Hinterland Regional Park Guide
Behind the Gold Coast, volcanic plateaus and rainforest rise towards the McPherson Range. Springbrook and Lamington National Parks protect part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area; further north, Tamborine Mountain mixes short forest walks with wineries and mountain stays.
These are three distinct mountain districts. Trailheads, waterfalls, and accommodation are spread out among them, so a car is essential. Allow two or three days if you want to see more than one without spending the trip watching the road.
- 2-hours
- 180 min
- $ 349.00 AUD
- $ 329.00 AUD
- Half day
- 2.5 — 3 hours
- $ 115.00 AUD
- $ 99.00 AUD
- 2 hours
- 2 hours
- $ 174.00 AUD
- $ 164.50 AUD
- 1 Hour
- 60m
- $ 124.00 AUD
- $ 114.50 AUD
- Half day
- 90 min.
- $ 89.00 AUD
- $ 79.00 AUD
- 4 hours
- 240 min. (approx.)
- $ 399,00 AUD
- $ 379,00 AUD
Green Behind The Gold
At around 900 metres above sea level, Springbrook Plateau can receive more than 3,000 mm of rain a year. The result is a landscape of wet forest, creeks and waterfalls.
The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia preserve vegetation with evolutionary links to the ancient southern continent. Lamington contains subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest, along with northern stands of Antarctic beech and habitat for numerous native species.
The country changes around Tamborine Mountain. Basalt cliffs and waterfalls remain from volcanic activity about 23 million years ago, while the plateau rises to more than 500 metres. Average daytime temperatures sit around 17°C in winter and 25°C in summer.
Outside the national parks, protecting this natural environment also means controlling environmental weeds and repairing disturbed country through revegetation and bush restoration.
FAQ
How many days do you need in the Gold Coast Hinterland?
Allow two days to explore two of the main mountain districts without rushing. Three days is better if you want to include Tamborine Mountain, Springbrook and Lamington, particularly with a longer bushwalk.
Do you need a car for the Gold Coast Hinterland?
Yes. A car is the practical way to explore the Gold Coast Hinterland because national parks, trailheads, waterfalls, wineries and accommodation are dispersed across separate mountain areas. Do not plan the trip around reaching the major natural attractions by public transport.
Which Gold Coast Hinterland national park is best to visit?
Choose Tamborine for shorter rainforest walks and nearby cellar doors, Springbrook for waterfalls and escarpment lookouts, and Lamington for longer rainforest walks. For a first visit focused on scenery rather than long hikes, Springbrook offers the strongest concentration of major natural sights.
What are the best waterfalls in the Gold Coast Hinterland
Purling Brook Falls is the standout at Springbrook, while Curtis Falls is one of the most accessible rainforest waterfalls on Tamborine Mountain. Twin Falls and Goomoolahra Falls add further options around the Springbrook plateau.
Where should you stay in the Gold Coast Hinterland?
Look for rainforest retreats, eco-lodges or cottages, guesthouses or B&Bs close to the mountain district you plan to explore the next morning. Tamborine Mountain offers the broadest choice for wineries and dining, while staying closer to Lamington makes more sense for longer walks.
Experience The Best Of Brisbane
The river is the natural place to start. Ferries and bridges connect the two banks, while riverside walking paths lead between gardens, restaurants and city views.
South Bank Parklands sits directly opposite the Brisbane CBD, bringing together around 15 hectares of parkland, Streets Beach and the Queensland Cultural Centre. Across the river, Queen Street Mall and the 18-hectare City Botanic Gardens offer a mix of busy city streets and quieter waterfront spaces.
Kangaroo Point has some of the best views of the Brisbane skyline and Story Bridge. Nearby, Howard Smith Wharves brings dining and riverside spaces beneath the bridge. New Farm, Fortitude Valley and West End add another mix of parkland, nightlife, leafy streets and charming cafés.
