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Plan your visit to lofty Mount Tamborine

A quaint village in the rainforest awaits

There’s something for everyone at Mount Tamborine

Just 50 minutes from Brisbane, Mount Tamborine offers a perfect mountain retreat for a day trip or short break away. Nestled in a rainforest filled with lush hiking trails and thundering waterfalls is a village filled with galleries, antique shops, wineries and fine dining.

The journey to Mount Tamborine is breathtaking; winding roads snake past towering eucalypts into the verdant national park rainforest. At 525m above sea level, Mount Tamborine offers panoramic views of the bustling Gold Coast and tranquil Scenic Rim. Plan to spend your days here following the many hiking, wine, foodie and shopping trails on offer. Nighttime offers up cosy B&Bs and roaring fires if you come in winter. And no matter what the season, you’ll find a packed events calendar with something for everyone at Mount Tamborine.

Discover our Mount Tamborine holiday packages

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Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
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Tour duration:
8
days

Join us as we explore the best of South WestQueensland and its rich history. Enjoy lunch and a tour of the historic HotelCorones, visit the Bilby Centre and experience a Big Sky Twilight tour at theCosmos Centre. Visit the Artesian Time Tunnel, discover the history of StGeorge, a tour and three course lunch with wine tasting at RiversandsWines.  Arriving then in Lightning Ridge for a two-night stay where wevisit the Australian Opal Centre, housing the world’s greatest publiccollection of the Australian Opal. Nearing the end of our epic journey, enjoy acotton tour of Goondiwindi before our final lunch together at Albert RiverWines.

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Physical rating:
1 - Easy
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Tour duration:
2
days

Experience the Millmerran Camp Oven Festival, a delightful adventure that includes a Devonshire morning tea at Bestbrook Mountain Resort. Immerse yourself in a full day of live demonstrations, exhibitions, and entertainment at the festival. Enjoy quality overnight accommodation in Toowoomba, visit Emu Heaven Farm, and culminate the journey with a sumptuous 3-course long lunch at Albert River Wines. Indulge in a total of 4 delicious meals throughout this charming celebration of Millmerran.

Things to do in Mount Tamborine

On arrival, stop at the Mount Tamborine Visitor’s Centre to collect a free map detailing the mountain's many walking trails and other attractions. There’s a lot to do here, so chat to the friendly volunteers and plan your Mount Tamborine tour.

If you’re keen to hit the nature trail, pack your walking shoes and head for the rainforest. There are plenty of well-signed walking circuits catering to all fitness levels. Also, don’t miss this chance to discover some of the mountain's breathtaking waterfalls, including Witches Falls, Curtis Falls and Cedar Creek Falls, where you can swim in the rock pools below. Keep in mind that all of Mount Tamborine’s falls flow year-round but are best after the rainy season.

A quaint village in the rainforest awaits
A quaint village in the rainforest awaits

What to include in your itinerary

There are so many fun things to do in Mount Tamborine. See something truly magical at the Mount Tamborine Glow Worms Caves, fossick for Thunder Eggs at Thunderbird Park or take to the rainforest canopy at the Skywalk. You can sip on award-winning liqueurs at Tamborine Mountain Distillery, play a round at the golf club or wander through the bustling Country Markets, held on the second Sunday each month at the showgrounds.

On Gallery Walk, shoppers and browsers will delight in the abundance of arts and crafts, galleries, boutiques, homewares, and jewellery stores. Mount Tamborine also offers a wide range of dining experiences. Vegan cafes, country pubs, and speciality restaurants sit beside award-winning fine dining resorts. And, for a tasty treat on the go, make sure you try some delicious local fudge as you stroll down the street.  

Frequently asked questions

Where is Mount Tamborine located, and how do I get there?

Mount Tamborine is located in Queensland, Australia, within the Gold Coast Hinterland. To reach Mount Tamborine, you can drive from the Gold Coast or Brisbane, which takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from either city. There are also public transport options available, including buses and tours, that provide access to the area.

When is the best time to visit Mount Tamborine?

You can visit Mount Tamborine at any time of year; each season presents a different experience. Spring is particularly popular with the mountain in full bloom; it's a great time to wander through the Mount Tamborine Botanic Gardens. In September, the Springtime on the Mountain Festival sees private gardens open to the public. And the Scarecrow Festival, also held in September, boasts 200 plus scarecrows over a 21km trail. Both events are an excellent opportunity to see the creativity of village life at Mount Tamborine in action.

Where did Mount Tamborine get its name from?

Mount Tamborine derived its name from the species of finger lime trees that are native to the area. The Aboriginal Yugambeh people, who are the traditional custodians of the land, called the tree "Jambreen," and early European settlers adapted the name to "Tamborine."

The mountain was officially named "Tamborine Mountain" in the late 1800s, and over time, the name evolved to become simply "Mount Tamborine." Today, the mountain is widely known by this name, and it has become a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty, vibrant arts community, and diverse range of attractions and activities.

How cold is Mount Tamborine?

Mount Tamborine generally experiences mild temperatures. Winters (June to August) can see cooler temperatures, with daytime highs averaging around 17 to 22 degrees Celsius. Nighttime temperatures may drop further, so bringing layers for cooler evenings is advisable. Summers (December to February) are warmer, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Can you swim at Mount Tamborine?

While Mount Tamborine doesn't have natural swimming spots like beaches or lakes suitable for swimming, some accommodation providers in the area offer swimming facilities such as pools. The nearby Cedar Creek Falls, although not directly on Mount Tamborine, is a popular natural waterfall where visitors can swim. It's essential to check the current conditions and safety guidelines before swimming in any natural water bodies.

How do you spend a day in Mount Tamborine?

Spending a day in Mount Tamborine offers a variety of activities for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxed escape. A suggested itinerary might include:

Morning: Start your day by exploring the scenic Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens or taking a stroll along the Gallery Walk, a charming strip of shops and cafes.

Midday: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants. Many establishments offer delicious local produce and stunning views.

Afternoon: Visit one of the local wineries or boutique distilleries for a tasting session. Tamborine Mountain is known for its wine and spirits, and there are several establishments to choose from.

Late Afternoon: Explore the walking trails in the Tamborine National Park, such as the Curtis Falls track or the Witches Falls circuit, to experience the area's natural beauty.

Evening: End your day with a visit to the Glow Worm Caves for a magical and unique experience. Alternatively, catch the sunset from one of the scenic lookouts on the mountain.

Remember to adapt the itinerary based on personal preferences and the time of year you visit Mount Tamborine. 

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Get in touch if you have any questions

Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.

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