The Gold Coast Airport just north of the NSW border in southern Queensland has just undergone a 100 million dollar expansion and modernization, making for a pleasant, streamlined flight in and out of the Gold Coast region ex Coolangatta.
Before you hit the hubbub on the coastline – the beautiful beaches, theme parks and attractions – why not venture into the unspoilt, tranquil hinterland to explore the Tamborine Mountain region with 9 national parks filled with attractions and waterfalls. I had one enchanting experience.
Redspot is my pick for rental cars right inside the terminal, and inside of an hour you can be having a comfortably cooler time cruising the shops and galleries, breweries, cellar doors and a distillery, or skywalking above the trees.
Discover the Tamborine Rainforest
The Tamborine Mountain visitor is typically seeking a secluded rainforest villa, luxury spa, cosy bed and breakfast inn, or other romantic getaways. They are usually in search of award-winning dining, arts & crafts, eco or sports minded activities like mountain biking or bush tracking.
One of the more picturesque venues on Mount Tamborine is also a complete sensory experience. Witches Chase Cheese, Mt. Tamborine Brewery and the Liquid Amber Bistro are in a one-stop complex where you can experience boutique cheese, brews and have a lunch feast of fresh local ingredients. The variety and quality of the cheeses we sampled was divine.
A trip up the mountain would be incomplete without a leisurely meal at Songbirds Rainforest Retreat, winner of Best Restaurant for Tourism for the Gold Coast and the QLD Restaurant of the Year, among other medals of honour.
My Songbirds rainforest-backdrop restaurant experience was a feast for the senses. I had a superb seafood creation that was complemented by a tantilising New Zealand white. No room for desert, we walked around the 20 ha property littered with incredible scultpures, to look at two of the luxurious villas. Imagine yourself enjoying gorgeous views, sitting by the fireplace in winter, and awakening to the sound of birdsong any season of the year.
After a day of exploration and sightseeing, you’ll be ready to return to your comfortable suite at Kirrasurf Apartments and watch the sun set on the ocean from the spacious balcony. The sound of the waves is all you’ll hear – no traffic – just watching the kite surfers and swimmers on the flat stretch of Kirra Surf beach with views back to Surfer’s Paradise.
Kirra Surf is located along the new Seafood Discovery Trail, 35 kms of culinary experiences from Currumbin to Cabarita. There’s no better place to enjoy fresh seafood and fine dining opposite a spectacular coastline.
My stay was way too brief. I’ll have to plan another holiday to the Gold Coast soon. -A postcard from DeeTouring Dee, Rainbow Tourism’s Concierge
