Gold Coast Hinterland: Why Queensland’s rainforest region finally has the hotels it deserves
“The Green Behind The Gold”. “Queensland’s Hidden Gem”.
Tourism types have long been spruiking slogans such as these about the Gold Coast Hinterland. And while it’s true — hell yeah it’s true — until recently there was little infrastructure to support the beauty of the region.
Instead, God-awful local initiatives like Mt Tamborine’s kitsch Gallery Walk (60 gift and knick-knack stores right beside each other) spoiled what nature provided long ago.
Until now. Gentrification has arrived. And while you’d happily visit the region for its two World Heritage-listed national parks — containing the ancient Gondwana rainforest — now you can linger a little longer given the broad appeal that now blankets things.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Some of Australia’s best new boutique hotels have opened — complementing what was already set in place, such as Queensland’s oldest eco-retreats (built within national parks, no less), Australia’s most unheralded wineries and some of the country’s most spectacular hiking trails.
The Gold Coast Hinterland has been overlooked simply because the Gold Coast claims the attention — especially in these burgeoning post-COVID years. All those glorious beaches – 52km of them – are indeed glowing stars of charm and magnetism. And yet the hinterland is only a 30-or-so minute drive inland – a place a that’s a little cooler in summer and where, in winter, you can sit beside a log fire at night.
Up here there’s 100, 000ha of wilderness in which to explore and meander, with a spread of uniquely charming mountain villages. Take some time. Stay a while. Indulge this overlooked and wondrous pocket of Queensland.
EAT / DRINK
The Paddock, set within Beechmont Estate, revolutionised the way people eat food in this region. With a paddock-to-plate menu crafted by one of Queensland’s most awarded chefs Cameron Matthews and overseen by new executive chef Chris Norman, it just earned Two Chef’s Hats, making this one of the State’s finest.
On the other side of Lamington National Park, Sarabah Estate offers elevated European menus within its private winery, with more casual (if no less scenic) dining found at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards where you can indulge within the historic homestead (at a winery perched on the edge of the rainforest) or take a gourmet picnic basket down beside the creek.
STAY
Beechmont Estate changed the thinking in these parts when it opened during COVID. The luxury retreat on the edge of the Binna Burra section of National Park features a majestic open-air pavilion overlooking a polo field as its centrepiece, though it remains accessible and aligned to its country surroundings.
Elsewhere, Verandah House Country Estate has been transformed from a dilapidated B&B into the region’s first luxury five-star retreat. Eight guest suites, each staring across a peerless country view, come individually designed with custom French oak furniture and Ralph Lauren furnishings. Best — there’s a day spa on site. A further nod to the hinterland reinvigoration in play, 12 months ago.
The Tamborine opened — the 23-room boutique hotel with a Palm Springs retro-hipster vibe (it’s a thing) parked on the site of a former 1970s motel.
There are also luxury villas available at one of Queensland’s oldest eco-retreats, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
DO
There’s a bona fide wine industry up here with some decent tasting rooms and impossible scenery. Witches Falls Winery, Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery and O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards capture the magic and the tastes of the region.
For active types – more than 1000km of hiking trails are spread across the national region’s various parks. Choose the kind of hike you prefer: if you’re a fan of waterfalls, check out Springbrook National Park. For something different, try the treetop walk near O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park where you can walk along a series of suspension bridges built within the rainforest canopy.
For adventurists, the 54km Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is the ultimate challenge.
Here for a break? Consider hot air ballooning (with breakfast), or a day spa: check out the new SOL Elements Bathhouse, or O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat’s Lost World Spa, built amongst Gondwana rainforest. And allow plenty of time to explore: for this region is made for scenic drives along the escarpments and between green valleys, with few other cars on the road.
