Rising early, heading off to Kurrawa Beach just a short three minute walk from your resort, join the dozens of other early risers strolling along the glistening sands enjoying the first warming rays of sunshine. People walking their dogs, playing with their children, even though it’s early, life is bristling on the beautiful Gold Coast beach.
Stopping to chat to a local who is beach fishing and hoping to catch his breakfast, he tells you luck is on his side this morning, he just landed his fourth Dart fish, he gives you a little tip, “use yabbies mate, they’re much better than worms…”
Half an hour later you venture to one of the many restaurants along Surf Parade, Victoria Mall or even the Oracle Walk for breakfast. Spoilt for choice, they are all tempting you with their ‘Big Brekkie”, consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, tomato, mushrooms on sour dough bread or a healthy alternative in muesli with Greek yogurt, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries drizzled with honey. All this for less than ten dollars, washed down with a steaming pot of English tea or frothy cappuccino.
Over breakfast you try to decide how to spend your day on the Gold Coast, there is so much to see and do here. Choosing a trip to Tamborine Mountain, you head back to your resort, make a thermos, pack a blanket and head off on the short 45 minute drive to the picturesque mountain.
Stopping off at the information centre in Doughty Park on the mountain, chat with the friendly staff and collect some free maps. You may even hear a story about the beautiful yellow tree snake that was sunning himself on the steps earlier or the six foot python looking in through the window. Only to be reassured that they are harmless and more afraid of you than you are of them. Why not call into one of the many cafes and grab a sandwich or two to eat with your thermos in the gardens.
The Botanic Gardens are less than a ten minute drive from the information centre, so you head off with thermos, sandwiches and camera hoping for some memorable shots of the day.
You are greeted at the gardens by bush turkeys, kookaburras and whip birds. There are a variety of walks from which to choose such as the rainforest walk, Japanese garden, cascades, orchid walk and more. All of which can easily be seen in a couple of leisurely hours walk. Stop off along the way at one of the many “Contemplative” seats to enjoy your cuppa while listening to the birdsongs.
Leaving the gardens drive along Gallery Walk, here you will be tempted by 40 varieties of fudge in Fudge Heaven whilst browsing many of the galleries, craft and book shops.
You will definitely want to come back to Tamborine Mountain to walk along the top of the world amongst the rainforest canopies on the Skywalk, venture underground in the Glow Worm Caves and sample the wines and cheeses.
Tamborine Mountain is the perfect get away for a romantic night or two, with a variety of accommodation styles available. Enjoy one of the walking tracks provided on the mountain or spend a couple of hours being pampered in the spa at the Escarpment accommodation and day spa.
Whatever you choose to do on Tamborine Mountain your time here will be memorable and we are certain you will want to return to experience more of what the mountain has to offer.
