Here is the only guide you'll need for the best activities to do on Tamborine Mountain in 2023. Tamborine Mountain is only a one hour drive from Brisbane and a 50 minute drive from the Gold Coast and is considered as The Gold Coast Hinterland or ‘The Green Behind the Gold’.
Tamborine Mountain boasts many of Queensland’s best boutique wineries, distilleries, a craft brewery, fabulous restaurants, nature walks, unique shops and stunning views of the Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast city skyline.
If you are lucky enough to find yourself with a day or longer on Tamborine Mountain, here are our top picks of how you can spend your time for the ultimate hinterland experience.
Explore the unique shops along Gallery Walk
Gallery Walk shopping strip is an absolute must for anyone visiting Tamborine Mountain for the day or longer. The quirky shopping strip is lined with locally made arts & crafts, fudge, jewellery and fashion. You will be certain to find something special for a gift or as a souvenir for yourself. Gallery Walk has over 70 specialty shops so allow at least an hour to wander from top to bottom. Free
Take a Gin making class at The Cauldron Distillery
Discover the art of gin making and the history of gin whilst undergoing this 2.5 hour interactive experience. Cauldron Distillery only allows 6 patrons per class to ensure an intimate and relaxed workshop. Whilst choosing from over 100 botanicals and crafting your own delicious gin, you will be served 3 complimentary gin and tonics and enjoy grazing on a locally made cheese platter. Upon completion of the class, you will take home your own ‘one of a kind’ bottle of Gin to enjoy with your friends and family. Allow 2.5 hours for this experience. $250 pp
Fly through the rainforest on Australia’s largest, highest and fastest zipline
Reach soaring heights of over 70 meters and speeds over 70km/hr on the Tamborine Mountain Canyon Flyer Zipline. Get a Birdseye view of astonishing views overlooking some the oldest rainforests in Australia whilst conquering any fears of height you may have. This is definitely the most adrenaline pumping way to witness the beauty of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Allow 3 hours for this experience. From $105pp
Sip on a delicious cocktail at Australia’s most award Distillery - Tamborine Mountain Distillery
You read it correctly, Tamborine Mountain is home to the most awarded Distillery in Australia! Not only can you visit their Russian themed Cellar door and taste liqueurs, vodka, gin, schnapps and more from their extensive preservative free range of over 80 products, this incredible venue has recently opened an artisan cocktail bar. Sip through their menu in their luscious garden or in the newly built quirky cocktail bar extension. Allow at least 1 hour at Tamborine Mountain Distillery. From $8 pp for a tasting.
Splash around in the rockpools at Cedar Creek Falls
A fantastic activity during the warmer months on Tamborine and a wonderful way to spend a few hours absorbed in nature and not spending a cent. The turn off to Cedar Creek Falls is located at the entrance of the popular Thunderbird Park and once at the carpark it’s just a 500 meter stroll to the rockpools. Cool off in the icy cool water, this is also a great spot for a combined picnic and swimming adventure. Allow 2 hours to enjoy the pools and walk. Free
Indulge yourself with High Tea in the heart of the rainforest at Tea and Niceties
Located at the entrance to the Curtis Springs Falls walk, Tea and Niceties have gained a strong reputation for delivering an incredible high tea experience in the heart of the rainforest. Enjoy an array of delicious sandwiches, baked savoury items and mouth-watering sweets. Their extensive range of loose tea and sparkling wine will have you feeling pampered and relaxed. Bookings are essential. Opened Thursday – Sunday. Allow of minimum of 2 hours for this experience. From $59 pp
Take a cave tour and discover Tamborine Mountain's Glow Worms at Cedar Creek Estate
Take a 30 minute tour and discover the world's only glow worm breeding program and say G'day to approximately 8000 glow worms giving you a bright greeting. This is a great activity to do in rain, hail or shine as the cave is fully sheltered. If you love a cheeky Vino, these fascinating caves are located at Cedar Creek Estate Winery so you can top off your tour by tasting some Queensland wine in their cellar door. Allow 30 minutes for the tour. $19 pp
Grab a paddle of Tamborine’s finest craft Beer at Fortitude Brewery
Situated at the base of Gallery Walk shopping strip, Fortitude Brewery has a vibe not to be missed. Not only can you enjoy a craft beer paddle that includes some award-winning beers, Fortitude Brewery also has an on-site cheese factory – Witches Chase Cheese Company. With live music on weekends, this venue is certainly a killer way to spend your afternoon on Tamborine Mountain.
Take a Winery Tour and be driven in style to all of the best wineries on Tamborine Mountain with The Vino Bus.
Yes, you could drive yourself to all these fabulous drinking venues, but where is the fun in feeling restricted?
The Vino Bus will pick you up from your Tamborine Mountain accommodation or even your home in Brisbane or the Gold Coast and embark on a food and wine tasting journey with VIP treatment at each boutique venue. A gourmet two-course winery lunch is included in your day out along with tasting locally made cheese and liqueurs. Allow 6 - 8 hours. $190 pp
Take a picnic or watch the sun go down at the rotary lookout
You cannot beat the breathtaking views overlooking the rolling hills of the Scenic Rim from this famous lookout. Well known for being a top hang-gliding departure point, this mountain top open space is an incredible spot for a picnic, watching sunset or simply to take some awesome photos in-between your other activities. Allow 20 mins – 2 hours. Free