North Tamborine

North Tamborine is the laid-back gateway to the lush, subtropical Tamborine Mountain plateau, just an hour’s drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. This charming hinterland village is all about misty rainforest, artisan food, and sweeping valley views – a perfect escape from the coast’s crowds. Wander along Gallery Walk, a strip of craft shops, cafés, and galleries, or dive into the surrounding national parks for waterfall walks and lookouts. It’s an easy day trip or a leisurely overnight stop for travellers exploring the Scenic Rim.

Highlights & What to See

• Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk – A 300-metre steel walkway through the canopy, with a 40-metre tower offering panoramic views over the Gold Coast hinterland.
• Curtis Falls Walking Track – A short, family-friendly rainforest loop leading to a picturesque basalt-rock waterfall and pool.
• Gallery Walk – The village’s main street, lined with boutique galleries, fudge shops, distillery tasting rooms, and the famous Tamborine Mountain Distillery.
• Witches Falls Winery – Sample award-winning wines and local cheeses on a vine-draped terrace overlooking the valley.
• Tamborine Mountain National Park – Explore several sections with walking trails through ancient Antarctic beech forests and subtropical rainforest, plus lookouts like Thunderbird Park.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day here – start with a morning rainforest walk, then browse Gallery Walk over lunch, and finish with a wine tasting or a sunset drink at a lookout. If you’re short on time, a half-day focused on the Skywalk and Curtis Falls is still rewarding. For a more relaxed pace, consider an overnight stay in a B&B or eco-lodge to enjoy the mountain’s quiet evenings and early mist.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mount Tamborine – The adjacent village with more wineries, the Thunderbird Park adventure zone, and the Cedar Creek Falls walk.
• Canungra – A historic timber town with a military museum and gateway to Lamington National Park’s O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
• Gold Coast Hinterland – Springbrook and Lamington national parks offer more dramatic waterfalls and ancient forests, about 30–40 minutes south.
• Beechmont – A scenic drive away, home to the panoramic Apple Tree Park and access to Binna Burra’s treetop walks.
• Brisbane – The state capital is an easy 50-minute drive north, making North Tamborine a perfect day trip from the city.

Please check official sources for current details.