This drive includes parts of a scenic loop into the hinterland of Queensland’s Gold Coast. From the east, the route begins in Nerang and follows part of the local Tourist Drive 8 towards Tamborine Mountain and Canungra. Tamborine Mountain is a pretty holiday community with cafes, gift shops and a real village atmosphere. There are well-defined rainforest walks for a hinterland experience and a variety of good food and wines.

Only a short drive from the Gold Coast are some of the world’s best preserved stands of sub-tropical rainforests in Lamington National Park.

From Nerang, head west along the Nerang-Beaudesert Road, then take the turn to Beechmont and follow the ridge up the mountain. Continue through Beechmont to the roundabout and follow the signs (left) for a 10km rainforest drive to the Binna Burra Section of the park or continue on to Canungra. At Canungra you can access the Green Mountains Section of Lamington National Park. The drive is 36km and while narrow and winding, is very scenic. It’s unsuitable for caravans after the winery.

From Canungra follow the signs to Tamborine along the Mundoolun Connection Road. Turn right (past the Bearded Dragon Hotel) and begin the easy climb to Tamborine Mountain and the galleries and cafes along the ridge to Gallery Walk. From there, turn left down McDonald Road towards Oxenford and follow the signs to the Pacific Highway or back to Nerang on Maudsland Road.

• Take a stroll along one of the many walks in Lamington National Park
• Walk to Curtis Falls through a stand of Piccabeen Palms
• Have a coffee and enjoy the view at Binna Burra Lodge or O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreats
• Watch the hang gliders as they dive off Tamborine Mountain
• Check out Gallery Walk’s many cafes, gift shops and galleries
• Visit the Tamborine Markets on alternate Sundays

• Tamborine National Park
  Some of the 13 sections are listed below
• Cedar Creek – Cedar Creek Fall walk 900m return
• Joalah – Curtis Falls walk 1.5km return
• The Knoll – Sandy Creek walk 2.6km return
• Lamington National Park
  An extensive range of walking tracks and facilities are at both sections of this park
  Binna Burra
  Green Mountain

Cautionary note: Please note this route is not unsuitable for caravans after the winery due to the narrow, windy roads.