MT TAMBORINE
Every now and again you feel the need to get up and go, a desire to re-charge the batteries and enjoy a change of scenery. Planning a weekend escape is almost as good as the escape itself. In South-East Queensland we are spoilt for choice. As long as you have wheels to get you there and the desire to go, adventure or relaxation, whatever you choose, awaits. A small, low convertible with its top down would be most ideal, but we all have 4wds and after taking a wrong turn, we checked out the amazing rainforest through our open windows instead. The winding drive up the mountain with sunlight sprinkling down though dense forest crowding in from either side of the road is a simple highlight in itself and for many people choosing to do just that, picnic at the top and then head on home is all they need to give their heart and mind a lift.
It seems that whichever way you turn you are greeted with inspiring and wondrous views on the mountain. To make the most of these spectacular outlooks and gain the best vantage points there are a number of lookouts scattered around the mountain that are well worth a visit.
One of the most popular is the Hang Gliders which is along the Main Western Road. This spot offers uninterrupted views and comes alive with energetic hang gliders that use this cleared mountain section as a launch site on a good day. A great spot to take a picnic and watch the festivities. We missed this one on this trip and instead stopped at Rotary Lookout which is on the same road but directly opposite the Bavarian Grill Haus Restaurant. This lookout even comes equipped with benches and binoculars.
There is a vast area of rainforest national park areas on the mountain with abundant birdlife and a variety of flora, one of which is the oldest national park in Queensland, Witches Falls National Park. Walking tracks are provided in six sections of Tamborine National Park. Most walking tracks are short and can be walked within a few hours. The walks are relatively easy although some tracks have short, steep grades. After the lookout we did the Curtis Falls walk, which was a 1.5 km circuit beside the river through the rainforest, showing lower pools and giant strangler figs. Descending down stairs to a large pool at the base of Curtis Falls. They really need to review the signage, more 4 km return circuit.
We then took a stroll down Gallery Walk and stopped in all of the galleries and shops that were packed full of local souvenirs and treats. From antique stores to the Cuckoo Clock Nest there are interesting things to see behind every door on gallery walk. Personally, I don't how someone could work in a cuckoo clock shop all day, it would literally drive me cuckoo, but it's great for a visit and very hard to walk away without thinking I need one to complete my home, not
We stopped for lunch at Mount Tamborine Vineyard Winery Café. The cafe specializes in quick and tasty indulgent foods for guests wanting a quick, satisfying fix whilst exploring the Mountain. After a big burger for breakfast I went with Mountain fried chicken wings with Asian dipping sauce and Kim went with the Coconut Prawns with Petite herb salad, Sambuca dipping sauce. It was a great lunch with fast service. We went back for some more shopping and headed back to Brissy late afternoon.
Overall Tamborine Mountain is a hinterland paradise far enough away from the madding crowd of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, but near enough for a comfortable day trip.
AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIA TRAVELS
GOLD COAST QUEENSLAND
MT TAMBORINE
QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA
QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA ADVENTURES
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13 Comments
Oh wow, what an amazing area. I love your photos. And I want a Cuckoo Clock! One day, I hope.
ReplyDeleteI am in desperate need of a little escape to recharge. A change of scenery would be great. This location looks absolutely beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures and post! It makes me want to travel somewhere exotic and very, very green :) good thing Im leaving to scotland the day after tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteWow this place seems great for nature lovers. It would make for a perfect little getaway to get some fresh air. Your photos are great and really bring out nature's beauty. Love learning about new places.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Mt Tamborine! So serene. Lucky for me, it's a couple of hours flight away, coming from Western Australia. These are amazing photos! :)
ReplyDeleteChristie's Take on Life. xx
This is such an amazing place! I've never been here but it has to be added to my growing list of places to visit!
ReplyDeleteI am just in NSW and I have not been to Mt Tamborine yet. I feel ashamed as it is so so beautiful there!
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous views! Thank you for taking us along on your travels!
ReplyDeleteOmg just lovely photos!!! I would love to check out Mt. Tamborine one day!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are great , it brings out the nature beauty. I would love to be in such a place.
ReplyDeletewww.learn2livefully.com
This place is so beautiful! You take great photos!
ReplyDeleteWow Mt. Tamborine is beautiful and breathtaking :) you are so lucky for this adventure.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing area! There's so much beauty in nature there. This is similar to my state, Florida. Wherver you drive, there's something beautiful to see.
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