From art galleries to wineries, and areas of outstanding natural beauty, the Gold Coast Hinterland has it all. If you are planning a visit and need inspiration for some of the best things to see and do in the area, check out these recommendations of some great places to go. If you are holidaying on the Gold Coast, all of these places are in easy reach by car for a day-trip, and represent a unique and interesting part of the local region.
Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm
The Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm is a compelling tourist destination which is located in the Fassifern Valley at Mt Alford near Boonah.
About 90 minutes from the Gold Coast and 60 minutes from Brisbane this beautiful property features a 6 hectare vineyard, a cellar door, fabulous restaurant, gift shop and a gorgeous sweep of lavender fields.
Blessed by scintillating views of the Scenic Rim Mountains, this multi-purpose premises is also a renowned wedding venue. But its primary function is wine.
With a menu that includes Chardonnay, Alba, Rosa, Sauvignon and Port there is a quality option available to appeal to all tastes.
Address: 168 F M Bells Rd, Mount Alford QLD 4310
Capanart Gallery
Located in the Gallery Walk at Mount Tamborine, Capanart Gallery is the only gallery in Queensland that features an extensive collection of works by the Australian artist Robert Hagan.
Home to resident artist Susan Capan, the gallery has been showcasing original paintings by revered artists since 2009. Currently it features some exceptional works from Darcy Doyle, Pro Hart, Kerry Nobbs and Jos Kivits.
Close to the Tamborine Luxury Chalets, the gallery is open 7 days a week.
As well as art, it also sells a range of solid opal jewellery and ornate giftware too.
Address: shop 2/110 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Lamington National Park
Spread across 20,600 hectares, Lamington National Park is a breathtaking area of outstanding natural beauty.
Named after a Governor of Queensland, Lord Lamington, the area is known for its natural topography that includes rainforests, ancient trees, fantastic mountain views and stunning waterfalls.
The park, which is about 100km from Brisbane, also protects parts of the ancient Gondwana Rainforests. Which is home to rare birdlife like Albert’s lyrebird.
Showcasing a landscape whose geology dates back more than 225 million years, the park has 2 areas you can hike into – the Binna Burra and Green Mountains.
It also features a canopy at O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk, which offers a stunning lofted perspective of this incredibly scenic area.
Address: Nearest town is Canungra
Arthur Hamblin Art Gallery at Cedar Creek Estate
At the Cedar Creek Estate you get two attractions in one because not only is it a fabulous winery and vineyard, it is also an art gallery too!
The winery offers an excellent range of white, red and fortified wines, including labels from 8 of the Queensland Premier Wineries, which you can arrange tastings for. While the art gallery features the work of Arthur Hamblin, who is celebrated as being the ‘Father of Australian Outback Art’.
Showcasing his specialty oil and watercolour paintings, Hamblin has been painting for over fifty years.
His works drawing inspiration from the experiences and people he has encountered in the Australian outback. There is a dedicated art gallery in the winery which is open from 10am till 4pm every day for those who want to see them.
Witches Falls Winery
Another celebrated vineyard, the Witches Falls Winery creates wild ferment wine which is noted for its excellent character.
Nestled roughly halfway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane, within the Scenic Rim, the winery is run by the husband and wife team of Jon & Kim Heslop. Who between them have been involved in the wine industry since 1995.
Offering delectable hand crafted red and white wines to please every palate, their winemaking practice combines the best of old and new techniques to produce consistent wines of exquisite quality,
Witches Falls is open for tastings by appointment, and you can buy from their cellar door every day of the week.
Address: 79 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Tamborine Glass Blowing
For a different kind of art experience head on over to Tamborine Glass Blowing. It’s a 45 minute drive inland from the Gold Coast, but when you arrive at Mount Tamborine you’ll be blown away by it’s natural beauty.
Here you can delve into the fabulous world of glass blowing by creating your own stunning glasses, vases, bowls and sculptures in their classes they offer.
In addition to this they also offer mosaic art classes. Where they will teach you how to create your own artwork, as well as decorate boxes and frames through the use of a splendid range of different tiles and textures.
If you would prefer to just look for a gift, their shop, in the heart of Mount Tamborine, stocks everything from coasters and trinkets to artwork and stunning pieces of colourful jewellery.
Address: 17 Nicolet Dr, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
More Information
The Gold Coast Hinterland really is a one of the most beautiful areas of Queensland, and should definitely be on your list of places to visit next time you’re up on the Gold Coast. To learn more about the region and how to plan out your visit, here are some useful links:
