Tamborine Mountain:
Things to do
Located on Brisbane's doorstep, it may only be an hour’s drive, but Tamborine Mountain (more commonly referred to as Mount Tambourine) makes you feel like you’re a world away. This beautiful and picturesque neighbourhood in the Scenic Rim has rich history, is home to stunning national parks and rainforests, and has a generous share of indulgent food and wine experiences.
1. Reach for the sky
Start your day by watching the sun rise from the skies above Tamborine Mountain. Hot Air Balloon Brisbane takes you up into the sky, giving a 360-degree view of the beautiful landscape of the Scenic Rim and out to sea. Once you’re back on the ground, stop in at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard’s for a champagne breakfast or wine tasting.
2. Feel on top of the world
The Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is probably the bestand easiestway to experience how naturally beautiful Mount Tamborine is. Wander among the treetops and follow the path that gradually descends to the lower canopy, past rock pools to the cantilever that stands 30 metres above the valley and offers incredible views that span across the Scenic Rim. Take your time to enjoy the views for about an hour and include a stop at the Rainforest Eco Gallery, which allows you to explore some local and First Nations history.
3. Explore the glow worm caves
Experience the luminous underworld of the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves with a guided tour through the peaceful rainforest. Unlike most wild glow worms, this colony is completely visible during the daytime. Take this chance to see thousands of tiny worms glowing inside this purposefully built cave.
4. Tuck into some local producers
Whether you’re looking for fine dining, or a hidden gem, Mount Tamborine has a seemingly endless range of restaurants, eateries and cafes all who highlight the beauty of local producers. Grab made to order sandwiches on freshly made bread for lunch, or fine dine in the evening at Main St. Provedore. Indulge in pizza, pasta and antipasto at the cosy Trattoria MKII or capture old world pub charm at St. Bernards Hotel that offers incredible views of Tamborine Mountain. For a culinary journey in the treetops, find a three-course experience at Pethers situated within the rainforest.
5. Soak up all the caffeine
Start your day with a stop at Franquette for flaky French pastries, or wander through over 600 coffee trees at the Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation where they grow, harvest and roast all of their own beans to make fresh and delicious coffee, served in the beautiful 120-year-old Queenslander. Or for some morning tea, find the tucked away Grand Chameleon for a charming high tea experience.
6. Explore Long Road
One of Mount Tamborine’s favourited activities is to simply explore Long Road. Park the car and pop into the boutiques, gift stores and cafes to find favourites like Granny Mac’s Confectionary Store, the funky German Cuckoo Clock Nest or find unique flavours at Tamborine Tea. Once you’re all shopped out, finish with a pint of a locally brewed cold one at Fortitude Brewing Co.
7. Wander the botanic gardens
Sprawled over 11 hectares, the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens holds a colourful and diverse range of exotic and native flora. Including a tranquil Japanese garden and a tropical rainforest walk, follow the trail to discover the beautiful species that grow in the gardens before finishing the visit with a lakeside picnic.
8. Say cheers with local beverages
What better way to curb wastage than to turn it into alcohol? Tamborine Mountain Distillery started more than 20 years ago when a family on the mountain was growing too much fruit. Today the internationally awarded distillery produces liqueur, vodka and schnapps using native flowers and local produce. Our recommendation? The lilly pilly gin or the eucalyptus gum leaf vodka. Delve in deeper to the production process with an exclusive tour that finishes with a tasting flight, giving you the chance to try some of the signature products.
Bringing the taste of Italy to Brisbane, head to Loborn, a cocktail and walk-in tasting bar located within North Shores food, art and nature precinct in the heart of Tamborine Mountain. Enjoy modern aperitifs in the afternoon in a refined yet nature loving space.
Boxer Brewing is perfect for those looking to enjoy a few on-site brewed cold ones. Choose your favourite brew on tap or try the tasting paddle to experiment a few different flavours before choosing what may just be your new favourite.
9. Enjoy a damn fine drop
Calling all wine connoisseurs, amateurs and professionals alike, you’re going to love Mount Tamborine. With so many to try from, you may want to try more than one, in which case you can hire a designated driver.For those that want to settle in and appreciate one winery for an afternoon, the difficulty will be picking which winery to go to. Witches Falls Winery and Cellar Door is a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon as you taste and discover wines made on site. First to plant their vines in the area Mount Tamborine Vineyard and Winery holds a sense of history, Albert River Wines offers views over the valleys below and Mason Winery will have you basking in the sun as you explore their wine tasting. Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery is surrounded by beautiful nature scapes surrounding the vines.
10. Hire the designated driver
There’s much wine and beer to be tasted across Mount Tamborine, so make a day of it and join a tour to discover the best the mountain has to offer. The Vino Bus picks you up and drops you off at your front door, taking you around a number of Mount Tamborine’s wineries and ending with a two-course lunch. Tash Maree Travel’s wine-tasting tour is another great option and includes the all-important cheese tasting. Or experience the endless picturesque views of Tamborine Mountain your way with Pineapple Tours, the list of things to see on Mount Tamborine is endless!
11. Conquer the Treetops
Get your heart racing and take on the heights of the treetops in Mount Tamborine with Thunderbird Park's Treetop Challenge or Treetop Challenge. Both challenges will have you hanging from trees, climbing ladders, balancing on bridges, and navigating through suspended tunnels. If you’re chasing a serious adrenaline rush, Treetop Challenge delivers with Australia’s largest zipline tour. It’s an epic, high-flying experience thatwe aren’t sure if we’re more scared or excited!
12. Go chasing waterfalls
Pack a camera, put on your best activewear and grab your walking shoes to explore the stunning waterfalls on Mount Tamborine. For a guaranteed dose of natural beauty, follow the scenic 1.1km track through the lush, mossy forest to Curtis Falls, or pack a picnic and soak in the surroundings, follow the trail to Cedar Creek Falls to soak up the views of the 15-20m waterfall nestled in a rocky gorge.
If you’re looking for a longer adventure, choose the 3.1km Witches Falls Circuit and stop to take in the beauty of natural waterfalls from the viewing platform, which also has some incredible views. If waterfalls really are your thing, it is possible to visit all four in one day.
13. Say cheese
Did someone say cheese? a stop at the incredible Tamborine Cheese Shop is a must for any cheese lover. With a delicious and incredible range of cheese made fresh on site, it’s the perfect place to sample unique flavours and discover your new favourite. Stock up on everything you need for the ultimate chacuterie board with cured meats, gourmet pantry staples and locally made delights. It’s well worth a visit, and even better with a few tasty samples along the way.
14. Everything the light touches is ours
Set your alarm nice and early so you can catch at least one sunrise while you’re on the mountain. On a clear morning, you can experience views that stretch from Tweed Heads, all the way up to the Moreton Bay region. Some of the favourite vantage points are Eagle Heights Resort, Golf Course Road, Magnetic Drive, Licuala Drive and Guanaba Road.
The views facing inland from the lookout points are no less spectacular. Pack a picnic and overlook the views from Knoll Road or take a hike and follow the Cameron Falls or Witches Falls trails. A truly magical scene in the mornings is when you catch hot-air balloons floating below you from Rotary Lookout, and Hang Gliders Lookout. This is also the spot to seek out for photographers, as you watch hang-gliders launch off the edge and picnic at sunset.
15. Wander through the markets
Local produce and artisan gifts, there is no better way to start a Sunday morning pondering through one of the beautiful markets that Mount Tamborine hosts each month all offering a unique experience. Every Sunday, the Local Producers Market offer organic produce as well as other locally made goodies like fresh honey and preserves. The Country Markets are held on the second Sunday of each month, selling fresh produce, plants, collectables and unique arts and crafts. A must have while visiting is the knackwurst with mustard topped off with poffertjes (Dutch pancakes). The Tamborine State School Markets are held on the last Sunday of each month and are worth visiting for the variety of locally made products, from hand-made cookies to hand-crafted soaps.
16. Put romance first
Escape to Pethers Rainforest Retreat and enjoy a private retreat set amongst five hectares of pristine rainforest. Settle into your private treehouse surrounded by natural flora and fauna, with a relaxing spa bath perfectly fit for two allowing you to relax and reconnect. Or enjoy a bit of country charm at the Mountain Manor, one of the oldest manor hotels in South-East Queensland. Think Victorian suites, leather lounges and an open log fire, it’ll feel like you’re a world away from the busy city life. The Tambourine Boutique Hotel offers an intimate modern getaway with access to a relaxing mineral pool and spa, lush rainforest views and an intimate room fitted out with modern furnishings for the perfect romantic getaway.
17. Feel the wind beneath your wings
Take a once in a lifetime opportunity and see the hinterland from a bird’s-eye view with Oz Paragliding and Hang Gliding, using the purest form of free flight. No cockpit, no engine – just you and nature.
18. Find this hidden gem
There is no need to travel eight hours west to Lightning Ridge to get your hands on a beautiful Australian opal. Simply wander through Australian Outback Opals in Mount Tamborine and admire the striking colours of this beautiful gemstone.
19. Pack a picnic
The waterfalls and hiking trails get us out and about, but we also need to refuel. Pack a picnic and have lunch overlooking spectacular views from The Knoll, or grab a picnic table after walking back from Cedar Creek Falls. Or have Picnic Real Food Bar do the hard work for you and pack your picnic box so you can relax under the trees and soak up the views from across the mountain.
20. Pamper yourself
Indulge insome well -deserved rest and relaxation with a visit to one of Mount Tamborine’s luxurious spas or retreats. Verandah House Country Estate Spa offers an extensive menu of wellness treatments from rejuvenating facial treatments, massages and all-inclusive packages, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling completely refreshed. Immerse yourself in nature at StudioK Rainforest Spa where tiered packages let you tailor your experiencefrom the luxury of the lush rainforest setting.
