A Guide To Mount Tamborine, Gold Coast - Updated 2024

Mount Tamborine Gold Coast
Isha
Isha 
Updated
| 4 min read

Part of the picturesque Scenic Rim region and Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, is the beautiful Mount Tamborine. Also known as Tamborine Mountain, it is a wide plateau that has attracted visitors for many years. It sees booming tourism thanks to its several natural and man-made attractions. Just a short drive away from the capital of Queensland, Brisbane, it is also a popular weekend getaway for city dwellers. Home to the oldest national park in Queensland, Tamborine National Park, this mountain offers scenic views, bush walks, waterfalls, botanic gardens, hiking opportunities outdoor adventures, birdwatching and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Wineries, vineyards, shopping, dining, tours and many other attractions await you at this amazing Gold Coast destination. Without further ado, take a look at our guide to Mount Tamborine, Gold Coast.

Things to do / highlights

Skywalk
Source: Photo by user Witches Falls Cot... used under CC BY 2.0

Go on a glow-worm tour

Be mesmerised by the glow of thousands of glow worms on a one-of-a-kind glow worm tour at Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves. Located at Cedar Creek Estate Vineyards, walk through lush greenery and then go underground into a purpose-built glow worm cave where a colony of Mt. Tamborine glow worms native to the region awaits you. See thousands of glow worms on a delightful tour and help support the glow-worm breeding program of the region.

Explore the rainforest from a skywalk

Another unique experience that can be had at Mount Tamborine is at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. It features a walkway elevated high above the ground that takes you through several levels of the canopied rainforest of this mountain. At the lower levels, you will be delighted with views of waterfalls, a butterfly lookout, rockpools and many other interesting lookout points. A 40-metre (131.2 feet) long cantilever rising 30 metres (98.4 feet) from the forest floor provides breathtaking rainforest and creek views.

Enjoy scenic views from a hot air balloon

A novel way of taking in the scenic vistas of Mount Tamborine and the surrounding areas is in a hot air balloon. Hot Air Balloon is a local hot-air balloon operator that provides early morning tours of the area. Spend an idyllic morning admiring spectacular Mount Tamborine, Scenic Rim of the Gold Coast and Lamington National Park views. Combine it with breakfast at nearby O’Reilly’s Grand Homestead or stay the night to explore the surrounding attractions at one of the many bed and breakfasts in the area.

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What to eat

Fine-dining in the rainforest. Farm-to-table fresh, sourcing all produce from local and organic sources. To book: 07 5545 4577To book: www.pethers.com.au

Posted by Pethers Rainforest Retreat - Tamborine Accommodation on Sunday, 24 February 2019

Pethers Rainforest Restaurant

Enjoy wining and dining amidst the pristine rainforest of Mount Tamborine at Pethers Rainforest Restaurant. This award-winning restaurant offers a very intimate and romantic fine dining experience that will make you feel like you are amongst the birds of the rainforest and high in the trees thanks to its open-sided and dramatically floodlit dining area. It has a seasonal menu that delivers carefully crafted dishes made from locally sourced produce from the Scenic Rim region. Since it is one of south-east Queensland’s most sought-after dining experiences and with just twelve tables in the dining area, prior booking is highly recommended.

Albert River Wines Vineyard Restaurant

Albert River Wines Vineyard Restaurant serves beautiful culinary creations against the backdrop of Mount Tamborine. Experience Australian dining at its best in the wide-open verandah of a heritage colonial venue with a menu that is modern Australian combined with a European flair. Treat yourself to a classic morning Devonshire Tea or enjoy a la carte, two- or three-course lunch while taking in vineyard views. Live entertainment can also be enjoyed at this restaurant on Sundays.

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Things to buy

wine bottle
Source: Unsplash

Antiques and collectables

Mount Tamborine is a shopper’s paradise thanks to over 60 shops located at its famous Gallery Walk. A variety of stores selling antiques and collectables are situated here that will surely delight everyone. Antique furniture, china, vintage art, jewellery, period pieces, ceramics, knick-knacks make for a pretty souvenir of your time in Mount Tamborine. A shop selling novelty teapots in all manner of shapes, sizes, colours and styles is also located here.

Wines and spirits

Australia’s Queensland region is well-known for its wines and spirits and a number of wineries, a distillery and brewery are located at Mount Tamborine. From Australia’s award-winning distillery, Tamborine Mountain Distillery, shop for absinthe, liqueurs, vodkas, gins, or unique spirits made from native Australian flora. Pick up a bottle of fine Queensland wine from one of the many wineries located here, including Cedar Creek Estate Winery, Mason Wines, etc.

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Travelers tips

Curtis Falls
Source: Photo by user Steve Austin used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Carry insect repellent

Since it has a tropical climate, it is necessary to carry insect repellent while exploring the great outdoors of Mount Tamborine, especially if you plan to explore the rainforest or go bushwalking. Mosquitoes and other bugs can make your adventure quite an uncomfortable one if you don’t have a bug spray or insect repellent.

Winter travel

Winter is peak travel season in Mount Tamborine and it is highly advised that you book your stay, restaurants and tours well in advance. Attractions, eateries and hotels can get quite busy during winter and it is best to plan ahead.

Hiking essentials

Hiking can be done all-year round at Mount Tamborine, but always carry adequate hiking supplies with you. A sunscreen, comfortable shoes, water, hat, some food and bug spray are a must.

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How to get there

NewGeneration710
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pytomelon87 used under CC BY-SA 4.0
Private cars

Driving is the best and most convenient way to reach Mount Tamborine. The easiest route is from Brisbane and takes about one hour. You can drive your own car or get a rental one from one of the many rental companies located in and around Brisbane.

Taxis

Book a direct taxi from Brisbane to take you to Tamborine Mountain, if you do not want the hassle of driving or getting a rental car. The drive is not very long and provides scenic views.

Combination of public and private transport

A combination of train and taxi is another great way to reach Mount Tamborine, if you do not have a car. Take the BDVL train from Brisbane and then a taxi to Tamborine Mountain, with a total travel time of fewer than two hours.

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How to book tickets

Our Glow Worm tours run during the daytime for an accessible, family friendly experience. Remember, every Friday and...

Posted by Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves on Thursday, 9 August 2018

Mount Tamborine offers a range of experiences that can be enjoyed by all. While some experiences are free, most attractions require an admission ticket or an entry fee.

For the most famous attraction here, Glow Worm Tours, you can buy a ticket online from their official ticket purchase link or buy tickets onsite at their office. Adult tickets cost 9.62 USD (14 AUD) and advance booking is highly recommended for large groups.

Tours run every half an hour minutes from 10am - 4pm, with additional Twilight Tours, offered on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Mount Tamborine Information

Tamborine Mountain
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Patncath used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Mount Tamborine

Address: Tamborine Mountain, Queensland, Australia

Official Website: Mount Tamborine

Department of tourism: Visit Brisbane

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Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast

Duration: 8 hours

56 reviews
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Isha is a former corporate employee who now leads a tranquil life centered around travel, writing, and minding her own business.

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