Just 30 minutes from the Gold Coast, this lush hinterland region offers panoramic vistas, rainforested national parks and chic new hotel offerings. Here are the best things to do in Tamborine Mountain.
An hour south-west of Brisbane/Meanjin and a mere 30 minutes from the hot and heaving Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain is a very literal breath of fresh air. A volcanic by-product of erosion following the formation of Wollumbin (Mount Warning) in the Tweed some 20 million years ago, this rainforested region is hemmed by Lamington National Park and Tamborine National Park. Within the latter you’ll find Queensland’s first designated national park, Witches Falls, gazetted back in 1908.
These days, the many walking trails and hikes, some featuring falls or glow worms, continue to draw day-trippers and mini breakers alike. Off-track, you may notice a schism in the suburbs here. At the Eagle Heights end, the tourist-trapping Gallery Walk is a strip of cafes with jolly chef statues advertising all-day pancakes, folksy craft stores, fudge shops and, confoundingly, the German Cuckoo Clock Nest shop that has somehow remained solvent for more than 30 years.
But elsewhere in Tamborine Mountain, a new style of tourism is taking root, complete with chic eateries, architectural stays and deliberate style anchored by real substance. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Tamborine Mountain.
Where to stay in Tamborine Mountain
The Tamborine comes with a heated mineral pool.
The pad is clad in
earthy tones.
And replete with mountainous views.
A gleaming white beacon, The Tamborine boutique hotel is an extraordinarily well-executed reimagining of its former ’70s-era self. Its restoration beautifully honours the original hacienda style of the building, while coaxing it into a more modern fit-out. But the real jaw-drop comes from the astonishing ridgeline view that can be absorbed from each of the 23 rooms. The soothing, minimal spaces keep the spotlight outside, but are perfectly elegant places to unwind when you’re not out and about or dipping into the heated mineral pool.
The best things to do in Tamborine Mountain
1. SOL Elements
SOL Elements offers a soothing respite. (Credit: Timothy Birch)
Seemingly submerged in a reed-fringed pond, it’s impossible not to connect to your serene self at this soul soothing bathhouse. A circular design of treatment rooms, flotation caves and private bathing suites leads out to SOL Elements’ pond-adjacent bathhouse with mineral pools and an ‘earth lab’, where you can lather up with infused salt rubs. A sunken firepit has you eye-level with the water as ducks glide by and you exhale with a cup of herbal tea post-massage.
2. Loborn
Head to the tasting bar on Main Street for a tipple.
A fan of negronis and the artful backstory of the classic Italian amaro, a robotics engineer decided to distil his own components of the cocktail using Australian botanicals. The result is Loborn’s range of amaro, vermouth and gin, each inspired by Tamborine Mountain and carefully crafted to be assembled in unison or sipped solo. Head to the tasting bar on Main Street on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to try these well-made tipples and chat about how amaro went from monks’ tonic to modern aperitivo.
3. Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
Soak high above lush rainforest canopy. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jesse Lindemann)
The region is famed for its lush verdant greenery, so naturally a visit to the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is one of the top things to do in Tamborine Mountain. The 1.5-kilometre experience blends forest floor, high-tech steel bridges and a 40-metre cantilever bridge allowing guests to stroll high among the tree canopy. A stop-in at the onsite eco gallery and cafe round out the experience.
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4. Potta Studio
Potta Studio is part of the sustainable North Stores precinct. (Credit: Sabine Bannard)
If you found yourself admiring the ceramics at The Tamborine, head to Potta Studio in the North Stores precinct on Main Street. Potter Andrew Moir shapes covetable organic forms you’ll find hard to leave in store. You can also join a workshop to create your own masterpiece.
5. Main St. Provedore Eatery & Espresso
Indulge in plated elegance. (Credit: Sabine Bannard)
Led by fine-dining chef Brenden Schutz, Main St. Provedore Eatery & Espresso is a quiet but applaudably high achiever. By day, pastries, good coffee and properly enjoyable sandwiches are on rotation at this petite diner, but come Friday and Saturday nights, 16 guests are treated to a five-course degustation of plated elegance. The menu is seasonal and may run in the vein of blackberries with stracciatella, squid ink risotto and black licorice ice cream with charcoal cake. It’s $125 very well spent.
6. Peddly Picnics
Let Peddly Picnics supply both the wheels and the meals.
Take to the mountain on an e-bike, but let Peddly Picnics supply both the wheels and the meals. Picking up your ride from Main Street, head to the Knoll Section in Tamborine National Park with a picnic of delicious gourmet accoutrements. You can even hire a carrier to take your doggo along – just make sure they’re allowed in the park.
7. Witches Falls Winery & Boxer Brewing Co
Witches Falls Winery is one of Queensland’s largest wine producers.
Sample wines at the barn-style cellar door. (Credit: @hausfrau)
Unwind in the beer garden at Boxer Brewing Co.
Tamborine Mountain has a collection of wineries and distilleries to tempt oenophiles, adding yet another layer to this mini break must-do. Among them is the pretty Witches Falls Winery, which happens to be one of Queensland’s largest wine producers. All wines are made onsite using minimal-intervention techniques and you can visit the barn-style cellar door to sample the output every day from 10am. If you’re more into hops than grapes, head next door to The Kennel, where you’ll find Boxer Brewing Co.
8. Curtis Falls Rainforest Walk
Cool off at Curtis Falls. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
This family-friendly eucalypt trail figures among the best things to do in Tamborine Mountain for very good reason. Expect to feel transported to an Avatar-esque realm as you meander beneath looming flooded gums and staghorn ferns, listen out for birdlife and spot basking turtles or glow-worms. The one-kilometre, Grade 3 walk leads to the namesake waterfall that may be a thunderous torrent or smooth flowing curtain, depending on recent rainfall.
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9. Saint Marthe Brasserie
Swing by Saint Marthe Brasserie to indulge in confit duck.
Perhaps you don’t expect a cosy French brasserie to be tucked into the Gold Coast hinterland, but here you will find a very excellent one. Wining and dining come apéritif hour, Saint Marthe rolls out the Gallic hits. Swing by after a hike for a fortifying cocktail and grazing plate or book for dinner to indulge in confit duck, steak frites and soufflé. The hospitality is welcoming, the setting effortless and without pretension, and letting the afternoon slip away as you sit outside is a worthy allocation of time.
10. Tamborine Cheese
Some of the best things to do in Tamborine Mountain involve kicking back and scoping out the impressively fresh produce, and Tamborine Cheese is no exception. Pop in to this Italian-owned deli for warm customer service and dairy delights spanning truffle burrata and authentic Italian ricotta to smoked scamorza.
11. Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co
Find comfort in familiar flavours of gelato.
While there are plenty of ice creameries along Gallery Walk, you’d do better to head to Main Street for your sweet uptick. At Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co the bright hues of the confections are secreted under stainless-steel pozzetti lids, but you don’t need to see them to know these flavours are next-level. Concocted by pastry chef Bec Leitner, expect flavours such as rosella and lime, salted caramel pretzel and caramel slice. All additions to the gelato, such as cookies and cakes, are made in-house.
12. Thunderbird Park
Saddle up at Thunderbird Park. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Welcome to Thunderbird Park, a choose-your-own-adventure destination packed with thrilling activities that make a visit among the best things to do in Tamborine Mountain for families. Perhaps you’d like to zoom above the forest canopy on a zipline; take on the TreeTop Challenge; meet adorable animals; or pan for crystals or fossick for Thundereggs.
13. Gallery Walk
Shop for a range of collectables along Tamborine Mountain’s famed Gallery Walk. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jesse Lindemann)
More than 60 art, craft and nick-knack shops are found along Tamborine Mountain’s famed Gallery Walk, where tourists love to wander with little purpose but to be charmed and amused by the range of collectables and curiosities. Don’t miss Mumma Duck’s Sweets & Treats for chewy fudge or Charlie & Me for boutique gifts.
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Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
Noosa’s magic extends beyond the sun and sand. Uncover this popular region’s natural charms and secret spots to get more from your visit.
Wander through bushland and paperbark forests, linger on a curve of quiet beach, hit the water or hike up a mountain. Whether you’re seeking long languid lunches, savouring the region’s best food and wine, are ready to rejuvenate or are up for an active adventure, there are Noosa experiences for everyone.
Winter is the perfect time to visit – it’s still warm enough to bask in Queensland’s sunshine and mild temperatures while discovering the natural beauty and sustainable experiences that make this region so popular. It’s easy to see why Australian Traveller readers voted Noosa Australia’s top town to visit.
1. Explore the hinterland
Kayak through Noosa’s peaceful hinterland.
Choose your Noosa experience – kayaking, abseiling, rock climbing, camping or hiking – with Noosa-based Adventure Tribe. They host guided experiences throughout the region, including in Rainbow Beach, Cooloola and the stunning Noosa Everglades.
Small group tours with Joel’s Journeys combine hinterland villages with wine and cheese or chocolate tasting, a gourmet lunch, waterfalls, the Everglades and memorable views.
Plan ahead for the Great Noosa Trail Walk. This 56-kilometre three-day trek into the Noosa Biosphere will help you reconnect with nature over the October long weekend.
2. Accommodation to suit all budgets
Book into Elysium Noosa Resort. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Indulge in luxury at one of Noosa’s premium resorts or bring the family for a laidback beach-focused holiday. Anywhere you choose will mean you’re never far from the vacation vibes of Hastings Street.
The recently rebranded Elysium Noosa Resort has given new life to one of the most central spots in Noosa Heads, while Number One in Hastings Street offers a range of luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and exclusive penthouse suites, surrounded by the national park and boutique shopping.
Families will love the space and pools of Mantra French Quarter Noosa. Over at RACV Noosa Resort, a water park and games room compete with the beach for the kids’ attention while adults indulge in the day spa or hit the tennis court or gym.
For couples, Noosa Blue Resort’s studios and one-bedroom suites have sweeping river, bay and hinterland views from its perch atop Noosa Hill. With two outdoor heated pools, spa, steam room, yoga studio and more, it’s the complete package.
Travelling on a budget? Halse Lodge offers heritage-listed colonial-style accommodation for backpackers and budget travellers without sacrificing style or comfort, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Family-friendly Ivory Palms has three pools, a children’s playground, jumping pillow, tennis courts and more.
3. Reset and rejuvenate
Unwind with spa treatments at Sensaura Day Spa.
Banish stress, slow down and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Noosa while indulging in pampering treatments. Reset and recalibrate with packages from one of the many day spas – try Sensaura Day Spa Noosa or Noosa Springs Spa.
Noosa Bespoke offers three thoughtfully designed packages that focus on wellness, active adventures and fresh local produce, all with a focus on sustainability, allowing guests to choose their own way of discovering Noosa.
For something different, try forest bathing and take a walk in Noosa National Park.
4. New dining experiences
Enjoy authentic Italian at Cibaria Noosa. (Image: Elise Hassey)
Stroll Hastings Street to find your own dining vibe. For authentic Italian, head to Cibaria Noosa for everything from a coffee and pastry to amazing pasta and seafood platters.
Over in Noosa Junction, try something lighter at Atelier Wine Bar. Taste a selection of bar food and platters including charcuterie, cheeses, oysters and more. Then finish off with ‘dessert in a glass’.
Order out or dine in at Somedays Pizza, where all the ingredients for the organic, wood-fired pizzas are sourced from local farmers, artisans and winemakers.
5. Where the locals eat
Enjoy waterfront views at Rickys. (Credit: Manuel Freudenmann)
Perennial favourites Bistro C, Season Restaurant Noosa and Sails are absolute beachfront dining options overlooking Laguna Bay. You can almost feel the sand between your toes as you enjoy some of the finest cuisine on offer.
Locale Noosa’s seasonal Italian menu features handmade pasta, traditional antipasti and delectable desserts. On the riverfront, Rickys River Bar and Restaurant has been luring the locals for years; come for the elegant setting and fabulous food and wine, and stay for the sunsets.
6. Spot humpback whales
Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)
There are plenty of great places to watch the gentle giants of the sea make their annual migration from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Queensland coast between May and October.
To see whales at play and teaching their calves to breach and tail slap, head to Hell’s Gates or Dolphin Point in Noosa National Park, or to one of the many vantage points along the coast from Sunshine Beach to Peregian Beach. For closer encounters, book a whale-watching boat tour.
7. Take a country drive
Sample craft spirits at local distilleries.
Download the Noosa Country Drive map from the Visit Noosa website, or pop into the visitor information centre for a printed copy, then jump in the car to explore craft breweries, gin distilleries, bookshops, country pubs, scenic lookouts and cute cafes.
Through the villages of Cooroy, Pomona, Eumundi, Cooran and Kin Kin, look out for local markets and galleries for that special souvenir. Want to stay longer? There are farm stays, boutique B&Bs and glamping tents to rest your head. Take time to go horse riding or mountain biking, ride a steam train or explore a small museum. And don’t forget to pick up some fresh produce from a roadside stall.
8. Explore the eastern beaches
Visit Sunshine Beach, just minutes from Noosa. (Credit: Amy Higg Photo)
Noosa’s near neighbour beaches, Peregian and Sunshine, are just a short drive south. Peregian Square has boutique shopping, vintage finds, homewares, day spas and antiques, and weekend markets are held twice a month in the beachside park.
Drop into the Peregian Beach Hotel for a meal and live music, or head to the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club for views of the patrolled beach. Grab a coffee or juice at plastic-free Sunshine Social and linger on the deck under the pandanus trees.
9. Discover the Noosa River
Discover Noosa from the water on a scenic boat trip.
Taking time out on the Noosa River is a serene way of exploring more of this region. Whether by canoe or kayak, a small boat or scenic boat trip, being on the water gives a new perspective on Noosa.
Head to Terrace Marina for small boats and great coffee, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis to explore independently, or join Noosa River Cruise Co for a romantic gondola ride.
At sunset, board the Noosa Queen to cruise along the river – cool drink in hand – to the shores of Lake Cooroibah.
