Best of Gold Coast
Gold Coast Hinterland Day Trips: Rainforest, Views and Village Stops
The Gold Coast hinterland rises quickly from the coastal strip into subtropical rainforest and offers some of the most rewarding day trips in Southeast Queensland. Tamborine Mountain, about 45 minutes inland, has a popular gallery walk, craft shops, rainforest walks and winery cellar doors. Lamington National Park, accessible from Canungra and Springbrook, contains ancient Antarctic beech forest and the renowned O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Springbrook National Park, closer to the coast, has waterfalls and a natural bridge with glow-worm caves accessible on an evening walk. Most hinterland destinations are sealed-road accessible in a standard vehicle.
-
1
Springbrook National Park
A World Heritage-listed plateau rainforest in the Gold Coast hinterland, with the Natural Bridge glow-worm cave, Purling Brook Falls and Gondwana rainforest walks.
-
2
Tamborine Mountain
A scenic plateau village in the hinterland with Gallery Walk's art galleries, craft distilleries, wineries and rainforest walks, 40 minutes inland from the coast.
-
3
Lamington National Park
A Gondwana rainforest World Heritage national park bordering NSW, with 160km of walking tracks and the famous O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat tree-top walk.
-
4
Natural Bridge, Springbrook
A short walk through rainforest to a rock arch formed by a waterfall, home to a glow-worm colony visible on evening guided tours.
-
5
The Currumbin Valley
A lush farming valley 20 minutes inland from Palm Beach, with a popular swimming hole at Currumbin Rock Pools and a peaceful rural character.
More Best of Gold Coast
- Where to Stay on the Gold Coast: Accommodation Guide for Visitors
- Burleigh Heads Guide: Beach, Cafes and the National Park
- Free Things to Do on the Gold Coast: Beach, Parks and Wildlife
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: A Guide to Movie World, Sea World and More
- Best Coffee on the Gold Coast: Specialty Cafes From Burleigh to Broadbeach
- Best Surf Beaches on the Gold Coast: Breaks for Every Level