Day Out in Tamborine Mountain

Perched in the Gold Coast Hinterland, Tamborine Mountain is a destination that has it all – lush rainforests and bushwalks, quirky restaurants, cosy cafes, country pubs with sweeping views, arts and craft studios, boutique shops, day spas, glorious gardens, and plenty more to discover.

We hit the road in the Lexus RX, winding our way up the scenic mountain drive for the ultimate day out. Here’s how we spent it:

Coffee & Breakfast at Picnic Real Food Bar – Nestled among the leafy surrounds of the North Stores precinct, Picnic Real Food Bar is the perfect spot to start your day. The team here is passionate about fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce, dishing up wholesome meals that taste every bit as good as they look.

Fuel up with a barista-made coffee and our pick - the Smashed Avo with beetroot hummus, whipped feta, dukkah, and house pickles on sourdough. A vibrant plate that’s as pretty as it is delicious!

Explore North Stores – Once you’re energised, take a wander through the North Stores precinct. Step inside Potta Studio, where local artist Andrew Moir handcrafts one-of-a-kind ceramics, from delicate dinnerware to sculptural statement pieces.

A few doors down you’ll find Loborn Distillery, producing small-batch Australian aperitifs inspired by Tamborine Mountain itself and distilled using pure spring water sourced onsite. Both spots are perfect for picking up something special to take home.

Shopping along Gallery Walk – No trip to the mountain is complete without strolling along the famous Gallery Walk. This lively strip is brimming with quirky boutiques, artisan gift shops, homewares, galleries, and rustic cafes. Whether you’re hunting for a keepsake or simply enjoying the browsing, you’ll find plenty to tempt you. 

Lunch at Saint Marthe – For lunch, step into Saint Marthe Brasserie, a slice of France in the heart of Tamborine Mountain. The menu is filled with authentic French favourites – think duck confit with Paris mash, gruyère cheese soufflé, or the classic steak frites - yum! 

Wander the Botanic Gardens – Just a short drive away, the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens are a tranquil highlight. Meander along pathways lined with both native and exotic flora, pause by the serene lake, or take in the beauty of the Japanese garden and rainforest walk. It’s a little pocket of peace amid the bustle of the mountain.

Soak up the stunning mountain views – Being up high has its perks, and the mountain’s lookouts deliver some of the most breathtaking vistas in the region. Our top picks? Knoll Road Lookout, the Hang Glider Lookout, and Rotary Lookout - each offering sweeping views across valleys and ranges that are best enjoyed at sunset. 

Dinner at George's Paragon – To cap off the day, head to George’s Paragon, the mountain’s iconic Greek restaurant, freshly refurbished but still brimming with its original charm. With a menu of classic Greek favourites, from mezze to moussaka, it’s the perfect place to relax into the evening.

After a full day on the mountain, it was a treat to slip back into the Lexus RX. The winding descent felt easy with its smooth drive, and the comfortable cabin gave us plenty of space to relax. With our favourite playlist streaming through the crisp sound system, the ride down was kept us entertained - the perfect companion to our Tamborine Mountain escape. 

Lexus of Southport is a valued partner of Must Do Gold Coast.com