Top 10 Things to Do on Tamborine Mountain

Our visitors often ask us for the best things to do during their stay on Tamborine Mountain. The truth is that there are not only many ways to enjoy the mountain, but the “best” things vary by personal interests and weather conditions. This is by no means a complete list of everything you can see and do during your visit; if you have any recommendations that you’d like to give a special mention, contact us!

Rainforest Walks

Tamborine Mountain’s National Park contains seven different trails, our personal favourites being the Witches Falls and Knoll sections. The Witches Falls tracks, within walking distance from Witches Falls Cottages, feature a magnificent strangler fig, palm tree groves and of course, the falls themselves.

The Knoll section’s standout feature is Cameron Falls, a spectacular waterfall formed by Sandy Creek. You can also see Brisbane and Mount Flinders in the distance, so many people stay to watch the sunset. Both tracks are moderate-grade, take roughly one hour to walk, and allow you time to see our unique Australian wildlife such as lyrebirds and pademelons (so cute!).

Wineries

There are several wineries on Tamborine Mountain, and three are in walking distance of Witches Falls Cottages too – no need to worry about driving!

Witches Falls Winery offers both wine tasting and DIY cheese platters, or you can bring your own picnic.

Mason’s Winery is set over rolling hills, with lunch prepared by chef Andrew Quarantini available from Wednesdays to Sundays (bookings are required).

Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery is by the lake and has a restaurant, the Arthur Hamblin art gallery and the glow worm caves.

Art Galleries

Tamborine Mountain has several small, independent art galleries that showcase paintings, sculptures and other works from local artists.

Our favourite is Under The Greenwood Tree, a book shop and art gallery.

What sets them apart from the city stores is their support for local authors and artists.

Previous exhibition have also featured artists with disabilities who need extra support in getting known and shown.

Gallery Walk Shopping

Featuring over 70 shops, Gallery Walk is the main shopping district of Tamborine Mountain.

We don’t abide by large chains here. Instead, you will find a diverse range of small businesses (over 70 shops) with many selling handmade or totally unique items. You can find handmade soap at Witchscents Organics, fudge at Fudge Heaven or Granny Mac’s or an ever-changing range of vintage finds at Bygone Days.

Crystal Mountain stocks crystals for both jewellery and energy healing from around the world, while Matthew West Handmade Jewellery has more
mainstream silver and gold pieces (plus repairs).

Botanic Gardens

One of our absolute year round favourites!

Are you a fan of botany or macro photography? The Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens feature 14 themed walkways with flowers from around the world. For example, the bromeliad garden is full of the spiky species, centred around a giant silk floss tree which is also native to South America. If they look familiar, well they are related to the pineapple!

Another is the Japanese garden, where different types of plants, ponds and ornaments are set out to accentuate the subtle beauty of nature.

TIP: Well worth a visit. Take a day and bring a picnic.

Pampering Day!

Whether it’s rainy or you just want some pampering, you can either go out for a spa day or have one right in your Tamborine Mountain Accommodation. Most accommodations contain single or double spa baths some like Witches Falls Cottages under a glass roof, so that you can see the often clear sky and its stars as you relax.

Local pampering massage experts Ripple Massage will provide in-room spa treatments for one or for couples. Their menu includes relaxation and remedial massage; foot reflexology (included in all packages); and coffee, chocolate and honey packages where you get a matching gift box! They also offer Russian deep tissue massage, a relaxing style rarely seen in Australia.

Skywalk

You’ve seen the rainforest floor, now with the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk you can explore the canopy!

Totalling 1.5 kilometres, the Skywalk includes forest floor pathways, 300 metres of bridges through the upper canopy and 40 metres of cantilever bridge that soars 30 metres above the rainforest and river below. Accentuating the experience are information stands along the way and an eco-gallery with displays on local wildlife and history.

There is no need to bring a picnic, as the Birdwing café has a variety of cakes, slices, tartlets and Byron Bay pies on offer, including gluten-free options.

Adventure Activities

Thrill seekers are in luck, as the mountain isn’t just a chilled out country town. There is lots to do!

If you’re a romantic looking for spectacular views, how about a sunrise hot air balloon ride followed with a champagne breakfast?

We recommend the Treetop Challenge or a Zipline tour if you prefer something involving speed or skill. This is the largest high ropes adventure park in Australia, with over 120 activities spanning easy to extreme levels. The zipline tour takes you across 1.5 kilometres, including over and through Cedar Creek gorge at up to 70km an hour.

Watch the Sunset

What better way to finish your day than to watch the sun set over the Hinterland?

Just a few hundred metres’ walk from Witches Falls Cottages is the Rotary Lookout, where the view opens up over the Scenic Rim and Great Dividing Range in the distance.

Bring your best camera to capture the different blends of light and shadow as the sun sinks into the mountains, or simply enjoy the view with your partner or travel buddies. Give us a mention if you’re posting it on social media!

Dinner

Finish off your day on a high note at one of the mountain’s restaurants.

On Main Street, we have Clancy’s Irish bar and restaurant (just a short amble from Witches Falls Cottages), with hearty Irish dishes such as steak and Guinness pie and Irish stew.

Hickory is also located on Main Street, and they’re known for their trenchers – platters served on a wooden board. Choose between the classic Carnivorous Trencher, Seafood Shovel and Vegetarian Trencher.

Just off Gallery Walk is Masala Shanti, an Indian restaurant with plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian dishes. Indian food isn’t just about chilli, with blends of spices working together to create subtle, surprising flavours.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, you won’t get bored exploring Tamborine Mountain and surrounding areas.

At Witches Falls Cottages, hosts Witches Falls Cottages Team love where they live, and love sharing it with their guests.

If you have any questions at all please contact us.

This article written by Alexandra Preston – BHSc (Naturopathy)