One of the villas at O’Reillys
During the daylight hours there are plenty of activities such as guided bird walks, animal shows and the famed Tree Top Walk. Plus, you can test your skills on an off road two-wheeled Segway tour through creek crossings to Moran’s Falls.
Moran’s Falls in Lamington National Park
Breathtaking views over Lamington National Park from O’Reillys
O’Reilly’s can prepare you a packed lunch or picnic hamper so that you can set off to one of 500 world-class waterfalls accessible via 160-kilometres of nature trails. After working up an appetite outdoors, you can dine on homemade pizzas in the casual Rainforest Bar or opt for a gourmet a-la -carte meal in the dining room including matching wines from nearby O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards.
Tamborine Mountain
40 Kms drive from the Gold Coast is the plateau called Tamborine Mountain that is part of the Scenic Rim, the name given to a group of mountains in South East Queensland.
The plateau produces a rich crop of avocados, kiwifruit, passionfruit, rhubarb, apples and mangoes. There is a distinctive Eastern European influence seen in the construction of houses, shops and restaurants scattering the mountain. Plus Tamborine Mountain and the Scenic Rim area are renowned for the diversity and quality of their artists and artisans.
Winery at Mt Tamborine
There is a vast area of rainforested national park areas on the mountain with abundant birdlife and a variety of flora, one of which is the oldest national park in Queensland, Witches Falls National Park. Walking tracks are provided in six sections of Tamborine National Park. Most walking tracks are short and can be walked within a few hours.
Witches Falls, Mt Tamborine
Sample some of the local wines at one of Tamborine Mountain’s wineries or tour the Micro Brewery and stay for a refreshing ale afterwards. Amble down Gallery Walk and visit the many shops and galleries lining the street and a must see is the German Cuckoo Clock Nest.
A Birds Eye View over Albert River Valley
There are heaps of accommodation options on Tamborine Mountain, including guesthouses, B&Bs, lodges, 5-Star retreats or cabins. If you’re looking for authentic lodge style accommodation I would recommend the Polish Place for it’s absolutely breathtaking views across the Albert River Valley and abundance of colourful Lorikeets.
Springbrook National Park
Springbrook Mountain and plateau is only 32 Kms from the Gold Coast. Spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforest, ancient trees, impressive views, exceptional ecological importance and natural beauty makes this a worthwhile day trip whilst visiting the Gold Coast.
Springbrook is part of the world heritage listed Gondwana Rainforest and is made up mainly of National Park. There are many lookouts in the National Park with panoramic views, quaint little cafes and teahouses to stop for some refreshments, parks with picnic and BBQ facilities and walking trails to suit all levels of fitness.
Views back over the Gold Coast from Springbrook
The drive up is via a winding road, but you will be rewarded with glimpses of breathtaking views back over the high-rise buildings of the Gold Coast. Small cascades of water trickling over rocky escarpments, burbling brooks and streams, lush green rainforest featuring ferns and the tallest of trees and plunging deep canyons are all on offer.
Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook
Explore these forest habitats with nine different walks and encounter the diverse wildlife – such as the the elusive and unique Albert’s Lyrebird. Take in the stunning Purling Brook Falls, Twin Falls, Best of Views Lookout and Canyon Lookout.
Springbrook Rainforest Vegetation
There are plenty of Springbrook Accommodation options with many where you’ll be nestled in a forest close to nature with waterfalls, walks and wildlife at your doorstep. Select from retreats, cottages, chalets or camp in the National Park campground.
We really do have the best of both worlds here on the Gold Coast. Whenever I feel like retreating to the mountains to the greenery and lushness it is all within a 45 minute drive from where I live. It is just one of the many things that I’m loving about life!
Where do like to retreat to?
This post is part of the Lovin’ Life Linky with a Lovin’ Life Team of the “ageing positively” kind who are as keen as I am to promote the Lovin’ Life mindset.
The Lovin’ Life Team includes:
Ingrid
July 19, 2018Visiting one of these Gold Coast mountain retreats appeals to me more than visiting a Gold Coast beach.
Kathy
July 19, 2018I’m a beach girl at heart but I also enjoy retreating to the mountains from time to time. #TeamLovinLife
Christine
July 19, 2018We’ll be heading up north again soon so might have to check out some of these places. It’s easy to keep taking the coastal route all the time. Some inland visits next time.
Kathy
July 19, 2018The Gold Coast Hinterland is so close and has so much to offer. I love escaping to the mountains from time to time. #TeamLovinLife
Jo Tracey
July 19, 2018Some of these places look amazing. I’ve just booked a sneaky weekend away for the hubster & I in the Scenic Rim – at Ketchup’s glamping retreat. Will let you know how it is.
Kathy
July 19, 2018They are truly amazing Jo. I would also like to explore more of the Scenic Rim. There is so much out there to see.
Lydia C. Lee
July 19, 2018These look great! Love the rainbow on the waterfall shot!
Kathy
July 19, 2018It’s truly worth a drive to the Gold Coast Hinterland. I was very lucky to capture the waterfall and the rainbow! #TeamLovinLife
Min@WriteoftheMiddle
July 19, 2018OMG these are all places I LOVE to go! I am so urgently in a need of a little getaway right now and might just consider one of these places. I’ve been nowhere (not even a day trip) since Mooloolaba in February and have been tied to the house for nearly 3 weeks now – having to be here for tradies etc. I’m tossing up between zipping over to Straddie for 2-3 days or heading up to the Gold Coast Hinterland somewhere. Decisions, decisions! ;-) #TeamLovinLife
Kathy
July 19, 2018North Straddie is a great place to escape to. It really depends on what type of getaway you’re after. Sometimes I feel like the green and lushness of the mountains and other times I love the beach!
Deborah
July 19, 2018I have to admit I don’t know any of these areas at all well though I did live on the Gold Coast for about 6mths back in 1989 or so! They look beautiful though and I suspect – particularly re the north and south coasts (ie. Gold / Sunshine Coasts) I like the hinterlands more than the coasts themselves!
Kathy
July 19, 2018Yes the hinterland of both the Sunshine and Gold Coast are stunning regions. I enjoy exploring both regions equally.
Jan Wild
July 19, 2018Love the Gold Coast hinterland. We used to spend a lot of time at Cabarita Beach when Rowan’s Mum was alive (she lived there) and a trip to the Hinterland was always a favourite thing to do. So much to see and do whether one stays the night or not. Beautiful photos too Kathy
Kathy
July 19, 2018Thanks Jan. There really is so much to see when you wander inland a little distance. I’m always asking my husband to head to new inland areas near us on the Gold Coast. #TeamLovinLife
Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au
July 19, 2018There is some fantastic scenery in those pictures Kathy – that waterfall is particularly amazing! Some of the accommodation looks pretty lovely too (though maybe not the tents and camping for me!)
Kathy
July 19, 2018Yes there are plenty of options for accommodation in the Gold Coast Hinterland that suits all budgets. Some of the waterfalls are stunning, particularly after we’ve experienced heavy rainfall. #TeamLovinLife
Jodie
July 19, 2018Wow Kathy! I love that you showcased a whole different side to the gold coast!! It’s so vibrant and gorgeous!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Kathy
July 20, 2018It is pretty wow Jodie! There is a lot to see and do in my backyard. I hope you get to travel here someday. #TeamLovinLife
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
July 20, 2018What a beautiful backyard we have, Kathy! I have visited all of the retreats you have suggested and it is such a glorious part of the country. The area has become popular for weddings, I had a young friend, married at Canungra at a Winery and my daughter and SIL are going to a wedding there in August. Amazing photography as usual. Have a beautiful week, Kathy and thanks for the link up. xx
Kathy
July 20, 2018Yes my friend’s daughter got married out that way too. It is a beautiful region and I love day tripping up into the mountains whenever I can, but I would like to stay for a few days too. #TeamLovinLife
Natalie
July 22, 2018Beautiful scenery and photos, Kathy. I’d love to visit at least one of those retreats.
Kathy
July 23, 2018I could easily spend a few idle days at one of these retreats as well. I’ve only managed day trips so far. #TeamLovinLife
Janet
July 23, 2018Hey Kathy – by coincidence hubster and I have just got back from a stay at a couple of Gold Coast Mountain retreats – Binna Burra and O’Reilly’s (blog post to come)! We walked from O’Reilly’s to Binna Burra, which is part of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk (Border Track) – about 22km – on Thursday for my Bear’s birthday treat. Crazy I know but we loved it.
Kathy
July 24, 2018I saw that on Facebook! That is a coincidence. It looked like you had an amazing weekend and good on you both for completing that walk. #TeamLovinLife