The Gold Coast is best known for sun, surf and sand, but many more wonders await you if you head into the hinterland – particularly, one tiny town with a tonne of personality. These are our favourite things to do in Tamborine.
Stop to admire the view
Depending on where you start from, the trek to Tamborine takes about an hour from the Gold Coast – but your drive won’t be boring. When you get to the top, make sure you pull over at Rob Sowter Lookout (just up from the Polish Palace). It’s here that paragliders launch off Tamborine Mountain itself and watching them glide down into the valley below is a pretty spectacular sight. The earlier you arrive, the better.
Start with a bite to eat
After a big drive up the mountain, you need to refuel, right? A trip to Franquette is the best way to start the day. Situated in the centre of town, along Gallery Walk, Franquette offers everything you’re looking for in a French bakery. Crunchy baguettes, flaky pastries and tasty beverages (try the chai latte). There will likely be a line, but it’s totally worth the wait.
If you can, head to the market
Love a country market? You’ll love the Tamborine Mountain State School Markets. They take place on the last Sunday of every month and offer a selection of vintage finds, handmade pieces and bric-a-brac – you could spend hours picking through each stall. There’s also live music from local performers, food trucks and even plants for sale.
Enjoy a stroll through nature
One of the things we love most about this part of the Gold Coast is its natural beauty, and there’s no better place to soak it in than at the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens. It’s just so peaceful. From the Japanese garden to the plant nursery, there are so many quiet corners to explore. We recommend bringing a book and a blanket and parking up on the grass to soak up the sun and serenity.
Grab lunch with a view
Okay, by now you’ve really earned your lunch – and there’s one place in particular that needs to be seen to be believed. St Bernards Hotel is modelled after a classic English pub (both inside and out) and offers a panoramic view of the coastline from the back deck. But that’s not even the best part. This restaurant gets its name from its two most important staff members – St Bernard dogs Syrah and Cooper.
Don’t leave without a sweet treat
You’ve had your fun – now it’s time to head back down the mountain. But you can’t leave Tamborine without the suburb’s most delectable delicacy: fudge. There are a few fudge shops to choose from (all claiming to offer the ‘world’s best’ or ‘most famous’ fudge) and you really can’t go wrong.
Hungry for more? Check out our ‘Suburb Spotlight’ on Tamborine Mountain.