A wonderful day trip from the Gold Coast, Mount Tamborine has lots to offer both young and old, the active and the less so, and gourmet and shopping lovers alike. Volcanic soil and an elevation of just over 500 metres nourishes native Australian bush, spectacular views across the coast and the hinterland, and a slightly cooler climate. There’s much to love about this Southern Queensland mountain top, but here we’ve attempted to round up our top five favourite things to do on Tamborine Mountain.
Treetops Challenge – Zip lines, flying foxes and rope ladders – all in the canopy of verdant forest – it’s a dynamic way to spend a few hours or the whole day. Those not fond of heights can walk the many paths below capturing shots of the more adventurous in the party, or just pull up a patch of grass and have a picnic while their companions exhaust themselves. The set up and extensiveness of the course is excellent – well worth the entry fee.
Tamborine Mountain Distillery – This place has become a bit of an icon since its opening in 1998, and even non-drinkers often make a visit. Manned personally by owners Michael and Alla Ward and family, a tasting session is lots of fun, and with what I guestimate to be not far off 100 types of spirits to try, you’d be hard pressed to not to find something you liked.
Witches Falls Winery – With lots of cellar doors on the mountain, each with its own beautiful setting, it’s hard to narrow the choice to just one to recommend visiting. Witches Falls Winery however is the only vineyard and functioning winery on the mountain itself and the cellar door offers a window directly into production. There’s lots to delight here, but the Prophecy Cabernet Sauvignon really tickled my palate.
Gallery Walk
Shop for home made jams, decadent fudge and artwork along Gallery Walk (the main road in Eagle Heights) and end up at the top of the street at Witches Chase Cheese, and the Fortitude Brewing Company. Don’t miss the Tamembert (their version of Camembert) and a tasting paddle of beer.
Besides a whole bunch of tree lined walking paths around the mountain top itself, the national park areas have a good number of marked trails of short to average distance. Cedar Creek Falls track, Curtis Falls and Witches circuit are all popular and relatively easy routes.
What are your favourite things to do atop Mount Tamborine?