Tamborine-Lamington Circuit, QLD

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 south-west into Lamington National Park. After Beechmont, follow a rainforest drive through the Binna Burra section, home to hundreds of waterfalls and walking trails. Or continue on to Canungra, where you can turn off for the O’Reilly’s Green Mountains section. Try the 16-metre high Tree Top Walk, see glow worm caves and swing across the rainforest on a flying fox. Walk short sections of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, or spend four days hiking the entire 54 kilometre trail.

Back on the scenic, winding road, drive to Tamborine Mountain, where you can visit vineyards, hang glide off the mountain or browse art and antique shops on the Gallery Walk. Nearby Mount Tamborine National Park is the place to picnic, spot platypus and walk to Curtis Falls through a stand of piccabeen palms.