Lamington Hinterland Weekend Tour Lamington National Park to Mount Tamborine Lamington National Park is Australia’s largest area of subtropical rainforest and home to an amazing array of wildlife. As well as the spectacular rainforest destination, why not enjoy all the attractions the drive has to offer along the way.

Lamington Hinterland Weekend Tour Broadbeach to Lamington National Park Lamington National Park is Australia’s largest area of subtropical rainforest and home to an amazing array of wildlife. As well as the spectacular rainforest destination, why not enjoy all the attractions the drive has to offer along the way as well. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is the perfect location to rest and recharge after a day of sight-seeing through the Gold Coast Hinterland before hitting the road again the next day to Mount Tamborine. Lahey’s Tramway Tunnel (38.1km) An interesting spot to stop off is Lahey’s Tramway Tunnel where you can explore the tunnel which was used to transport timber from the surrounding area during the days of Lahey’s Timber Mill. It was also used as an ammunition dump during World War Two and restored as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations. Alpaca Farm and Rainforest Gallery (1km) It’s also worth dropping in at the Alpaca Farm and Rainforest Gallery on Lamington National Park Road at Canungra. The alpacas are in a fenced area but in clear sight from the farm’s

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entry. The gift shop has a range of souvenirs and products, and you can enjoy morning tea in the open area with views across the farm and mountains. Kamarun Lookout (22km) Take a few minutes to check out Kamarun Lookout on the way up to Lamington National Park and admire the spectacular view. It’s located on Kamarun Lookout Road at Cainbable. O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk (19.6km) Once you reach the resort, head to O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk which allows you to walk through the canopy to see flowering and fruiting trees and vines, orchids and ferns, and wildlife. The Tree Top Walk, which gives you a bird’s eye perspective of the forest canopy, is located 300m from the Guesthouse on Lamington National Park Road, via the Booyong Walk rainforest boardwalk. It was the first walk of its kind in Australia and is made up of nine suspension bridges, with much of the walkway suspended 15 metres off the ground. Waterfalls There are over 160 kilometres of graded walking trails through the Lamington National Park. Many lead to beautiful waterfalls including the Black Canyon, Elabana Falls, Coomera Falls and Running Creek.

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Overnight at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat Nestled within World Heritage listed Lamington National Park, in Australia’s Gold Coast Hinterland, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Villas and Lost World Spa provides the perfect escape to relax, revive and rejuvenate. Escape to a world of ancient rainforest, fresh mountain air, crystal clear creeks and breathtaking sunsets. Discover the magic of the rainforest with 160kms of walking trails, over 500 waterfalls and 250 species of unique Australian wildlife right outside your door. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat has the traditional warmth and charm of guesthouse accommodation with a focus on nature. Tariffs also include complimentary early morning bird walk, afternoon rainforest walk and evening audio-visual presentation plus country style morning and afternoon tea. Located just 500 metres from the Retreat, O’Reilly’s Villas are luxurious self-contained two and three bedroom villas with rainforest or valley views. Each villa features a full kitchen, lounge and dining area plus large balcony with spa. Each bedroom has its own ensuite so is perfect for large families or couples travelling together.

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Pamper yourself at O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa, a haven for rejuvenation and relaxation. The Spa uses all natural Sodashi products, offering therapeutic treatments and unique vinotherapy using grapes from O’Reilly’s own vineyard. O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards, located at the base of the mountain, is a boutique vineyard dedicated to the enjoyment of food and wine. Enjoy the ambience of the historic Queenslander homestead, indulge in gourmet picnic baskets by the creek or sample internationally award-winning wines at the Cellar Door.

Owned and operated by the O’Reilly family, the pioneers of ecotourism, O’Reilly’s has become legendary for providing traditional Australian hospitality for more than 85 years.

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O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa Before you kick start the day, spend a little time getting nurtured amongst nature at O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa. The soothing sights and scents of the rainforest will calm your mind and refresh your soul. Using all natural Australian Sodashi products, the Spa offers mind-melting massages, therapeutic skin care treatments and Vinotherapy, which utilises the powerful anti-aging action of grapes from O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. Canungra Valley Vineyards (1.9km) The Gold Coast Hinterland is one of Queensland’s newly emerging wine growing regions. Located at 852 Lamington National Park Road in the picturesque and peaceful Canungra Valley, Canungra Valley Vineyards is a boutique vineyard and historic Queensland homestead that is dedicated to fine food and wine. The Cellar Door is open daily for wine tastings. Sample some of the vineyard’s fine drops including white, red, sparkling and fortified wines, and learn which foods compliment certain wines.

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The Mouses House Retreat Another accommodation option and something a little different is the delightful Mouses House Retreat in nearby Springbrook. A visit to the retreat is like stepping into another world. The retreat offers 12 unique chalets nestled in the rainforest or perched beside the tranquil stream. Mouses House is the perfect place to get back to nature, you can soak in a spa while gazing out at the picturesque landscape or watch the native wildlife including bush turkeys and brush-tail possums as you cook up a delicious meal on your barbeque. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, Canadian oak hot tub, sauna and cold spring-water plunge pool, DVD library, board games and CD’s and easy access to a range of beautiful rainforest hikes.

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Mount Tamborine – Gallery Walk (16.8km) Tamborine Mountain’s main street is jam-packed with galleries, art shops, cafes and restaurants. The Gallery Walk can take an hour or a day so explore and experience everything Long Road has to offer at your own pace. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you won’t be able to resist Fudge Heaven with its delicious range of treats. Another place to indulge is The Chocolate Kingdom which makes exclusive and custom-made chocolates. Watch the chocolate making process through the factory windows and be tempted in the retail store. And for those with a savoury palate, Witches Chase Cheese Co is a must. This boutique cheese company produces handcrafted cheeses using traditional methods and recipes, and visitors have the opportunity to watch the cheese-making process. Mount Tamborine is famous for its beautiful wineries. The Mount Tamborine Winery and Homestead, now located on the Gallery Walk, was the first winery to establish in the Gold Coast Hinterland on the food and wine trail in 1990 and the perfect place for lunch. Other wineries include Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery on Hartley Road, Heritage Wines at the corner of Shelf and Bartle roads and Aussie Vineyards on Hartley Road.

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Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk (3.6km) Get a bird’s eye view of the magnificent rainforest on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Starting at the Rainforest Eco Gallery at 333 Geissman Drive, the elevated walkway takes you through the beautiful middle and upper canopies. The walkway soars 30 metres above the valley, giving you spectacular views before descending gradually down to the rockpools and waterfalls. Thunderbird Park (2.7km) Spend an action-packed afternoon at Thunderbird Park at the corner of Cedar Creek Falls Road and Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine Mountain. Stretching over 112 hectares, the park is a wonderful wildlife and geological sanctuary with translucent rock pools, towering rainforest and impressive landscapes. Glow Worm Caves (7.2km) Finish the day with a truly magical experience exploring the glow worm caves near the Natural Bridge. Enjoy a delicious Aussie style dinner and take a tour through this special part of the coast. RACQ Members discounts available.

Images courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland unless otherwise stated.

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