creek Estate Vineyards and Winery that will take you through the exciting wine-making process.
  • Tamborine Cooking School: Are you looking to learn local cuisine to impress your friends and family? Sign up for a cooking class at Tamborine Cooking School!
  • Rainforest Retreat Day Spa: The perfect place to get pampered, with treatments ranging from massages to facials, and luxurious body treatments.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tamborine Mountain

Planning a week’s trip to Tamborine Mountain is a great way to relax and unwind. Here is a sample itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Tamborine National Park; take the Skywalk, Rainforest Circuit, and Witches Falls Circuit Track.
Day 2 Visit the Gallery Walk and explore North Tamborine village.
Day 3 Go winetasting at wineries at Tamborine Mountain and Mount Tamborine.
Day 4 Indulge in a spa day at the Rainforest Retreat Day Spa.
Day 5 Take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscape surrounding the mountain.
Day 6 Visit St. Bernardine’s Catholic Church and enjoy the scenic views.
Day 7 Take a day trip to nearby destinations in the Scenic Rim region like Beaudesert, Kalbar, and Boonah.

Food and Drink Scene of Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain is a foodie heaven with a vast range of farm-to-table and restaurants serving local dishes. It’s worth noting Tamborine Mountain is known for producing excellent wines made from locally grown grapes. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tamborine Mountain’s Cheese: Indulge yourself in dairy products made from farm-fresh milk.
  • Seafood: Try seafood caught from the nearby ocean and cooked locally.
  • Mustard Fruit: Discover the unique and tasty Tamborine Mountain produce like mustard peaches and pickled onions.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: The region’s wine is famous worldwide and in Australia, and there are several wineries to tour. You can try the local varieties and take a few bottles back home.
  • Beer: Tamborine Mountain Brewery offers a range of beers, including lagers, ales, and pale ales, all locally made.
  • Gin: Tamborine Mountain Distillery is home to Australia’s most awarded Gin where you can savor gins with distinct local flavors.

Where to Stay in Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain offers several accommodation options ranging from hotels, bed and breakfasts to eco lodges and more. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Escarpment Retreat and Day Spa: This location offers a luxurious experience for couples with stunning mountain views and an on-site spa.
  • Tamborine Mountain Bed and Breakfast: This location is perfect for a cozy and warm experience with wood fireplaces, jacuzzi’s, and home-cooked breakfasts.
  • Pethers Rainforest Retreat: This location offers stunning treehouse lodges that provide the ultimate rainforest retreat experience.

What to Buy in Tamborine Mountain: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tamborine Mountain has several souvenir shops and local products worth taking home. Here are some ideas:

  • Tamborine Mountain Fudge: A must-try sweet treat available in various flavors like chocolate, caramel, and many more.
  • Handmade Jewellery: Buy locally made one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry that feature local stones like opals and fossils.
  • Art Galleries: Get a piece of local art home from the various art galleries in the gallery walk.

Local Culture and Customs of Tamborine Mountain

The Indigenous Yugambeh people lived in the Scenic Rim region, including Tamborine Mountain, for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. Their cultural impact can be felt in the Heritage Centre and the region’s Indigenous guidebooks and tours.

Best Time to Visit Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain can be visited throughout the year. However, Autumn from March to May is usually the best season for hiking and outdoor activities, and the winter months from June to August are perfect for those looking for a cozy and quiet getaway. Summers are warm but offer a chance to explore the scenic beauty of Tamborine Mountain.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tamborine Mountain

Do:

  • Respect the environment and pick up litter.
  • Take plenty of water and snacks while hiking around Tamborine Mountain.
  • Take an umbrella or a raincoat if you’re visiting during the rainy season.

Don’t:

  • Don’t go off-track or walk on unmarked trails.
  • Don’t disturb wildlife, including feeding or petting animals.
  • Don’t take reminders from protected parks and heritage sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain is a safe destination in Australia. However, visitors should always be aware of the dangers of venomous snakes and spiders.

Health in Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain doesn’t pose any particular health risks to visitors. The sun’s intensity can be quite high in summer, so make sure to use sunscreen and hydrate regularly during outdoor activities.

Getting to Tamborine Mountain: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tamborine Mountain is located in South East Queensland, Australia, and is accessible by several modes of transportation.

Airports Near Tamborine Mountain

  • Gold Coast Airport: The nearest airport to Tamborine Mountain, located approximately 60 minutes away by car.

Bus Stations Near Tamborine Mountain

  • Brisbane Transit Centre: Connects to Translink services and operators like Greyhound, Coachtrans, and Murrays.
  • Logan Hyperdome Bus Station: An excellent add-on location with shuttle services available for specific routes.

Other Options

  • Self-Driving: Tamborine Mountain is 30km away from Brisbane and 70km away from the Gold Coast.
  • Taxis & Uber: You can use ride-sharing options for transportation from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

How to Get Around in Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain is relatively small and easily accessible. It is possible to drive around if you have a car or opt to use tour buses or bikes for self-guided exploration.

Where to Go Next from Tamborine Mountain: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking for more adventures after exploring Tamborine Mountain, here are some nearby destinations within driving distance:

  • Lamington National Park: This is a World Heritage-listed site boasting incredible birdwatching opportunities and rainforest walks.
  • Sirromet Wines at Mt. Cotton: It’s a family-owned vineyard with restaurant and wine tasting located in the Redlands district of Brisbane.
  • Gold Coast: Located just a short drive away, the Gold Coast offers theme parks, beaches, and shopping options.

Conclusion

Tamborine Mountain is a hidden gem ready to be explored by nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and foodies. The destination offers breathtaking scenery, exciting outdoor adventures, indulgent dining experiences, and luxurious accommodations - all in one place! Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun family vacation, Tamborine Mountain is the perfect destination to get away from it all. Plan your visit today!