5 ways you can show some love to Gold Coast hinterland businesses

Many parts of Queensland experienced devastation in the wake of the September 2019 bushfires, with homes and businesses lost in the path of destruction, followed on by the global pandemic.

Sadly, our very own heritage-listed Binna Burra lodge went up in flames, with the inferno scorching the dining area, most of the lodge’s cabins, reception and library. However, some exciting news – they are set to reopen (look out for our story coming very soon), and are taking bookings from 1 September!

The Gold Coast hinterland is open for business and here is how you can eat, shop, stay, drink and do your bit to support Gold Coast hinterland operators.

Eat

Dancing Waters Café – 33 Forestry Road, Springbrook

There’s nothing quite like a wholesome home-cooked meal after a day of trudging through the hinterland. Rest your weary legs and bask in owner Anastasia’s old fashioned hospitality as you tuck into freshly baked scones at the café’s quaint cottage setting. Almost everything is made on premises, with local and home grown produce used where possible.

The Fudge Shop – 3 Lyrebird Ridge Rd, Springbrook

Take a pit stop to Purlingbrook Falls and satisfy your sweet tooth with ‘the best damn fudge on the coast’ – or so the signs says. From familiar flavours like caramel and vanilla macadamia, to exotic hits like lemon meringue and Bavarian raspberry chocolate, you’ll soon find yourself splurging on an individually wrapped block…or three.

The Polish Place – 333 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain

After a devastating fire tore through premises in 2016, owners Ania and Phil Sowter vowed to rebuild so they could continue sharing a slice of their homeland with mountain visitors. Escape to Eastern Europe with the authentic polish cuisine and take in the picturesque surrounds from the veranda.  Indulge in pierogi, ask for the zupa of the day or feast on their signature roast duck dish while you wash it down with a Polish beer (or a shot of vodka from their extensive range).

Shop

Numinbah Valley Markets – 2136 Nerang Murwillumbah Rd, Numinbah Valley

On the first Sunday of every month, the historic Numinbah Valley School of Arts Community Hall comes alive with the scent of artisan eats and live music. Explore stalls filled with handmade trinkets, locally crafted products and fresh produce as you take in the village charm of Numinbah Valley enroute to the Natural Bridge.

Stay

Springbrook Mountain Chalets – 2058 Springbrook Road, Springbrook

Like something straight out of a fairy tale, these enchanting cottages are tucked amidst the tranquil rainforest canopy of Springbrook plateau. Peaceful and cosy, each chalet offers a degree of privacy to ensure you’ll feel worlds away from everyday life. Snuggle up with a book in front of the crackling fireplace or unwind in a hot tub with views of the surrounding greenery

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat – Lamington National Park Rd, Lamington National Park

Watching the sun set over the western McPherson Ranges as you take a dip in the plunge infinity pool – yep, we’re sold. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat offers the ultimate hinterland escape in the heart of Lamington National Park, giving you easy access to the surrounding waterfalls and hiking trails. Make the most of your getaway and stretch your legs across a series of suspension bridges via the Tree Top Walk or launch yourself on a flying fox adventure as you glide across the rainforest canopy on a 180 metre zip line.

Drink

Mt Nathan Winery – 220 Clagiraba Rd, Mount Nathan

Owned by the Gibson family and run by a father-son duo, Mt Nathan Winery has a history and passion for creating fine wines. This boutique vineyard specialises in honey fortified wines, with honey extracted from their onsite fully working beehives. Sample their aged fortified barrel wine as you relax on the large outdoor veranda overlooking the gully.

Tamborine Mountain Distillery – 10 Macdonnell Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Prefer a tipple that isn’t wine based? Fear not, Tamborine Mountain Distillery has you sorted with award-winning liqueurs and spirits. Set amongst a serene hillside backdrop in quaint Elizabethan Tudor-esque cottage, this boutique distillery prides itself on its artisanal craftsmanship and time-honoured traditions. Sample your way through an assortment of schnapps, eau de view, gin, rum and more in the tasting room or discover how to mix up the perfect cocktail using the Tamborine Mountain Distillery range.

Fortitude Brewing Co. – 165 Long Rd, North Tamborine

If beer is your religion, raise a glass and make a beeline for Fortitude Brewing Co. on your next daytrip to Tamborine Mountain. Fortitude Brewing take a traditional approach to their brews, producing dependable session beers fresh onsite that are designed to be enjoyed with mates. Aside from brewing up some top notch beers, Fortitude dishes up tasty gourmet pizzas and small bites, making for an ideal way to cap off your weekend.

Do

Hang gliding tandem experience

Take to the skies with a tandem flight experience and glide over the rolling plains and valleys of the Gold Coast hinterland. It’s the ideal way to experience the adrenalin rush of hang gliding, with no experience necessary. SEQ Hang Gliding operates from Beechmont and Tamborine Mountain and provides flight school for those that like the feeling of having air under their own wings and are eager to pursue a new hobby.

O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard – 852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra

If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with a pack of alpacas then a visit to O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard is in order. The vineyard is home a historic homestead which houses the onsite restaurant, extensive grounds that stretch along the banks of Canungra Creek and the former Mountview Alpaca Farm. Get up close and personal with the various Alpaca personalities (hello Pancake and Noodle) and pick up some feed from the onsite gift shop. O’Reilly’s offers various packages for those wanting to extend their time with their newfound fluffy friends or you can pick up a gourmet picnic basket to enjoy by the creek.