Tamborine heralds hinterland secrets
August 2009
Traveltalk’s Warwick Sinclair leaves the Gold Coast beaches to rediscover a hinterland holiday escape which continues to reinvent itself.
New products and attractions throughout the hinterland region of the Gold Coast are turning the traditional beachside holiday into a ‘tree change’ for thousands of visitors.
The hinterland, less than 40 minutes from central Surfers Paradise, was once the destination of choice for well-heeled retirees or hobby farmers. Today, its attractions range from world-class eco-lodges to para-gliding, winery tours, family camp grounds and suspended ‘sky walks’ through century-old forests.
Themed pubs and restaurants peek out from the forest canopy at the top of Tamborine, with the Polish Place and St Bernard’s two of the most popular.
The growth in popularity has seen an increase in activities and attractions for day-trippers, as well as those seeking a three-day escape, and is positioning the hinterland as a stand-alone destination from the traditional Gold Coast beach break.
Coaches and mini bus tours are available from the Gold Coast, but the most practical, and cost effective, way to visit is to hire a car, or organise a pick up via your accommodation provider.
Once on the mountain, visitors generally won’t need a car, as many attractions are within walking distance, and local tour operators are on hand to shuttle guests.
Those with an eye for local craft – and a wallet to match – should time their trip to coincide with the weekend markets.
Romantic couples will relish the choice of secluded retreats and rainforest cabins sprinkled across the mountain top, while parents can lose the kids at holiday hot spots like Thunderbird Park, where day-trippers can fossick for rare stones, or swap yarns at the community barbecues.
But with food, fun and adventure on my mind, my top five must-dos include:
Lunch at The Polish Place
Perched high on the western escarpment of Mt Tamborine, with views across the Albert River valley to the Great Dividing Range, the restaurant is still run by the original owners, Phil and Ania Sowter, who can show you exquisite Polish art and jewellery in their local gallery, before serving some traditional Polish food in the adjacent restaurant. http://www.polishplace.com.au
Rainforest Skywalk
This new attraction leads visitors from the Rainforest Eco Gallery on a one hour walk through the rainforest canopies. The high-tech steel structure allows visitors to explore the flora and fauna above and below, while gazing down on to rock pools and waterfalls. The butterfly lookout is the highlight. Cost is around $47 for a family of four. http://www.rainforestskywalk.com.au
Tamborine Trolleys
All aboard the Tamborine Trolleys! These bizarre tram-style trolley buses are purpose-built and take day-trippers along the mountain's wine trail, past local restaurants, antique shops and galleries. Nature walks are included and visitors are sure to find plenty in common with their fellow travellers – especially after a few wine tastings on the way. The ‘trolleys’ are open-aired, which means the blind doors are rolled up. Take your camera as there’s plenty to see on the way. Prices start from around $45 per person depending on what tour you’re after. http://www.tamborinetrolley.com.au
Songbirds
You’d have to go a long way to find a more relaxing retreat in Australia. Songbirds in the Forest at Tamborine is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the glitter strip below. The retreat is set on 50 rainforest acres and the emphasis is on ‘slowing down’. Nothing is rushed because it doesn’t need to be. Six private villas make up the accommodation with king size beds, luxury robes, a mini bar and private balconies. But the best attraction is the peace and quiet. Listening to the songbirds cooing in the rainforest as the sun sets on another mountain day is a magical experience. The retreat has massage facilities, yoga classes, amazing walking trails and an award-winning restaurant. http://www.songbirds.com.au
Eat, drink and be merry
Gluttony should be encouraged and celebrated. It certainly is during a visit to Witches Chase Cheeses. The Tamborine business plies its trade thanks to a herd of happy Jersey cows out the back. They produce fine milk, which is handcrafted into a range of award-winning premium cheeses. The soft and blue varieties are irresistible, even when the counter staff try to keep the sample trays away. The cheese factory and restaurant shares its premises with the Mt Tamborine Brewery. Great food and cold beer. Need I say more. http://www.witcheschasecheese.com.au
As Tamborine locals will tell you, the best time to visit is today, because no-one knows what tomorrow will bring. But leaving my philosophy book at home, the best time to visit the mountain is late winter to enjoy dinner by a log fire, incredible cloudless skies and 180-degree views. But if you’re not fussy, most attractions are open year round.
Warwick Sinclair