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Such is the magical world of the Gold Coast's Hinterland.
Despite being just 30 minutes from the coast, the "Green behind the Gold" is basically untouched. Its lush beauty stretches as far as you can see. It breathes in harmony with the pulse of the Pacific Ocean swells that pound our golden beaches.
Whether you are looking for a romantic escape or a nature-based adventure for family and friends, the Gold Coast Hinterland is equally perfect!
You'll be awestruck as you bushwalk through subtropical rainforests that house living ancient relics and lava flows. And fall in love with crystal waterfalls cascading into rock pools. And not mention the abundant native wildlife.
Due to its pristine condition and under-canopy diversity, the Hinterland's national parks were World Heritage listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). This area is a hotbed for the international science and conservation community.
And you are truly exploring one of the earth's best eco-experiences.
Lamington and Springbrook National Parks are the best places to set of with official bushwalks in place. The quaint village of Mount Tamborine is an ideal stop off to grab a bite to eat in a café or boutique winery, with the Gallery Walk - a lovely stroll of art galleries, antique stores and homewares hubs.
If you are seeking rejuvenation, relaxation and balance, the Gold Coast Hinterland is home to some of Australia's leading luxury day spas and health retreats.
From the seclusion of mountain villas, guesthouses and rainforest retreats to the back-to-nature simplicity of camping grounds, you'll discover an escape to forget your cares and reconnect with yourself, your loved ones and nature.
Mount Tamborine is a major settlement of tiny villages within the Gold Coast Hinterland. It is set within the third oldest National Park in the world. Enjoy any one of 12 walking tracks, each no longer than around 3km. So if you like a stroll among the birds, bees, flowers and the trees, this is for you.
And the views from most parts of Mount Tamborine are absolutely breathtaking!
Lamington National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests, the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world. Lamington National Park has regularly been referred to as 'Queensland's National Park.'
World Heritage status was bestowed on Lamington in 1994 in recognition of its high biodiversity. It contains a living museum of the evolutionary steps taken in the development of Australia's modern-day flora.
Lamington is a jewel in the crown of rainforest bushwalking destinations in south-east Queensland. The area is renowned for having more than 500 beautiful waterfalls.
And it features over 160 km of walking paths that lead to lookouts, waterfalls and some of Queensland's most significant wilderness.
Lamington is also home to the 21.4 kilometre Border track, built in the late 1930's and the Caves circuit which has views out over Coomera Valley.
Dominating the Gold Coast's western skyline, Springbrook's cool forests and mountain streams offer views of impressive landscapes and walks among subtropical and temperate rainforest.
Spectacular waterfalls, cascades and tumbling creeks are dominant features in the part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Springbrook National Park consists of four main sections - Springbrook plateau, Mount Cougal, Natural Bridge and Numinbah.
Take a lunch and picnic on the shaded banks of the Nerang River at Forest Park picnic area. There's also camping in the Settlement Area and wildlife galore with over 100 types of birds, frogs, reptiles and a plethora of plant and tree species - some over 3000 years old.
Just a short, scenic drive from Currumbin Beach you'll soon be delivered into a lush green Currumbin Valley filled with an abundance of escarpments, crystal clear creeks, cascading waterfalls, rock pools and picturesque picnic spots.
As you head west, Currumbin Creek Road stretches 20kms where it eventually ends at the entrance to a World Heritage listed rainforest walk to the Cougal Cascades that form part of the Springbrook National Park, rich with abundant native flora and fauna.
Another ‘must-see' on the way out (or back) is the natural Currumbin Valley Rock Pools; a beautiful place to refresh and unwind in their pristine waters with friends or family.
If a spot of golf in stunning surrounds is more your thing, then the Valley is right up your alley with the Palms, Meadow Park and Tallebudgera Golf Courses all teeing off right here.
Easily one of the most photographed locations on the Gold Coast, the picturesque Natural Bridge at Springbrook National Park is a must-see for any trip to the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Be taken in by the charm of Gallery Walk, a unique stretch of art galleries and restaurants plus bustling antique and craft stores. For a change of pace, enjoy several award-winning wineries, a brewery and even a distillery which is perfectly punctuated with award- winning restaurants, art galleries, sweeping coastal views and that delicious mix of old and new-world charm.
Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves are man-made caves filled with thousands of glowing glow-worms.
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is a one and a half kilometre experience that showcases the pristine beauty of the lush rainforest.
Hang about in the trees, balance on the suspended bridges, tackle a Tarzan swing and fly through the rainforest on 12 flying foxes at the TreeTop Challenge. This ultimate adventure experience is set amidst ten acres of unspoilt natural bushland.
For over 100 years, the O'Reilly family has been offering accommodation in Lamington National Park.
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat provides an opportunity for guests to reconnect with themselves, each other and with nature. Activities include guided Segway tours, the O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk as well as an eco-rangers program and flying fox for the kids. The Lost World Spa provides an opportunity for guests to be nurtured amongst nature.
The Binna Burra Lodge is an authentic heritage listed lodge offering a genuine Australian experience in nature. The Lodge has been welcoming guests since the early 1930s and still retains its original charm and character. In addition to hiking, the lodge has an amazing range of adventure activities including abseiling, tree-top flying fox, wild walks, a ropes course, with the Echidna Club ensuring that kids will be kept entertained during school holidays.
Nightfall Wilderness Camp provides an intimate and unique luxe experience. The Nightfall camp, which is located in Lamington National Park, has redefined camping through architect-inspired, hand-built, permanent safari tents and fire cooked cuisine, encouraging the relaxed feeling of staying with old friends.
There are also plenty of other accommodation options in the Hinterland!
If you like camping, then there are campsites in the Springbrook National Park. Or perhaps you'd prefer riverside camping @ Canungra Showgrounds or Sharp Park, two of my favourites :)
Make sure that you thoroughly PLAN your excursion into the Hinterland. Just these activities alone could easily take three days to enjoy them fully.
The Gold Coast Hinterland is one of my favourite destinations. Make sure you don't miss out!
