What To Do
The Gold Coast is a 70km stretch of rolling surf and sandy beaches that stretches from South Stradbroke Island in the north to Cabarita in the south. From the mountains to the sea, you’ll be amazed by the Gold Coast's magical beauty and diversity. The beaches are popular throughout the year and when the sand and the sun gets too much, you can jump in a car and escape to the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland. Having over 20 themed attractions ranging from wildlife and marine parks and thrill rides to tropical plantations, illusion arcades and museums as well as being home to Australia's most famous theme parks, shopping centres and world heritage listed rainforests, visitors to the Gold Coast have got plenty of things to do. Gold Coast Hinterland Being one of the most biologically diverse regions in Australia, the hinterland's densely forested McPherson Range is home to a host of beautiful wildlife and tropical plant species. From Tambourine Mountain in the north to Lamington and Springbrook National Parks in the south, the area offers spectacular views and natural wonders. The regions National Parks are a paradise for walkers with well maintained tracks and plenty of interpretive information throughout the parks. There are a surprising number of restaurants and cafes as well as a number of unique art and craft galleries displaying the handy work of locals. A self drive scenic day tour through the hinterland offers stunning views of the beautiful rainforest clad valleys, gorges and escarpments of the extinct volcano. There are plenty of organised tours operating to the Gold Coast Hinterland, so if don't feel like doing the driving then why not make the most of the knowledge and experience that the local professional day tour operators can offer. Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery Information From the moment you enter the driveway you will appreciate that Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery is one of the Gold Coast Hinterlands most charming wineries. Bring your camera and take in the wonderful scenery, as well as enjoying the taste of some of Queensland's finest wines.
Songbirds in the Forest Restaurant at Mount Tamborine holds 17 major awards including Queensland Restaurant of the Year, Best Restaurant, Best Modern Australian Cuisine and two Best Wine List awards. Guests dine on a superb covered veranda surrounded by 51 acres of rainforest. The restaurant is warmed by heaters during the cooler months. In summer, the mountain breeze replaces air conditioning.
Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves are located at Cedar Creek Estate. Come underground on a journey through the spectacular man-made caves! The caves consist of two large chambers interlinked by tunnels. The first chamber is the "presentation cave", where you will be shown an audiovisual display on glow-worms and the construction of the caves. This chamber is complete with very realistic formations (speleothems), such as stalagmites and stalactites, water features and flow stone. From this stunning cave, you will be guided through the magical "glow-worm cave", filled with thousands of glowing glow-worms! The experience is one you have to see to believe!
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk Explores the Rainforest Canopies. The adventure begins in the Rainforest Eco Gallery which has a comprehensive array of rainforest fauna and flora information and displays. These include interpretive panels with descriptions and photos of sub-tropical rainforest wildlife, static displays and an aquarium with a variety of Australian freshwater fish. Visitors depart from the Rainforest Eco Gallery and begin on a spectacular elevated walkway through the beautiful middle and upper canopies of the rainforest. The walkway is a stable, high-tech steel structure enabling visitors to explore these canopies in a safe and secure way. It descends gradually to the lower canopy and follows points of interest including rock pools, butterfly lookout, local history information and sheltered rest areas along the way until reaching the amazing Cantilever. This is a 40 metre long span soaring 30 metres above the valley, with spectacular views over the creek and the rainforest canopies below. Finally the walk returns along the rainforest floor to the Centre.
At Burleigh Head National Park, ancient volcanic columns meet the sea. The Kombumerri people named this prominent rocky headland 'Jellurgal'. Today, its northern side is one of Australia’s most famous surfing point breaks. Walk to Tumgun lookout, where migrating whales may be seen. Admire the coastal vista to Surfers Paradise across Burleigh Beach, the venue for many international surfing tournaments. Walk the 1.3 kilometre track through a living museum of plants, many of them rare. See Australian brush-turkey nesting mounds, seabirds and water dragons. Picnic on Burleigh foreshore or relax on Echo Beach. A ramp to the fishing platform provides access for wheelchairs. Visit the information centre to learn about the park's interesting history.
Nestled in a secluded haven in the heart of Burleigh Heads is David Fleay Wildlife Park. With dozens of threatened species in the Park for research, breeding and education, the park presents the best opportunity to see a large number of threatened native animals in one location. Discover a diversity of threatened wildlife as you amble through the cool green rainforest, containing cassowaries and Lumholtz’s tree kangaroos.
With two parks and new attractions all at one great price, there's no better place to play than Dreamworld and WhiteWater World.
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