Mt Tamborine

Located in the Scenic Rim, Mount Tamborine sits on the edge of the escarpment on the Gold Coast hinterland about 40 kilometres west from the Pacific coast. It is also the collective term for the small villages scattered along the eight-kilometre ridge of the mountain range. Tamborine comes from the local Yugambeh word Jambreen or Tchambreem for the wild finger lime trees that grow on the mountain. Tamborine Mountain is at around 550m above sea level and is part of an ancient volcanic rim. The mountain offers an agreeable escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The many natural attractions on offer are very accessible and include several lookout points for enjoying uninterrupted fantastic views to the surrounding hinterland and coastline.

Justins Lookout.

A resort hotel in Eagle Heights has great lookouts for uninterrupted views to the coast.

Hang Gliders Park. Gliders using this cleared section of the escarpment as a launch site. 

he park is ideal for views inland to the west of the Scenic Rim. 

Knoll Road lookout on and to the north is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

In town are many information signs to all kinds of attractions: resorts and accommodation establishments, gifts and souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants, breweries hotels distilleries wineries, but especially the national parks and gardens. A visit to the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens is a must. Here one can take to the many pathways and explore the blend of both tropical and temperate forests and plants. The Gardens feature azaleas, bromeliads, camellias, hydrangeas, magnolias. maples, orchids, perennials, rhododendrons, roses and many more including camote plots. 

Queensland’s first national park, Witches Falls, is in Tamborine Mountain. 

Driving along the quiet backroads brings one to various hidden delights.

A garden tepee where you can say gday to the lorikeets and honeyeater birds. 

Backyard farmed fruits and vegetables adorn stalls or trailers on the roadside.

They're selling avocados mandarins and other citrus, not postcards.

In Tamborine Mountain you can enjoy the  serenity and quietude of the shadowy sunny greenery of a secret garden’s expansive grassy backyard.

In Eagle Heights, you can sight an eagle overhead, or the numerous local birdlife such as magpies and kookaburras. Or you can take aim at the Gold Coast. 

More views to the inland. The centre of the crater was the now flat area that can be seen from various inland lookout points along the western edge of the mountain providing for endless escarpment views. Numerous lakes in the valley reflect the evening rays, whilst the long shadows mesmerise. and the sunsets take your breath away.

In the deep rainforest.

The narrow dirt trails and steep slippery rocky descents lead to Cameron falls. 

Back in town, a walk down the long tarred backroads takes one to a sayote farm, or some bright flowers. 

Another popular attraction is the Gallery walk which boasts over 60 art and craft, gift and nick-knack, and culinary shops suit all tastes and budgets. There are also roadside stalls selling farm produce fruits and vegetables including many exotic tropical natural delights.

Good morning merry magpie – catch two of them with one hand. 

Meanwhile back at the farm, you can say g'day to the ponies and amuse the alpaca with stories.

Or watch the sheep turn the other cheek. 

Views to Gold Coast. Coastal lookouts (to the east) are not always easily accessible and often lack parking facilities. There are lookouts on Magnetic Drive and Oxenford Road and other points. These lookout spots all over the mountain have fantastic coastal views, often stretching from Moreton Bay, the Gold Coast skyline to Tweed Heads.  Motorists need to take great care when stopping to admire the views. They are likewise expected to respect the privacy of residents. At night, the Surfer’s Paradise skyline comes alive, with thousands of lights twinkling in the distance. 

The rolling hills on the Eastern side of Tamborine Mountain were formed by run-off lava.