Going outside and enjoying nature is good for the soul. Aside from that, it has been shown to make both physical and mental health better. The Gold Coast has beautiful weather all year. So, there’s no better place to enjoy the great outdoors than here.
Among the relaxing activities you should try on the Gold Coast hinterland are picnicking by the Canungra Valley Vineyards’ creek, viewing the sunset at O’reilly’s, trying local wines at Witches Falls Winery, and many more.
Let me share with you these relaxing activities in the Gold Coast hinterland you can do alone or with the people you love below:
Surfers Paradise To Canungra
Picnic By The Creek At Canungra Valley Vineyards
What would be an ideal way to spend an afternoon honouring the simple pleasures of life than travelling to the countryside. In there, you can sample wines made locally, feed an alpaca, and unwind by a creek. The stunning O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards is just under an hour’s drive from the beaches of Surfers Paradise. Its lush, picturesque grounds stretch along the banks of Canungra Creek. Moreover, it is home to the historic homestead “Killowen” and, The Mountview Alpaca Farm.
A BBQ, a gourmet breakfast, and an antipasto Homestead Picnic are on the lawn by the creek or at the Vintage Restaurant located on the homestead. The local alpacas, who are adorable and cuddly, are nearby. You can feed them or take them on a leash walk through the vines with you.
O’Reilly’s Offers An Unforgettable Sunset
After sampling the wares at Canungra Valley Vineyards, head to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat for more nature-inspired fun! Book a self-contained villa to enjoy spectacular views of the wider Scenic Rim region and the western McPherson Ranges. As well as unforgettable sunsets right beyond your villa door.
The best place in the house to watch the sunset is O’Reilly’s stunning Moonlight Crag deck. This place is unsurprisingly popular for special events like weddings and even proposal photos.
Stay the next day at a beautiful Gold Coast hinterland accommodation. This way, you can go for a guided bird walk or pack a picnic. Then, hike through the 160km of nature trails that enclose the estate to one of its waterfalls.
The Lost World Day Spa is the place to go for indoor relaxation. You can relax here while receiving services like facials, full-body massages, and even a special vinotherapy session.
If you’re looking for a unique and luxurious experience, look no further than the Wine Bath at Canungra Valley Vineyards. The anti-aging properties of local produce wines will soak you in a handcrafted timber bath.
Tamborine Mountain To Surfers Paradise
Sample Some Local Wines On The Mountain
The third day of your outdoor, nature-inspired road trip had to include a stop at Cedar Creek Estate and Witches Falls Winery, two wineries. Witches Falls, a small but distinctive boutique winery, is just 5 minutes down the road (3.3 kilometres) from Songbirds. You’re set for a delightful afternoon with their scope of locally made Jambreen cheeses and their expertise in producing three distinct wine varieties. All of these are expertly poured at the cellar door for wine tastings.
Additionally, you can carry your own picnic and wine from Witches Falls to relish in the surrounding gardens. The lovely Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery is only a 6 minute drive from Songbirds and is nestled off the beaten path.
You’ll recognise why so many couples pick this picturesque location to exchange vows the moment you drive up the tree-lined driveway and arrive at the lovely garden setting for lunch while sipping wine. Finish off your afternoon spacious property by tasting the port on offer in the cellar door and boutique wines or taking a guided glow worm cave road trip along the beachfront through the rainforest!
Enjoy Tamborine Mountain Polish Style
Before returning to Surfers Paradise and the surrounding area, stop into The Polish Place for a unique dining experience. The comprehensive Polish menu offers a selection of poultry dishes, such as roast duck for two and chicken in a creamy dill sauce, as well as sweet peach, apple, and apricot-filled desserts. A special treat is dining on the deck, which offers stunning 180-degree views of the Great Dividing Range’s lush surroundings, among the best Gold Coast hinterland lookouts.
Canungra To Tamborine Mountain
Explore The Varied Main Street Offerings By Following The Gallery Walk
Make a stop at Long Road on Tamborine Mountain after travelling for about an hour and forty minutes back down the curved mountain road from O’Reilly’s. Start the well-known “Gallery Walk” to explore the roughly 60 local shops and culinary treats sprinkled along the way after parking the car at both the end of Long Street (Wongawallan Road or Eagle Heights Road).
Granny Macs offers delectable fudge and flavour-infused macadamia nuts; Witches Chase Cheese Co. offers exquisitely crafted cheese. Tamborine Mountain Distillery also offers spirits, liqueurs, and old-world charm, and Whispers Fashion House sells the newest trends in clothing. Lastly, Fortitude Brewing Co. offers refreshing beers.
Also read:
Guide For Visitors To Canungra or Tamborine Mountain Tourist Spots
Travel Through The Tropical Forest To The Stunning Curtis Falls
Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, put your finds back in the trunk and drive two streets over to the Curtis Falls Walking Track. It is among the Gold Coast hinterland family activities you won’t want to miss. This simple 1.1-kilometre family-friendly walk to the stunning Curtis Falls will surely help you destress. You may be in awe of mother nature and add this location to your list of “places to return to” depending on the season and amount of rainfall that cascades water over the rock formation to the pools below.
Enjoy World-Class Dining at Songbirds Rainforest Retreat
After another night of being nestled in the tranquil rainforest, you will head just 5 minutes down the road to Songbirds Rainforest Retreat. Experience all a retreat has to provide in your private 60 square metres two-person rainforest chalet or 169-square-metre four-person executive villa. Plus, foodies will love a fine-dining experience at Songbirds Restaurant by Meyjitte Boughenout, a renowned Michelin-star chef.
This restaurant is a must-try for foodies who love heirloom tomatoes and short ribs. The six-course degustation menu includes inventive dishes like pumpkin gnocchi incorporated with seasonal greens, which are all carefully picked from the own vegetable garden of the restaurant. This excellent restaurant offers over 90 local and foreign wines, so there is plenty to choose from.
Many Relaxing Activities To Try On The Gold Coast
There are many activities to try on the Gold Coast that will help you relax. No matter what you wish to do, you’re sure to have a great time and come back feeling refreshed and relaxed.
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