Tamborine National Park

Tamborine National Park Review

More than 20 million years ago, volcanic eruptions created rugged landscapes, while fertile volcanic soils produced the luxuriant tracts of rain forest that make up enchanting Tamborine National Park. This is the most developed region of the Gold Coast Hinterland, and it's worth spending a day or two here. Apart from the natural environment, there are wineries, lodges, restaurants, and the famed Gallery Walk, a 1-km-long (½-mi-long) street lined with art galleries. Some of the simplest (under two hours) and best trails here are the Cedar Creek Falls Track, with waterfall views; Palm Grove Rainforest Circuit; and Macdonald Rainforest Circuit, a quieter walk popular with bird-watchers. Start your visit with a stop at Tamborine Mountain Visitor Information Centre, open 10 am to 3 pm daily.

Several fragmented parks make up Tamborine National Park. To the east of Witches Falls is Joalah National Park, where a 1½-km (1-mi) circuit takes you to a rocky pool at the base of Curtis Falls.

Witches Falls. Queensland's first national park, Witches Falls, has excellent picnic facilities and a 3-km (2-mi) walk that snakes downhill through open rain forest and past lagoons.

MacDonald National Park. MacDonald National Park has a flat, easy 1½-km (1-mi) walk. 07/5538-4419 (Gold Coast Tourism). www.derm.qld.gov.au. Free. Daily dawn-dusk.