View from the Golf Course at Tambourine Mountain looking over the Gold Coast

Tamborine Mountain (including Tamborine National Park, Mount Tamborine Village, North Tamborine, Eagle Heights and Canungra)
Cool hill station for the Gold Coast characterised by great views, tea rooms and gift shops.
Located 62 km from Brisbane and sitting on the edge of the escarpment behind the city of the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain is both an actual geological phenomenon (the result of an outpouring of lava from Mt Warning) and also a collective term for a number of small villages stretching along the 8-km ridge of the mountain range. The name derives, not from the musical instrument, but from the Koori term for the area.

The attractions of the district are the beautiful views which exist on both sides of the ranges, the number of rainforest areas with quiet streams and attractive waterfalls and the many craft and antique shops, galleries, wineries, tearooms and restaurants of the area's villages which attract an artistically/craft-oriented community and a tourism focus. The rich volcanic soils also support a diversity of horticulture. Commercial crops include avocado, kiwifruit, avocado and macadamia nuts.

The three villages which make up the core of the area are Mount Tamborine, with North Tamborine to its north-west and Eagle Heights to the north-east. Collectively they have a population of about 5100.

The first Europeans known in the area were timbergetters with a sawmill established at Cedar Creek in the 1860s. A school was opened at Cedar Creek in 1874 with settlement proceeding at Mount Tamborine itself from about 1878.

Things to see:  

Tourist Information
The Tamborine Mountain Information Centre is located in Doughty Park, North Tamborine, at the intersection of Main Western Rd and Geissman Drive (opposite the Shell garage), tel: (07) 5545 3200 or 07) 5545 3380. They are open from 10.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. daily, opening an hour early on Saturdays.

Tamborine Trolley Tours
If you want an overview of the attractions in the area, Tamborine Trolley Tours offer a full day tour which starts with a pick up from accommodation around 9.45 a.m. First stop is the Distillery, then morning tea at Gallery Walks Granny Macs Fudge shop and a visit to the home-made chocolate shop, two wineries, a two course lunch at a great cafe/restaurant followed by photo opportunities at the Western Range Lookout, a visit to a lavender shop and finishing with a visit to a Cheese Factory. Visitors are dropped back to their accommodation around 4.15pm. Cost $95.00 per person includes all tastings, 2 course lunch, morning tea plus 10% off purchases at lavender shop. Pick ups from the Gold Coast extra $30 per person return. Contact (07) 5545 4321 or email tamborine.trolley@bigpond.com.

Tamborine National Park
Tamborine National Park covers 1160 ha on Tamborine Plateau and around its foothills. The plateau is 8 km long, 5 km wide and rises to an altitude of 525 metres. The area is spattered with the 12 separate reserves which make up the National Park, interspersed with villages. There are a number of beautiful picnic areas as well as scenic drives and many bushwalks to such attractions as lookouts, gorges, cliffs, waterfalls, rainforest areas, wet eucalypt forest, open forest and woodlands.

Wildlife in the park includes lyrebirds, the elusive platypus, scrub turkeys, lorikeets, whip birds and bower birds. Camping is not pemitted but the area's many small settlements offer a range of mostly small-scale cottage/bed-and-breakfast style accommodation.

The main areas to visit in the park are Joalah, Cedar Creek, The Knoll, MacDonald Park, Palm Grove and Witches Falls. All have picnic facilities and walking tracks. All but Cedar Creek have information centres, most have toilets and some have barbecues.

The Witches Falls section, on the western side of Tamborine Mountain village, became Queensland's first national park in 1908. The main walk here is the Witches Falls Circuit (3 km) which snakes down a steep slope through open forest into rainforest with cycad groves, seasonal lagoons, enormous strangler figs and palm groves, en route to the falls. An alternative way of seeing the falls is via the Beacon Road Track (4 km one way). Access is off Main Western Rd (also known as Tamborine Mountain Rd and Geissmann Drive).

On the eastern side of Tamborine Mountain village is the Palm Grove section of the park. The Curtis Road Track (1.2 km one way) links Curtis Rd and Palm Grove Avenue. The Palm Grove Circuit (1.4 km) passes through rainforest, strangler figs and palm groves. Curtis Rd runs off Tamborine Mountain Rd (in Tamborine Mountain) and Palm Grove Ave runs off Central Avenue in Eagle Heights.

In between, and to the north of Witches Falls and Palm Grove, is the Joalah section of the park which features the 1.5-km Curtis Falls Walk (return). It descends to a rock pool at the base of the falls, offering fine views of the basalt rock face. Brush turkeys can be seen along the Joalah Circuit (4 km), which links up with the Curtis Falls Walk. Access is off Eagle Heights Rd.

Also in Eagle Heights, adjacent the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, is the MacDonald Park section. It has a rainforest circuit (2.6 km) wherein the plants are named. Access is off Wangawallan Rd.

The Knoll section of the park is located in the north-west of North Tamborine. It contains the Cameron Falls Circuit (3 km) which offers fine views, rainforest environs, open forest and the occasional black skink sunbathing on the rocks. Knoll Rd runs off Main St. The Tamborine Mountains Natural History Association Information Centre is also located in the village of North Tamborine and it is open from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. daily.

Heading north from North Tamborine, via Tamborine Mountain Rd, there is a turnoff into Cedar Creek Falls Rd. One of the most delightful walks in the whole Tamborine area is the Cedar Creek Circuit (3.2 km) which explores the creek's various cascades, rock pools and plant communities, such as open and dry rainforest and hoop pines. The falls tumble (gently rather than spectacularly) down into a gully. The 1.5-km Rock Scree Walk intersects with the circuit walk, for a potential detour.

Cedar Creek Falls, near Tambourine Mountain

The elevation of the plateau keeps the temperature down a little in summer although December to April is also the wettest time to visit. Winter is drier but also cooler. For further information ring (07) 5545 1171.

Tamborine Mountain Heritage Centre
On the other side of Wongawallen Rd to the MacDonald section of Tamborine National Park, in Eagle Heights, is an historical park consisting of seven hertiage buildings from the local area containing extensive displays relating to local history. The Pioneer Hall houses a display of clothing c.1900-1945, a diorama relating to the early European timbergetters and their equipment and a working model of a local sawmill. The Natural History Building contains artefacts of Aboriginal history, a diorama relating to the volcanic origin of the plateau, geological and survey displays, musical instruments, communication equipment and an audio-visual display of mountain birds and their songs. Other buildings are the Machinery and Transport Hall, a dairy, a blacksmith shop, an historic slab cottage with antique fittings and furnishings, an old general store with post office and barber's shop, and a quarter-scale model of an outdoor water wheel. The Centre is open on Sundays from 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. and at other times by arrangement, (07) 5545 1904 or (07) 5545 2596 or (07) 5545 1485.

Thunderbird Park
Thunderbird Park is a well presented and well organised 320-acre tourist retreat offering a range of activities in a scenic natural setting. There is a 'mine' where visitors can go fossicking for thunder eggs, which are roughly spherical volcanic rocks with an internal crystalline cavity full of agate, quartz or chalcedony, tel: (07) 5545 1468.

A range of horseriding experiences are available from Tamborine Mountain Trail Rides, with riding lessons, riding camps and rainforest trail rides, tel: (1800) 153 535 or email: leanne@horseridingqld.com.

Other activities include tai-chi, massages, painting workshops, archery, volleyball, tennis, mini golf ($3.30 per person), rainforest bushwalks leading to rock pools, a bar, a restaurant, souvenir shops and excellent motel, lodge and caravan park-style accommodation. The complex runs team-building and leadership exercises for corporate groups, and caters for conferences, school camps, birthday parties, receptions and other functions. It is located on Tamborine Mountain Road, tel: (07) 5545 1468.

Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens
Located on Forsythia Drive, at Eagle Heights, the 9-hectare Gardens, established in 1983, are open 24 hours a day and there is no entry fee. Special collections include azaleas, begonias, bromeliads, camellias, coleus, hydrangeas and wisterias, tel: (07) 5545 4130.

Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery
Cedar Creek is a well-developed estate on 24 acres adjacent Cedar Creek with dining and reception facilities, a tasting room, underground cellar, mezzanine floor area and winery. It functions as a satellite cellar door for other wineries and is open for tasting from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. daily, with the cafe open from 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. It is located at 104 Hartley Rd, North Tamborine, tel: (07) 5545 1666 or email info@cedarcreekestate.com.au. To make a reservation at the cafe ring (070 5545 2722.

Tamborine Estate Wines
At 32 Hartley Rd is the attractively situated Tamborine Estate Wines vineyard and winery. Established in 1990, it is the oldest winery in the Gold Coast area. The winner of the 1998 Queensland Winery of the Year award, the cellar door is open from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. daily. It offers a sparkling red, chardonnays, frontignac, black shiraz, cabernet merlot, a dry red, a sweet red, a cabernet sauvignon, a port and a muscat, tel: (07) 5545 1711.

Tamborine Mountain Distillery
Also in North Tamborine is Tamborine Mountain Distillery which sells liqueurs, schnapps, vodkas, spirits and liqueured chocolates presented in hand-painted bottles. It is located at 87-91 Beacon Rd, tel: (07) 5545 3452 or email: tmdistillery@austar.net

Heritage Wines
Heritage Wines is a small family-owned boutique winery which also operates a restaurant. Operating as a second cellar door for a Stanthorpe vineyard, they are situated in a relocated and refurbished Catholic Church moved from Burleigh Heads. Wines include semillon, semillon chardonnay blanc, dry white, chardonnay, shiraz, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet merlot, shiraz, cabernet franc, port and liqueurs. They are open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. daily, are available for wedding receptions and functions and are located at the corner of Shelf Rd and Bartle Rd, Mount Tamborine, tel: (07) 5545 3144 or email: info@heritagewines.com.au

Mountain Dreams Atelier
Mountain Dreams Atelier, a new gallery has opened on Mt Tamborine's Gallery Walk, just down the path next to Heritage Wines and D'Luscious Cafe. Mountain Dreams features ceramics, jewelry and other art work, inspired by the nature of the forest and mountains and created by artists who are living on or near the mountain. Open Friday through Monday, holidays, and by appointment. For further information phone 0424-960817, or email: atelier@mountain-dreams.net .

The Mud Brick Winery and Restaurant
Situated in a genuine mud brick building, they are located at 21-27 Wilson Rd, Mount Tamborine, tel: (07) 5545 1161 or email: mudbrickcellars@hotmail.com

Albert River Wines
The cellar door sales and tasting room is situated in Auchenflower House - a large relocated and restored old Queenslander which has housed three former Queensland premiers and a group of Carmelite nuns. Wines on sale include sparkling white, semillon, chardonnay, a roundelay, spakling red, merlot, cabernet shiraz merlot, shiraz and black port.

The cellar door and restaurant are open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and are located in Mundoolun Connection Road, tel: (07) 5543 6622 or email: info@albertriverwines.com.au

Canungra Valley Vineyard
The Canungra Valley Vineyard and Winery is denoted by its grand Queensland homestead with its burgundy-coloured roof, originally built in 1858 and relocated to this site in 1989. Located about 8 km from the village of Canungra, along Lamington National Park Rd, they offer sparkling white, semillon, chardonnay, shiraz, chambourcin, cabernet, port, muscat and liqueurs. A restaurant provides a la carte fair from 11.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on Sundays with live jazz. Picnic hampers and a dessert menu are available from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on other days. The ballroom is available for wedding receptions and functions. The estate is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and can be contacted by ringing (07) 5543 4011 or emailing them via info@canungravineyards.com.au. The Canungra Valley Vineyard Markets are held on the second Saturday of each month.

Cork'n'Fork Winery Tours
Half and full-day tours of someof the local wineries are available by ringing (0407) 144 396 or emailing: admin@corknfork.com.au

Canungra
Canungra is a small, thriving township on Canungra Creek, at the southern end of the Tamborine area.The town describes itself as the 'Gateway to the Mountains'. Visitors intending to explore the area should stop at the Canungra Information Centre - tel: 07 5543 5156 - for maps and information on walks and sightseeing. Like much of the Tamborine Mountain area, Canungra survives by selling gifts and providing meals for the visitors who make their way up the mountain. The Canungra markets are held on the first Sunday of each month.

Lookouts
Located 3 km north of Canungra, on lahey ookout Rd, Lahey's Lookout offers spectacular views over the high rise development along the coast. Kamerun Lookout is also located in the area.

Golf
Tamborine Mountain Golf Club is on Golf Course Rd, tel: (07) 5545 1397 or email: info@tamborinemountaingolfclub.com.

Treks
Visitors can take a leisurely trek around the plateau with Tamborine Mountain Carriage Joy Rides, tel: (07) 5547 0321 or (0407) 451 569). Horseriding is available at Biddaddaba Valley at the foot of the mountain, tel: (07) 5543 0050 or (0419) 042 111.

Specialty Shops
There are many many art galleries, nurseries, antique, craft, gift and other specialty shops in the villages of Tamborine Mountain. At Mount Tamborine there is the Fingerprint Gallery in Alpine Terrace (07 5545 3856), the Margaret Goldsmith Gallery on Hartley Rd (07 5545 2727), the Alpine Display Gradens in Alpine Terrace (07 5545 1042) and Fine Art and Framing in Fern St (07 5545 2402).

At North Tamborine, shops include Teddies on Tamborine at 24 Eagle Heights Rd (07 5545 4058) and the Nardoo Nursery on Lahey Rd (07 5545 2308). Located on Main Western Rd are Odd 'n' Olde (07 5545 1141), the Polish Place (07 5545 1603), the Secret Garden (07 5545 4992), Dr Michael's Homestead (07 5545 1315) and the Wide Horizons Tourist Shop (07 5545 1494).

However, it is Eagle Heights which has the bulk of such outlets. The following are all located in Long Rd (also known as Gallery Walk): Hansen Galleries (07 5545 1585), Eagles (07 5545 1197), Robin's Nest (07 5545 1734), Lionel Evans Antiques (07 5545 1930), Crystal Inspirations (07 5545 4448), Vallard House (07 5545 1873), Crafters Gallery (07 5545 2777), the German Cuckoo Clock Nest (07 5545 1334), Holly's Country Crafts (07 5545 2822), Roseleigh Cottage (07 5545 1144), Cronulla Pottery (07 5545 1100), the Drysdale Gallery (07 5545 1132), the Aussie Bush Craft Show (07 5545 3066), Granny Macs (07 5545 1999) and Tasseldom (07 5545 1132). Others at Eagle Heights are the Eagle Heights Centre (07 5545 1880) and Camellia Grove (07 5545 0872) on MacDonnell Rd, the Marann Gallery on Eagle Heights Rd (07 5545 2291), and The Nut Shed on the Tamborine-Oxenford Rd (07 5545 1799).

Events
The Tamborine Mountain Garden Club holds its Spring Festival at the showgrounds on Main Western Rd in October of each year. The showgrounds are also the venue for the markets, held on the second Sunday of each month. The Tamborine Mountain School markets are held on the last Sunday of each month and the Canungra markets on the first Sunday of each month. The Canungra Valley Vineyard Markets are held on the second Saturday of each month.

	Tourist Information
	North Tamborine Information Centre Doughty Park North Tamborine Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 3200
	Queensland National Parks & Wildlife Service Tamborine Rangers Station North Tamborine Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1171
	Motels
	Bungunyah Manor 160 Long Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1044 Rating: ****
	Tall Trees Motel 9 Eagle Heights Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1242 Rating: ***
	Cedar Creek Lodge Tamborine Mountain Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1468 Rating: ***
	Hotels
	Canungra Hotel 8 Kidston Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5543 5233 Rating: **
	St Bernards Hotel/Motel Alpine Tce Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1177
	The Bearded Dragon Tamborine Mountain Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5543 6888
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Amber Lodge Bed & Breakfast 8 Wongawallan Rd Eagle Heights Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 3014 Rating: ****
	Curtis Falls Mountain Spa Retreat 24 Eagle Heights Rd North Tamborine, 4272 Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 0380 Facsimile: (07) 5545 0380
	Mountain Edge Lodges & Cafe Kandinsky 387 Henri Robert Dve Clagiraba, 4211 Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 3437
	Pethers Rainforest Retreat 288 Geissman St North Tamborine, 4272 Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 4577 Facsimile: (07) 5545 4463
	Muscatels At Tamborine Bed & Breakfast 161 Eagle Heights Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 3455 Facsimile: (07) 5545 3655 Rating: ****
	Tamborine Mountain Bed & Breakfast 19 Witherby Cres. Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 3595 Rating: ****
	Cottages & Cabins
	The Cottages-Mount Tamborine 23 Kootenai Dve North Tamborine Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 2574 Rating: ****
	Witches Falls Cottages and Ozen Dining Room Cnr Hartley & Main Western Rds North Tamborine, 4272 Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 4411
	The Polish Place 333 Main Western Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1603 Rating: ****
	Lodges & Chalets
	Tamborine Mountain Chalets Gallery Walk, Long Rd Eagle Heights, 7217 Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1132 Facsimile: (07) 5545 5611
	Caravan Parks
	Tamborine Mountain Caravan & Camping 111 Tamborine Mountain Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 0034 Email: tmcc0755450034@bigpond.com Rating: **
	Restaurants
	Cafe Kandinsky Henri Roberts Dve Mt Tamborine Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 3437
	Eagles Nest Restaurant & Antiques Cliff Way Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 0000
	Mayflower Chinese Restaurant Main Western Rd North Tamborine Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1250
	Mudbrick Tea House 21 Wilson Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 2022
	Original Avocado 128 Long Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: 015 756 351
	Polish Gallerie Cottages 333 Main Western Rd North Tamborine Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1603
	Purdy's Olde Country Restaurant 81 Bartle Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1752 Rating:
	Squires Inn Eagle Heights Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1700
	Sundowners Restaurant 499 Main Western Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 2187
	Swedish Corner Restaurant 2 Main St North Tamborine Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1531
	Teas & T'Arts Restaurant 1 Bartle Rd Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 1902
	The Bearded Dragon Tamborine Mountain Rd Tamborine Village Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5543 6888
	Cafés
	Cafe Kandinsky 387 Henri Robert Dve Clagiraba, 4211 Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 3437
	Country Garden Cafe 137 Long Rd Mt Tamborine Tamborine Mountain QLD 4270 Telephone: (07) 5545 2974