Are you considering a visit to Tamborine Mountain? Want to know what to see and do, where to eat and the best accommodation options? In this article, you will find everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this beautiful area in South East Queensland.
There is so much to do and see if you are living in (or visiting) South-East Queensland. One of the places that we love to visit is Mount Tamborine in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
This beautiful area offers a wide variety of activities including hikes, wonderful wildlife, great restaurants, awesome shopping (even better if you like cuckoo clocks but more of that later) and wineries.
In this guide, we will cover all the best things to do at Tamborine Mountain plus offer practical tips to help plan your visit.
Where is Tamborine Mountain & how to get there?
Tamborine Mountain can be found in the Gold Coast Hinterland and is around 80 kms south of Brisbane.
If you are driving from Brisbane it takes about an hour to get to the area. Click the map below for detailed step by step instructions.
Things to do at Tamborine Mountain
There is so much to do on Mt Tamborine Qld that I really would recommend that you stay for a few days. The following are ideas of things you can add to your itinerary when you visit.
Tamborine Mountain Gallery Walkway
Cuckoo clocks may be something you associate with Switzerland but I can guarantee that after a visit to Gallery Walk they will also be something you associate with Australia.
The shopping street of Mt Tamborine offers many boutiques and small quaint shops for you to browse and purchase some great gifts for yourself or your friends. And of course, there is Mt Tamborine clock shop! cuckoo clock!
Inside a beautiful Bavarian chalet, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding and choosing the perfect cuckoo clock for your needs. For further information about this wonderful cuckoo clock shop check out their website “The Cuckoo Emporium”
As well as the wonderful Mount Tamborine clock shop there are lots of other great shops, cafes and restaurants to choose from on your stroll along the street.
Tamborine Mountain Skywalk
I love the skywalk and I highly recommend a visit (and I am not great with heights but the views are great!) as you get the opportunity to explore the rainforest from above. The walk is 1.5 kms which you can take at your own pace.
There are rainforest trails as well as 300 metres of steel bridges and a 40-metre cantilever bridge which gives great views over the rainforest.
At the start of the walk make sure to check out all the information and photographs in the Rainforest Eco Gallery.
There is a cafe and a shop at the skywalk as well as toilet facilities.
Parking is free in the car park too. The skywalk opens at 9.30 each day and is open every day but on Christmas Day. The last walk is at 4 pm and the skywalk shuts at 5 pm.
TIP – wear flat shoes!
For more information check out the website Rainforest Skywalk
Glow Worm Caves at Tamborine Mountain
Glow worms – who can resist the opportunity to see these little guys in action? We certainly couldn’t so had to stop off at the glow worm caves to see them! The purpose-built caves provide thousands of glow worms with the perfect living conditions and you will learn all about their life cycle.
The tours depart every 30 minutes and there are about 20 maximum to a group. To find out more about visiting the caves (prices and opening hours) check out the official website Glow Worm Cave Tamborine Mountain.
Tamborine Mountain Winery Tour
There a 7 wineries on Mt Tamborine as well as a brewery and a distillery! Now if you intend to sample some of the excellent local produce I would suggest taking a tour.
Travel in style on a tour of the 13 cellar door outlets and try some of the local wines!
Get Your Guide also have some excellent tours available. If you are within 10 kms of Surfers Paradise pick up is also included.
My choice of tour includes guided tastings at 4 of Tamborine’s best wineries plus Tamborine Mountain Distillery.
This winery tour also includes a delicious two-course lunch, snacks and bottled water, plus the option to stop at the Cheese Factory.
Click for prices and availability for the winery tour
Tamborine Mountain Hikes
There are 6 main bushwalking areas to choose from if hiking is your activity of choice (a great way to walk off all that food and drink!) and most are under 3 km so about an hour walk. There are plenty of Mt Tamborine hikes to choose from including:
The Joalah Section – Curtis Falls and Joalah Lower Creek Circuit
- This 1.5 km return walk incorporates about 100 steps and has some steeper sections.
The Cedar Creek Section – Cedar Creek Falls Lookout and Cedar Creek Falls Rock Pools
The Knoll Section – Picnic area!
The Witches Falls Section – Witches Falls Circuit and the Witches Chase Track
The Palm Drove Section – Palm Grove Circuit and the Jenyns Circuit
The Macdonald Section – MacDonald Circuit
Read more about all the hiking trails at Tamborine Mountain including tips to get the best out of your walk!
Where to stay when you visit Tamborine Mountain (Accommodation Options)
Luxury
There are many luxury options on the mountain so you really are spoilt for choice.
Witches Falls Cottages
We adore Witches Falls Cottages and I promise you that they will bewitch you with their attention to detail and beautiful cottages.
Found opposite Witches Falls after whom they are named they are the perfect retreat for couples seeking to relax in the privacy of their own cottage and garden.
For more about Witches Falls Cottages click to read my review.
-> Click for prices and availability at WITCHES FALLS COTTAGES
Pethers Rainforest Retreat
We have stayed at Pethers a number of times and have absolutely loved it every time. Enjoy a drink at the bar and dinner in the restaurant with the sounds and sights of the rainforest at night all around you.
Even better though is the morning after when you are delivered of the breakfast basket which contains all you need for a morning feast.
In the summer we sat on our large verandah enjoying our food and watching the wildlife of the rainforest around us including a pademelon foraging for her own breakfast! Pethers is a wonderful place to relax and unwind from the stresses of life.
We have also visited in the winter when the mountain is cooler and it was lovely and cosy snuggling up with the fire on and enjoying some down time from our hectic lives.
Pethers is one of our top choices for accommodation when we stay at Tamborine Mountain.
Click for prices and availability at Pethers Rainforest Retreat
Mid-range accommodation
Lisson Grove
We spent one evening at Lisson Grove. This is a great mid-range option for couples.
Different prices are available depending on your choice of Luxury or Premium Cottage options.
The cottages are nicely decorated though the one we stayed in was perhaps a little worn round the edges. It does however provide a private getaway for those seeking a more affordable option.
If you only plan to spend one night on the mountain Lisson Grove is a great choice.
Click for prices and availability at Lisson Grove
Where to eat at Tamborone Mountain Australia
There are many restaurants to choose from on Mt Tamborine and we have tried a few (I have also spoken to residents on the mountain and these are the ones that come highly recommended!)
Just make sure you book in advance as they do get very busy.
The Three Little Pigs Bar and Bistro
The three little pigs Tamborine Mountain is a popular restaurant. We love this restaurant with all its little pig ornaments in keeping with its great name! For more information check out their Facebook page.
Clancys’s Irish Bar
A great atmosphere makes this bar and restaurant a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike! The food is also highly recommended! Pop in for a drink but if you want food I would recommend reserving a table in high season as we have missed out when they have been fully booked!
Hickory
Bit of a theme going on here with names! This tiny restaurant offers some beautiful meat dishes as well as great cocktails! Make sure to reserve as it is a small venue!
Visiting Tamborine Mountain cheat sheet
When is the best time of year to visit Tamborine Mountain?
Mt Tamborine is located in South East Queensland which means it has a semi-tropical climate. In summer it is hot, wet and humid and the winters are generally warm and dry.
The busiest time on the mountain is in the cooler winter months so book well ahead if you are planning a trip.
I prefer hiking in cooler weather but whenever you go make sure you take a hat, suncream and plenty of water with you.
What tours are available at Mount Tamborine?
If you are planning to visit for the day and do not have a car then a tour maybe your best option.
Sustainable travel to Mount Tamborine
If you are visiting Mt T it is important to remember we all need to do our bit to respect the environment and ensure it is just as beautiful in years to come! So…
- Pick up your litter and take it home!
- Stick to the paths – it was worrying how many people we saw straying from the designated areas. One guy completely ignored the signs and clambered over a fence to walk behind a waterfall.
- Leave your pets at home!
Tips to make the most of your visit to Tamborine Mountain
- If you are heading to Tamborine Mountain in winter make sure to book well ahead as this is peak season and it can get busy.
- If you are hiking wear sensible walking shoes, take water, sun protection and bug spray.
- There is an IGA in North Tamborine.
- Petrol is available at the Caltex Garage – 5 Main Western Road (near the IGA)
More travel inspiration for Queensland
You can find more about planning a trip to Queensland in many articles on this website. I recommend starting with my Queensland bucket list which will provide inspiration for your travels.
If you are travelling to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland check out my guide to the area plus my recommended accommodation options including the best rentals and the most romantic stays.
Read my Australia Travel Guide which has links to all my articles (both inspirational and practical) about travel in Australia