Gold Coast Hinterland Day Trips: Rainforest, Views and Village Stops

The Gold Coast hinterland rises quickly from the coastal strip into subtropical rainforest and offers some of the most rewarding day trips in Southeast Queensland. Tamborine Mountain, about 45 minutes inland, has a popular gallery walk, craft shops, rainforest walks and winery cellar doors. Lamington National Park, accessible from Canungra and Springbrook, contains ancient Antarctic beech forest and the renowned O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Springbrook National Park, closer to the coast, has waterfalls and a natural bridge with glow-worm caves accessible on an evening walk. Most hinterland destinations are sealed-road accessible in a standard vehicle.