Page 19 - Flipbook

{ ancient landmark }
Ta m b o r i n e
Mountain
‘the green behind the gold’
Despite the name, Tamborine Mountain is actually a plateau, but don’t let that fool you, this part of the Gold Coast Hinterland boasts nine ancient national parks, waterfalls, a lush rainforest and great walking trails. A stone’s throw from the heart of Surfers Paradise, you’ll find the quaint-village like towns buzzing with a hive of activity, a variety of art galleries, unique gift shops and antiques, cafés and restaurants. And best of all you can experience this magical mountain on any budget!
tamborine’s natural beauty abounds.
stay
RCI AFFILIAteD ResoRts In tHe GoLD CoAst InCLUDe:
RENTALS
CENTREPOINT RESORT APARTMENTS
Surfers Paradise, QLD
7 Nights, 2 bdrm From
AU$799*/ NZ$1049*
THE TOWERS OF CHEVRON RENAISSANCE Surfers Paradise, Qld
7 Nights, 2 bdrm From
AU$799*/ NZ$1049*
EXCHANGE
MARINER SHORES RESORT
Miami, QLD
MEMBER REViEW: “Excellent all round. Lovely resort in fact, one of the best!”
*RCI special price offer for bookings made in the month of March 2012 for any
travel dates subject to availability.
Take a hike
If you’re a nature lover Tamborine National Park is sure to delight, offering six walking tracks that vary in difficulty. Easy tracks such as Cedar Creek Falls and MacDonald Rainforest Circuit are ideal for birdwatching and a quiet
stroll (Allow 30 minutes). For more information on walking tracks, go to www.tamborinemtncc.org.au
If you’d rather explore the lay of the land from further up high then head to Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Suspended 30 metres above the forest floor, this self-paced leisurely walk is a spectacular way to take in nature along the longest canopy walk in South East Queensland (Allow 1 hour). Adult admission costs AU$18.50/ NZ$23.90 (discounted rates for families and seniors).
exPLORe GaLLeRy waLk
Immerse yourself in the authentic village culture of the mountain, by taking a stroll down Long Rd. Gallery Walk is home to Fudge Heaven and as the name suggests you won’t be able to resist sampling heavenly fresh fudge made with real cream and butter - there’s 40 mouth-
watering varieties to choose from. Pop into P.J. Art Gallery, you’ll see unique works of art celebrating the Australian outback and a visit to the nostalgic German Cuckoo Clock Nest won’t disappoint, its one of the most famous tourist attractions. And if you’re a wine lover head to Mount Tamborine Winery, the original and first to establish on the Hinterlands food and wine trail to sample some of their award winning wines at the cellar door.
sOMeThinG FOR The PaLaTe
Whether you care for a relaxed café atmosphere or supreme fine dining, you’ll have plenty to choose from. If you’re touring the various vineyards, most serve morning tea and lunch (Cedar Creek Estate, Tatra Cafe- Restaurant-Winery, and Heritage Estate). If your tastebuds fancy a snack, head to the southern end of Gallery Walk (Eagle Heights) to Witches Chase Cheese Co. to purchase delicious handcrafted cheeses, located in a shared premises with Mount Tamborine Brewery, boasting the best beer money can buy. Then there’s local favourite St Bernards Hotel, with wonderful views of Tamborine Valley, the hotel recently featured on Channel 9’s “Saturday Afternoon” programme as one of the 10 great Hotels in South East Queensland.
If you’re on a budget why not pack some sandwiches and make use of the picnic areas situated at the start or near the various walking tracks.
hOw TO GeT TheRe
Take a short 30-minute drive from the heart of Surfers Paradise, or for scenic views choose from several routes, one of the most popular starts at Nerang.
Alternatively, Tamborine Mountain Tours offer daily shuttle-bus transfers
from the Gold Coast NZ$52 return. EV
for AU$40 / enDLess VACAtIon 19
MUST BOOK IN MARCH
MUST BOOK IN MARCH