Just 50 minutes from Brisbane, Mount Tamborine offers a perfect mountain retreat for a day trip or short break away. Nestled in a rainforest filled with lush hiking trails and thundering waterfalls is a village filled with galleries, antique shops, wineries and fine dining.
The journey to Mount Tamborine is breathtaking; winding roads snake past towering eucalypts into the verdant national park rainforest. At 525m above sea level, Mount Tamborine offers panoramic views of the bustling Gold Coast and tranquil Scenic Rim. Plan to spend your days here following the many hiking, wine, foodie and shopping trails on offer. Nighttime offers up cosy B&Bs and roaring fires if you come in winter. And no matter what the season, you’ll find a packed events calendar with something for everyone at Mount Tamborine.
On arrival, stop at the Mount Tamborine Visitor’s Centre to collect a free map detailing the mountain's many walking trails and other attractions. There’s a lot to do here, so chat to the friendly volunteers and plan your Mount Tamborine tour.
If you’re keen to hit the nature trail, pack your walking shoes and head for the rainforest. There are plenty of well-signed walking circuits catering to all fitness levels. Also, don’t miss this chance to discover some of the mountain's breathtaking waterfalls, including Witches Falls, Curtis Falls and Cedar Creek Falls, where you can swim in the rock pools below. Keep in mind that all of Mount Tamborine’s falls flow year-round but are best after the rainy season.
There are so many fun things to do in Mount Tamborine. See something truly magical at the Mount Tamborine Glow Worms Caves, fossick for Thunder Eggs at Thunderbird Park or take to the rainforest canopy at the Skywalk. You can sip on award-winning liqueurs at Tamborine Mountain Distillery, play a round at the golf club or wander through the bustling Country Markets, held on the second Sunday each month at the showgrounds.
On Gallery Walk, shoppers and browsers will delight in the abundance of arts and crafts, galleries, boutiques, homewares, and jewellery stores. Mount Tamborine also offers a wide range of dining experiences. Vegan cafes, country pubs, and speciality restaurants sit beside award-winning fine dining resorts. And, for a tasty treat on the go, make sure you try some delicious local fudge as you stroll down the street.
Mount Tamborine is located in Queensland, Australia, within the Gold Coast Hinterland. To reach Mount Tamborine, you can drive from the Gold Coast or Brisbane, which takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from either city. There are also public transport options available, including buses and tours, that provide access to the area.
You can visit Mount Tamborine at any time of year; each season presents a different experience. Spring is particularly popular with the mountain in full bloom; it's a great time to wander through the Mount Tamborine Botanic Gardens. In September, the Springtime on the Mountain Festival sees private gardens open to the public. And the Scarecrow Festival, also held in September, boasts 200 plus scarecrows over a 21km trail. Both events are an excellent opportunity to see the creativity of village life at Mount Tamborine in action.
Mount Tamborine derived its name from the species of finger lime trees that are native to the area. The Aboriginal Yugambeh people, who are the traditional custodians of the land, called the tree "Jambreen," and early European settlers adapted the name to "Tamborine."
The mountain was officially named "Tamborine Mountain" in the late 1800s, and over time, the name evolved to become simply "Mount Tamborine." Today, the mountain is widely known by this name, and it has become a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty, vibrant arts community, and diverse range of attractions and activities.
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