Sitting surrounded by the rainforest canopy, listening to cicadas buzz and frogs croak as you indulge in a mouth-watering meal, you’re a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise or the sandy beaches of the Gold Coast.
The city might be best known for its Glitter Strip and golden sand, but there are some hidden treasures waiting to be discovered if you take just a short trip to the mountains.
Tamborine Mountain is a quaint little village full of endless things to do.
Witches Falls Cottages is an idyllic couples retreat with private, self-contained cottages tucked away along rainforest pathways directly opposite Witches Falls National Park, the oldest national park in Queensland.
From here you can walk to local wineries, antique shops or the head to the picturesque village, taking a stroll through Gallery Walk with all its quirky and quaint local stores to explore.
To end the afternoon we lazed by the vineyard at Witches Falls Winery, indulging in a cheese platter as we tasted their wines.
It’s the perfect spot to lay down a picnic blanket and spend the afternoon learning about the winery, which has achieved a Five Red Star rating from James Halliday, placing it in the top 10 per cent of wineries in Australia.
For dinner: Three Little Pigs Bar and Bistro, a hidden culinary gem, popular with locals.
A large stone fireplace dominates a light, airy dining room of polished wood and large windows, or guests can choose to dine alfresco at a wine barrel table and enjoy the lush, green surrounds and chirping birds.
When you’re staying in a place as nice as Witches Falls Cottages, you want to make the most of it.
For lunch it was off to the The Polish Place, which was a highlight of the trip.
The restaurant features Polish decor, an open fireplace and a deck that has stunning views.
The best part about Tamborine Mountain is there’s plenty of tracks to walk off all the calories you accumulate.
And if you really want to experience the rainforest, you can even walk high among the canopies at the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.
The eco-tourism attraction provides a unique way to explore the rainforest and see what you can spot along the way.
