Playing in Tamborine

Explore an ancient world in the green mountains behind the Gold Coast. Less than an hour’s drive from Surfers Paradise, the glitz and glamour of the beachside suburbs quickly subside to some of the world’s oldest Gondwana rainforests. Magnificent waterfalls, old growth trees, prehistoric ferns and endangered native wildlife make Tamborine Mountain an unmissable day trip. But nature isn’t the only drawcard. In the centre of the volcano mountain plateau you’ll find award-winning cellar doors, breweries, distilleries, fudge shops, cheese makers, a coffee plantation and farm gate that make for a great day out. 

The Scenic Rim region, where Tamborine Mountain lies, was recently named one of the top places in the world to visit in 2022 by Lonely Planet. Here’s where you can eat, drink and explore on a day trip with JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa.

Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation

~ Eat ~

Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation

It’s rare that eating like a locavore extends to the coffee beans ground into your morning brew, but the mountain climate allows this organic plantation, roastery and cafe to grow its own. Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation believes its coffee stacks up to the best of the premier growing regions around the world and you’ll have to order the tray of Australian grown coffee prepared four ways to taste and argue otherwise. An all-day breakfast menu heroes local, seasonal produce making this one of the best stops for a pre-hike or winery brunch.

Award-winning Wine Tasting - Hampton Estate

Hampton Estate

The panoramic views from the wrap-around verandas of historic Hampton House stretch across lush green hills and valleys. Sit inside the relocated old church and dine on a lush multi-course lunch while tasting the estate’s award-winning wine. The kitchen uses local produce in a changing seasonal menu. In winter a huge roaring fireplace makes this one cosy lunch stop. The 120-seat restaurant is popular with events and weddings so book ahead.

Entrance - Witches Falls Winery

~ Drink ~

Witches Falls Winery

The cellar doors of Tamborine Mountain connect the coast with the countryside where knowledgeable staff crack single varietal wines usually made with Queensland grapes from the cool climate Granite Belt or South Burnett regions. At 1000 metres above sea level, the unique microclimate of the Granite Belt, with its hot days, cool nights and granite soil, creates prime conditions for Queensland’s most interesting wines.

While Australians tend to gravitate towards just a handful of grape varieties (shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay), wineries like Witches Falls are introducing locals to Italian varietals like Aglianico, Fiano, Verdelho and Vermentino, which are better suited to the hot Queensland climate. Chief winemaker Jon Heslop focuses on producing minimal intervention, wild fermentation wines. At the cellar door you witness the winery in action and enjoy a guided taste with a build-your-own platter of local cheeses and chutneys.

Cocktail Tasting - Tamborine Mountain Distillery

Tamborine Mountain Distillery

Michael and Alla Svetlana Ward started distilling spirits long before the craft gin movement hit Australia. Starting with an 80 litre artisanal still and an abundance of excess fruit from their run-down citrus and avocado orchard, the couple launched the Tamborine Mountain Distillery in 1997. Since then they’ve won more than 300 international awards for their schnapps, liqueurs, fruit brandy, gin and vodkas that highlight native Australian ingredients such as lemon myrtle, Davidson plum and macadamia nut. 

The couple retired a few years ago, but a new guard continues the distillery with tastings and a cocktail bar at a Tudor-themed house in Tamborine Mountain. Chapter & Verse resident mixologist Jiri Kazda is a fan of the tangy, tart Davidson plum gin, which he lets shine in a simple G&T at the JW Marriott Gold Coast’s cocktail bar. 

Gallery Walk in Tamborine Mountain

~ Explore ~

Gallery Walk

At the centre of Tamborine Mountain is a quirky high street filled with gift shops, antique stores, themed restaurants, a craft brewery and quaint cafes. Keen shoppers might walk away from this unique 400 metre street with bags of homemade fudge, local pottery or artwork, crystals, lavender products, a growler of craft beer and a cuckoo clock. 

Weekly Tour to Tamborine Mountain offered by JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

Walk to Curtis Falls

Tamborine Mountain’s lush plateau is a legacy of the 23-million-year-old Tweed shield volcano. Tamborine National Park protects more than 2000 hectares of this ancient rainforest, split into six sections. One of the easiest and more rewarding walks takes you to the base of the enchanting Curtis Falls where freshwater plunges over basalt columns into a rock pool that platypus and glow-worms call home. On the short 1.1 kilometre trail you’ll pass by giant strangler figs, piccabeen palms and through wet eucalypt forest, feeling the temperature drop as the rainforest deepens. Keep your eyes, ears and camera ready for red-necked pademelons crossing the forest floor and the powerful mimicry of the Albert’s lyrebird in the winter.

Once a week JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa offers guests a full-day experience to explore the best of Tamborine Mountain with a local guide.