(650km south-east of Brisbane)

Trip duration: One day or overnight

On the road
Can be approached from Brisbane via the Pacific Highway or the Mt Lindesay Highway.

Must see

At Tamborine Mountains National Park, palms, staghorns, fern and orchids grow in profusion in the clean mountain air. The park is on the north side of Mount Tamborine and consists of a number of adjoining small park areas. Cedar Creek, which has waterfalls and swimming holes is the largest in area at 230 ha. Palm Grove, has extensive walking tracks among the piccabeen palms. Zamia Grove where cycads, ancient palm-like plants, are thought to be 100 years old. Witches Falls, the oldest park in the state, and known for its flower growing and avocado farms. At Joalah is St Bernard’s Hotel, an historic hotel set on 10 acres of beautiful gardens with panoramic views, where smorgasbord lunches are served and visitors can enjoy the afternoon bird feeding. At the high point of Tamborine Mountain with views of the Gold Coast, historic Bungunyah Manor is surrounded by national parks and rainforest. The Manor offers restaurant and recreation facilities. The parks have excellent displays of wildflowers from September to November.

Lamington National Park

(107km south of Brisbane)

Trip duration: One day or longer

On the Road
From Brisbane, take the Pacific Highway south to the Nerang turn-off and follow the road to Beechmont which leads into the park.

Must see

This region of over 50,000 acres in the Gold Coast hinterland covers densely forested valleys and ranges with walks leading to waterfalls. Lamington lies on the southern side of the Scenic Rim, a chain of mountains stretching from the Gold Coast hinterland to Mt Mistake, 75km south-west of Brisbane. This area is part of the World Heritage listed Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves.

Binna Burra has circuit walks to suit everyone’s ability that led through the rainforest beauty. See many species of birds including crimson rosellas and satin bowerbirds; and native fauna such as possums, wallabies and bandicoots. There are picnic facilities and a campsite kiosk, which sells basic supplies.

Springbrook has cool rainforests and eucalypt groves, panoramic lookouts, picnic grounds and walking tracks. The plateau is a remnant of the northern side of a once huge volcano that was centred on Mt Warning and, over time, abundant rainfall has created numerous creeks, spectacular waterfalls, deep gorges and rugged cliff lines in the volcanic rocks.

Surrounding areas:

Tweed Heads, on the border of Queensland and New South Wales. The world’s first laser -beam lighthouse sits atop Point Danger. Tweed Endeavour cruise boat, operating from River Terrace, visiting locations along the Tweed River.

At Byron Bay, surfers from near and far gravitate to Wategos Beach, on Cape Byron. Its northerly aspect makes it one of the best beaches for surfboarding on the east coast.

Ballina, a fishing town at the mouth of the Richmond River in northern New South Wales. Ballina’s ideal year-round temperatures, picturesque farmlands, golden beaches and friendly rural atmosphere make the holiday a popular family destination. Visit the Ballina Maritime Museum, in the tourist information centre. The Big Prawn on the Pacific Highway has fresh seafood.

For further information, contact:

Tourism Sunshine Coast
PO Box 246
MOOLOOLABA QLD 4810
Phone: (047) 436 400
Fax:(047) 436 160

Acknowledgement

Images courtesy of Tourism Queensland

Tourism Queensland releases materials solely for the purpose of positive promotion of Queensland as a tourism and travel destination. Any breach of this copyright condition could result in legal action.

Click here for other acknowledgement.