Mount TamborineHoliday Destination

This mountain goes by a few names... Tamborine Mountain, Mount Tamborine and even the Emerald City.

Located in the north east of the Scenic Rim and 40 minutes from the Gold Coast coastline, visitors will find a peaceful haven amongst breathtaking scenery, ancient rainforests, boutique wineries, interesting shops, galleries, eateries and adventure playgrounds. Take an easy drive to this beautiful area and discover unspoilt countryside, national parks, wildlife, working farms, vineyards, breweries and even a distillery.

Spend a day or stay and play. Stay on the mountain at one of the great accommodation options and give yourself the time to fully enjoy this stunning area.   

Things to do in Mount Tamborine

Natural Attractions

There are a number of breathtaking waterfalls located over the mountain with some allowing you the opportunity to cool off in the rockpools below them. The falls flow all year around but after we have a big rain, they become truly magnificent. Keep an eye out for signs directing you to Witches Falls, Curtis Falls, Cameron Falls and Cedar Creek Falls and make sure to take a selfie! 

The Treetop Challenge at Thunderbird Park is another way to enjoy the natural attractions on Mount Tamborine as you become Tarzan through the trees. Get a birds-eye view as your fly on flying foxes, balance on high ropes and enjoy over 85 individual challenges. Sound good? You can book your ticket here. 

Stop in at the Tamborine Mountain Visitor’s Centre to pick up a map and go hiking through any number of walking circuits in the national park. Just remember to bring plenty of water and a camera to catch the beautiful scenery of our native Australian rainforests.

Tour the Gold Coast Hinterland using our Virtual Image Guide.

Tourist Attractions

Thunderbird Park is an amazing wildlife and geological-rich oasis stretching over 112 hectares on Tamborine Mountain. Translucent rock pools, inspiring landscapes, towering rainforest and star-studded skies all add to the magic of this affordable mountain adventure. Go horse trail riding, bush walking or play laser skirmish in an outstanding rainforest battlefield, themed with an authentic Kokoda village. Meet Rockodile, Thunderbird’s rock expert as he takes you fossicking for gemstone-filled thunder-eggs, formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Located at Cedar Creek Estate are the amazing purpose-built Glow Worm caves. Trek underground and you'll be guaranteed to come face to face with thousands of Glow Worms. The team ensures that the caves are perfectly maintained so the colony is glowing all year round. Take the tour today! 

The Crocodiles and Dragons Reptile Show will thrill kids and adults alike. Introducing you to everything from small turtles to snakes and even a saltwater croc, the show offers entertainment with a difference. Drop into the Bearded Dragon Boutique Hotel every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday to catch the show.

With the course high above sea level, Tamborine Mountain Golf Club enjoys a cooler temperature, making for an enjoyable round.  The environment is beautiful and quiet and visitors are always welcome to play a round of the 9-hole course.

Tamborine Cooking School offers professional tuition in the culinary arts using local, fresh produce. Enjoy learning to cook in a relaxed atmosphere where all questions are answered, after which you can enjoy what you've made on the deck with beautiful garden views.

Shopping

Every 2nd Sunday the Tamborine Mountain Country Markets pop up at the Tamborine Mountain Showgrounds. There's a huge variety of stalls with offerings of fruit, veg, locally produced artisanal products, crafts, flowers and plenty of food to eat right there. There's a singer on the gazebo stage and pony rides for the kids. It's a great day out for everyone!

Another great market is the Local Producers Market which is open every Sunday from 7 am to 12 midday. This is one of the best places to buy fresh produce that comes directly from the grower to you. 

Antiquing is popular up on the mountain with lots of lovely stores to tickle your fancy! There are plenty of top-quality treasures to be found that have been sourced from all over the world. Check out Antiques Plus, Vintage Frills and Helen's Antique and load up the car with everything from Edwardian jewellery to retro lampshades and a whole lot of rustic goodies. 

The Tamborine Mountain Distillery is the smallest operating Pot Still Distillery in Australia. It's a true testament to the saying, 'size doesn't matter' as it has won awards the world over. Buy up their superb Liqueurs, Schnapps, Vodka and Eaux de Vie from 10am - 3pm Monday to Saturday.

Dining

The Mount Tamborine area offers an incredibly wide range of dining experiences, all offering phenomenal views of the mountains and rainforest. No matter what your taste you will find something to suit your palate and some Australian wine to match. Book a table at any of the listed restaurants or just take a drive and find any number of small, boutique cafes. 

The Mount Tamborine Coffee Plantation is a small, family-owned and operated boutique plantation specialising in high-quality gourmet coffee. Drop into the Gallery Café to enjoy a cup of their Black Magic while looking out over the plantation.

Serving German wine and beers the Bavarian Grill Haus restaurant is a great location for any occasion. The restaurant offers scenic grounds for walks by the lake, Bavarian-style food, entertainment and function catering all amongst the warm ambience and authentic décor of a German beer hall.

Three Little Pigs is a local favourite and serves up fine dining in a rustic setting. The team prides themselves on great customer service and delicious, innovative food. There's an extensive beer and wine menu to keep the grown-ups happy as well.

Step back into a a time when people stopped for tea and enjoy high tea in the vintage-inspired tearooms of Tea & Niceties. There's also a Garden Cafe so you can dine alfresco on the deck overlooking the enchanting gardens and feast on famous toasties, house-made cakes and Devonshire teas.

The intimate restaurant at Pethers Rainforest Retreat has a reputation as one of southeast Queensland’s most romantic dining experiences. Set around an open fireplace, with full views of the pristine surrounding rainforest and serving delicious food three days a week, you’ll need to book ahead for this boutique restaurant.

Selecting the finest ingredients to create a sensual, aromatic experience for your palate, Songbirds restaurant has won awards for its service and organic dining. Enjoy the freshest seasonal flavours and talk to the waiters for their advice on the best-matched wine for your meal.

Main Events

Showtime on Tamborine Mountain runs annually and tradition of a small country agriculture show there are competitions like jam making, baking and garden events. There's a Pet Parade, Tug'O'War, Medieval Fashion Competition and lots of fun classes for children. It's a big community event that's heaps of fun for the whole family..

Tour De Tamborine is one of southeast Queensland’s premier charity sporting events. People of all ages will either run, walk or cycle through the tranquil surroundings of Tamborine Mountain – all in support of charity.

Held in September, Springtime on the Mountain showcases the mountain's beautiful gardens, with many private gardens opening up their gates to the public. This popular 3-day event is a plant lover's dream and you'll even be able to take home a plant from one of the stalls. 

Nightlife

The Bearded Dragon is a place like no other with 15 beers on tap, weekend Cane Toad Racing, live music, extensive kids play area and sweeping verandahs so that you can take in the scenery - if you ever want to leave the antique-filled tavern -  it's a favourite with locals and visitors. The beer garden is huge and there's some great dining options so you can take your day drinking into the night and even end up staying here!

The Eagle Heights Mountain Resort beer garden offers punters the most amazing views of the Gold Coast and Hinterland. The space can accommodate over 250 people with live music on every weekend, the atmosphere is seriously both electric and relaxed come the weekend. Tuck into a tasty meal and enjoy a cold beer while you point out Gold Coast landmarks.

Clancy's Irish Pub is a cosy and quaint pub known for its Kilkenny on tap as much as for its food. It's a great place to hole up on a cold night and sit by the fire or enjoy the large covered deck out the back.

Hickory is a ribs restaurant come bar that serves up slow-cooked meats beside fine, fine beverages. Take a seat on the comfy leather couches and work your way through their drinks menu. There's a number of delicious craft beers to try and if you're feeling adventurous ask if there's anything "off the menu". There's also live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night so if you're up an intimate acoustic set, you've found your place. 

Wineries and Tastings

Cedar Creek Estate with its tree-lined driveway, picturesque setting and romantic chapel is the perfect location for a relaxing meal with serene lake views and an extensive range of wines. Even bring the family and take a tour of the magical Glow Worm Cave attraction.

Witches Falls Winery is a bold boutique winery that enjoys the whole process of making wine. The team are passionate about drinking wine and also growing, making and matching it as well as sharing it with old and new friends.  

Heritage Wines grow and produce their wine in a beautifully restored church sitting atop a hillside in Mount Tamborine. Drop in and enjoy the old world elegance at the cellar door for tastings or stay for a meal in the restaurant and function centre. Make sure you stop in at the Art Gallery.

Mount Tamborine Vineyard & Winery cellar door is open 7 days a week and is a favourite stop for Chardonnay drinkers. The restaurant at the winery is open for breakfast and lunch. Albert River Wines is a boutique winery situated on the Albert River boasting beautiful panoramic views of Tamborine Mountain and the surrounding Hinterland. The cellar door of the historic colonial homestead is open daily with the restaurant available for all types of functions.

Fortitude Brewing Company creates session beers that you can enjoy all day long. Crafted from premium ingredients the team promise there is no gimmicks and no shortcuts. Pick up a tasting paddle and work your way through the many delights. 

The Tamborine Mountain Distillery is set in a beautiful English cottage amid its own fruit plantations. With over 200 awards for their liqueurs, schnapps and vodkas you would hardly want to miss a tasting at this distillery. The doors are open Monday through Saturday so drop on in and see the most internationally awarded distillery in Australia. Book this exclusive full-day winery tour and enjoy a wine tasting at 5 destinations, a delicious 2 course lunch and door to door transfers: Book now.

There are wineries throughout the Hinterland so you don't have to stick to Mount Tamborine - read our guide to all the wineries and even book in a tasting!

More information

• www.escapetotamborinemountain.com.au - The most comprehensive info website for everything you need to know about Tamborine Mountain.  Accommodation, Tours, Shopping, National Parks, Maps, Attractions, Wineries, Arts and Craft and much more!

Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast, Getty Images, Bavarian Grill Haus Facebook, Scenic-Rim.com.au and Pethers Rainforest Retreat