Explore the luscious, mountainous area that makes up the inland of the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast is famed for its sprawling beaches and its plentiful swimming and surfing opportunities. Head further inland and you’re greeted by a breath-taking landscape characterised by jutting peaks, dipping valleys and diverse wildlife.
This area is known as the Gold Coast Hinterland, also named the green behind the gold. Here the beaches are replaced by mountain views. Swimming and surfing are taken over by hiking, camping and other mountain-based adventures.
About the Gold Coast Hinterland
In 1995, the government combined the city, hinterland and the northern areas together. This ended up creating the seventh largest city in Australia: the Gold Coast. It’s now known for its rainforests, mountain resorts, lookouts and an eclectic selection of flora and fauna.
The region surrounding the Gold Coast is made up of numerous mountain ranges, which we’ve laid out for you below.
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1. The Tweed Range
- The Tweed Range sprawls out to the west of the Tweed Volcano caldera rim. This makes up part of the spectacular Scenic Rim and the Great Dividing Range. Here you can experience one of the region’s finest natural wonders in the caldera and explore stunning views from the mountain’s peak.
- The Tweed Range is covered by a carpet of rainforest. It’s great for trekking through the lush greenery and taking in the stunning wildlife.If you are in a driving mood, try out the 64-kilometre-long Tweed Range Scenic Drive. On your way, stop off at picturesque lookouts such as the Pinnacle and Blackbutts lookouts!
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2. The Nimmel Range
This small mountain range is set in the heart of the hinterland and is characterised by its most prominent peak, Mount Nimmel. Hiking is a popular activity in this intimate range, as there are plenty of spectacular views to soak up from the summit.
If you are looking to pack up for the night, check out the campgrounds dispersed throughout the range. You can choose between the cabins and tent areas available for hire. Make sure to only camp in official campgrounds, as arbitrary spots may require a permit.
- Back in the 1990s, before construction of Springbrook Road, the goal to access the Springbrook mountain through the coast began. Two Pioneers tried to follow the ridges trail from the east to the west branches of Little Nerang Creek. However, on their journey, they found Nimmel Range, and realised it was smack bang in the way of your route. Later, the road was built to curve around Mount Nimmel instead of through it. Springbrook Road is a heritage road and remains the only link from the mountain to the rest of Gold Coast!
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3. Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain is one of the most popular peaks in the region. It promises a whole host of adventurous activities for visitors to enjoy. Around every twist and turn, there are new views, an abundance of native wildlife and plenty of unique activities. Here you can check out arts and crafts, award-winning wineries, festivals and restaurants.
- When hiking here, you can spot the native wildlife throughout the rainforest. Inside the nearby caves, you will be able to find glow worms! These creatures are only found in Australia and New Zealand and are famous for their natural blue/green light they admit.
- Mount Tamborine marks the central point of the Hinterland. To really marvel at the incredible wildlife this place has to offer, visit the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. The path is suspended high above the forest floor, letting you wander amongst the treetops. Linking together the lush canopies of the rainforest, the steel walkway gives visitors the chance to discover the forest and its inhabitants from a different perspective.
- See some exotic plant life at Mount Tamborine Botanic Gardens. The area is a natural wonderland, filled with colourful trees and unique flowers. There are also themed gardens including a Japanese garden and a tropical rainforest.Mount Tamborine is renowned for its markets held throughout the year. Each market has a diverse range of products on offer. With organic veggies to hand-crafted soaps, you won’t leave these markets empty handed.
- As well as a collection of traditional wineries, the hinterland is also home to the Tamborine Mountain Distillery. This is the perfect pitstop for those who aren’t so keen on wine. The award-winning venue is set against a European-style backdrop and offers a charming setting.
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4. The McPherson Range
The McPherson Range forms a spur of the Great Dividing Range and spans out from Wallangara to the Pacific Ocean. This huge mountain range is one of the biggest in the region, and promises an eclectic range of landscapes for visitors to enjoy. Like the other peaks in the region, the mountains that make up the McPherson Range are popular hiking destinations.
- The range contains countless national parks, including the Lamington National Park, the Border Ranges, Mount Barney National Park. It also holds the World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforest.
- Springbrook National Park is perhaps the most popular park in the region. Formed from a number of different landscapes, the park has an amazing supply of natural highlights. At the National Bridge, visitors can spot dragon lizards and weird and wonderful plant life. The dense forest also offers several different walking routes.The Gold Coast Hinterland and its incredible ranges is the perfect escape from the big city. Don’t miss the spectacular beauty that lies just inland from the sprawling beaches and glittering coastline.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.