Only an hour south of Brisbane and 45 minutes northwest of the Gold Coast, Mt Tamborine is a natural wonderland awaiting couples. With untouched rainforest, mystical waterfalls, excellent wineries and dining spots, and plenty of activities for adventure-seekers, this outstanding destination feels as if it’s in a world of its own. Ready to breathe in the cool mountain air and let your worries slip away? We’ve collected some ideas for an unforgettable weekend away in Queensland’s Mt Tamborine…
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Friday evening
A romantic weekend away calls for an equally romantic dinner. And luckily, there’s plenty of foodie hotspots on the mountain that will get your short break off to the right start. A go-to for an intimate dinner, Pethers Rainforest Restaurant ticks all the right boxes. Toast the occasion by its open fireplace, admire the spectacular rainforest surrounds and share award-winning cuisine to get the loved-up vibes happening.
Other fantastic dinner options include local favourite Three Little Pigs Bar & Bistro and St Bernards (pull up a chair on its deck for incredible Guanaba Gorge views). For a cosy atmosphere and belly-warming fare (the climate is pretty chilly here, even in summer), top off dinner with an Irish coffee at Clancy’s Irish Bar & Restaurant. Or, order yourselves some classic, slow-cooked American eats from Hickory – carnivores, this beloved spot is believed to have some of best ribs in Queensland. The cocktails aren’t bad either.
Saturday
Mother Nature really puts on a show in Mt Tamborine, with a slew of extraordinary natural wonders on offer for couples to see. Lace up your walking shoes and hit one of the mountain’s many walking tracks for a sight-seeing experience you won’t soon forget. A popular option is the magnificent Cedar Creek Falls track – don’t leave without checking out this local gem. Ideal for a gentle stroll, the 30-minute track leads you to a lookout with breathtaking waterfall, cascade and rock pool views. Our advice? Pack a swimsuit and take a refreshing dip in the rock pools for a truly wonderful day out. Want more? Add the Curtis Falls Track and Witches Falls Circuit to your must-do list to get your fill of majestic waterfalls.
Tamborine’s other cherished attraction is easily its wineries, with an array of acclaimed vineyards calling the mountain home. Wine-lovers, set your sights for Witches Falls Winery and let their expert cellar door staff walk you through a tasting. Also, be sure to stick around for lunch in their sun-kissed gardens and enjoy one of the winery’s indulgent cheese boards – wine and cheese is a classic paring, after all! There’s also the fabulous Hampton Estate Wines and Mount Tambourine Vineyard & Winery to visit, plus the delightful Cedar Creek Estate. Ideal for lunch, this lovely spot features exquisite gardens (claim a table in the lakeside gazebo if you can) and its own glow worm cave – join a tour and prepare to marvel at the dazzling creatures!
Saturday evening
If you’re looking to keep things laid-back, enjoy sundowners and delicious fuss-free fare at the aptly named Eagle Heights Mountain Resort. Affording arguably the mountain’s best views, the beer garden here looks out over rolling green hills and through to the Gold Coast’s azure coastline. A chilled beer, postcard-ready views, crowd-pleasing fare and live music – sounds like the perfect Saturday evening to us!
Blessed with rainforest-shrouded parks and marvellous lookouts, Tamborine also lends itself to romantic picnics. To enjoy life’s beautifully simple pleasures, pick up some gourmet goodies while in town (pop into Witches Chase Cheese Company and The Vintage Pickle deli) and find a picturesque spot at the Lahey’s or Rotary lookouts. Both provide exquisite outlooks, especially at sunset.
Sunday
Before returning to reality, fit in time for one last adventure. A winner for creating magical memories, Horse Riding Hinterland at Thunderbird Park run a number of amazing rides that suit a range of abilities. Journeying along Tamborine’s rugged mountain ridge, through tranquil bushland and past babbling creeks, their hour-long bush ride option is ideal for both beginners and experienced riders. Seeking more pinch-me-now views? Navigate through sun-drenched rainforest to the highlands and take in terrific Great Dividing Range views along the way on Horse Riding Hinterland’s 90-minute Hill Top Ride.
Looking to mix a wildlife encounter with a special dining experience? Just under 30 minutes’ drive away, O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards offers couples the chance to share a gourmet picnic by the pristine Canungra Creek with an alpaca – dream day out!
For something easy (but still totally romantic), head to the sensational Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and walk amongst the mountain’s lush rainforest canopy. A real highlight on the 1.5-kilometre self-guided walk, a 40-metre cantilever bridge soars an impressive 30 metres above the treetops and creek – just try and resist reenacting that famous ‘I’m king of the world!’ scene from Titanic!
Dreaming of a short break or romantic getaway? Find beautiful Queensland accommodation here… Helpful links:Eat: Pethers Rainforest Restaurant // Three Little Pigs Bar & Bistro // St Bernards // Clancy’s Irish Bar & Bistro // Hickory // Witches Falls Winery // Hampton Estate Wines // Mount Tambourine Vineyard & Winery // Cedar Creek Estate // Eagle Heights Mountain Resort // Witches Chase Cheese Company // The Vintage Pickle // O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley VineyardsPlay:Horse Riding Hinterland // Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
Images sourced via: www.queensland.com/, Tourism & Events Queensland, www.scenic-rim.com.au/ and www.facebook.com/pg/OReillysCanungraValleyVineyards/
