destination – Gold Coast

GREEN AND GOLD
a winning Queensland team

While the Gold Coast is best known for its golden beaches, theme parks and nightlife there’s an equally spectacular geographical attraction which makes the area such a great holiday destination.

It’s the hinterland area which provides a magical backdrop to the coast. Here you’ll find farmland, vineyards, quaint villages and world renowned national parks.

Equally as varied as the scenery are the activities on offer.

If you’re just looking to take it easy you can enjoy some great food at local restaurants or wine from the vineyards. The Gold Coast Wine Trail highlights many of the best food and wine establishments.

>> Destination Gold Coast, Weekends For Two

There are also art and craft galleries and markets to explore. At Tamborine Mountain, for example, you’ll find the Gallery Walk which features a cluster of galleries and craft shops which provide a wealth of diverse art and craft including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, porcelain, glass, jewellery, woodwork, fabrics and much more. From fine art to the frivolous, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Feeling a little more energetic? Well again the options are many and varied and include horse riding, four wheel drive tour, hang gliding and abseiling.

If you love walking then you’re truly in your element thanks to the many national parks.

Particularly popular with walkers are the Lamington and Springbrook National Parks which are part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Both are home to the largest subtropical rainforest remnant in the world and ancient beech forests. Waterfalls and stunning geological formations are other highlights.

The wildlife includes rare and threatened animals like the Coxen’s fig-parrot, eastern bristlebird, Richmond birdwing butterfly and the plumed frogmouth.

A great way to experience both parks is on the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk.

The 54km walk took three years to complete and links the two via the Numinbah Valley. It includes sections ideal for short and day walks as well as the overall walk which takes around three days to complete.

The walk has been planned to ensure walkers appreciate the beauty of the Gold Coast hinterland and follows the path walked by the Yugambeh traditional owners for thousands of years.

What better way than to fully appreciate the beauty of this area than on foot?