Dine at Stanley’s Barn too.
Dine at Stanley’s Barn too.
Listen up car (and all things vintage) lovers, this one’s for you. A motor museum opened up on the Gold Coast recently and if vintage vehicles are your thing you’re going to want to keep reading.
Found in Upper Coomera, the Gold Coast Motor Museum swung open its doors on Friday 2nd October and it’s absolutely packed with cars, some of which date back to the 1920’s and all of which are shiny and interesting and no doubt have many a story to tell.
The museum is set on a disused farm in the hinterland with owners Grant and Carl Amor having removed the old structures and built a space to showcase their own 65-car strong collection plus a few more.
They’ll rotate those on display so you can visit many times and always discover something new.
It’s long been a dream of the brothers to open a motor museum, the pair began collecting over 10 years ago and they’ve amassed some very impressive finds.
Including a 1924 Stanley Steamer, which is the centrepiece of the onsite restaurant and bar, Stanley’s Barn.
So not only can you wander around checking out some of the coolest old school cars around, you can also enjoy a feast and a beer or two to round out the day.
Pull up a table on the deck overlooking the hinterland and treat yourself to some five star eats while you’re at it
There are also cocktails and champagne and everything is absolutely top notch.
It’s an Americana-style venue that ties in perfectly with the museum and all in all, a good day out for the entire family.
In case you’re wondering, yes the cars are all kept in running order and no you may not test drive them (we tried).
If you’re looking for something interesting to do right here on the Coast, look no further. The Gold Coast Car Museum is one of a kind and it’s all ours. The Museum is $20 for adults and kids under 15 are free.
For die-hard car lovers, there’ll be meet ups on site too with the property able to cater for 200 vehicles. Fun.
Get in there to check it out for yourself.
LOCATION: 107 Kriedman Rd, Upper Coomera
HOURS: Museum hours 8am to 5pm – 5 days a week (closed Tuesday & Wednesday)
Stanley’s Barn Restaurant & Bar (closed Tuesday & Wednesday)
Thursday – Lunch from 12pm to 3pm, dinner from 5pm to 9pm.
Friday – Lunch from 12pm to 3pm, dinner from 5pm to 9pm.
Saturday – Breakfast from 7am to 10:30am, lunch from 12pm to 3pm, dinner from 5pm to 9pm.
Sunday – Breakfast from 7am to 10:30am, long lunch from 12pm.
Monday- Lunch from 12pm to 3pm, dinner from 5pm to 9pm.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL FOR STANLEY’S RESTAURANT
Wine is a beautiful thing: loved the world over and the perfect accompaniment to the next best thing in the world — cheese. Happily, the Gold Coast Hinterland is home to several world-class wineries, all of which are around an hour or less drive away. Pack your picnic blanket and make space in your boot for a case or two; here are the best cellar doors to take a sip at.
Witches Falls Winery
A self-proclaimed small but bold winery, Witches Falls are passionate about big tastes. Not only do owners Jon and Kim love the end product, but they’re also pretty keen on the growing, making and matching aspects of the fruity liquid. They offer personalised wine tastings that permit access to their entire range. And be sure to try their fantastic cheese board when you go!
Where: 79 Main Western Road, North Tamborine
Cedar Creek Estate
With a tree-lined entryway and lush green surroundings, Cedar Creek Estate is all your charming winery dreams come true. The vineyard consists of two varieties including Chambourcin and Verdelho, and even though the vines are relatively young, their Chambourcin in particular, is producing a fabulous Rose. Cedar Creek Estate also boasts the Arthur Hamblin Art Gallery, if sipping wine overlooking vineyards doesn’t fill your cultural cup entirely.
Where: 104-144 Hartley Road, North Tamborine
Sirromet Wines
Passionate about sustainable wine production, Sirromet Wines state-of-the-art, family-run facilities can be found in picturesque Mt Cotton. From the award-winning 2014 Signature Collection Shiraz Viognier and 2012 Saint Jude’s Merlot to a fresh Vineyard Selection Rose, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the Sirromet cellar door. Tastings run every day and you can also choose to do a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard. Plus, there’s a nine-hole golf course too — before or after wine, it’s up to you.
Where: 850 Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton
O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards
A picture-perfect location, O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard is a boutique vineyard and historic Queenslander homestead dedicated to fine food and fine wine. Enjoy a wine tasting, stay for lunch or purchase a gourmet picnic basket and stretch out by Canungra Creek with a bottle of bubbles. Take the kids who can also run around and take the resident alpacas for a walk.
Where: 852 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra
Sarabah Estate Vineyard
Further along the Canungra Valley, before you begin to make your steep ascent up to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, is this enchanted and sun-soaked vineyard and cellar door. The folks here wear many hats as viticulturists, alpacas herders, cheesemakers and gardeners: meaning there is plenty to see, do, eat, and drink! Weekends see their Chalet Bistro open for delicious lunches and the Smoke & Vine Bar is perfect for a stone-baked pizza — and of course a glass of wine (our pick being their 2018 organic shiraz).
Where: 46 Rymera Road, Sarabah
Mount Nathan Winery
Mount Nathan Winery is a progression of the Gibson family’s involvement in the wine industry over generations. After developing a unique range of honey-based products in Cessnock, the winery was born. Award-winning wines include the Bubbly Brut – a not too dry and not too sweet sparkling – and the Autumn White – made up of late-picked grapes with explosions of fruit. If you’re visiting, wine tastings are direct from the barrel. Doesn’t get more authentic!
Where: 220 Clagiraba Road, Mount Nathan
The Overflow Estate 1895
Situated a little past Beaudesert, this ten-year-old vineyard is a spectacular feast for the eyes. Jutting out on a small arm into Lake Wyaralong, you may be forgiven for thinking you’ve come across a place of fairy tales, but alas, you haven’t; this is a place of delicious food and fine wine! Expect some delectable menu choices from their weekend seasonal menu from The Two French Chefs, and their gourmet cafe with antipasto and grazing boards aplenty runs Wednesdays to Fridays. Hardy Spanish and Italian varietals flourish here, so be sure to try the wine for a taste of Europe without the jetlag.
Where: 1660 Beaudesert – Boonah Road, Beaudesert
Carafe Wine
GC, say “Chardon-heyyyy” to our newest winery experience. Located in Southport, you don’t even need to leave the GC for this environmentally conscious tipple. Carafe Wine has been an established premium wine on tap supplier for several years, before opening their bricks and mortar space in March 2023. Sample wines direct from the barrel, enjoy crafted winery blends and share a charcuterie board. Sounds like our kind of afternoon outing.
Where: 49 Johnston Street, Southport
Pineapple Tours
Want to visit some wineries without the hassle of finding a designated driver? Pineapple Tours offer half day, all day or fully customisable tours, with door-to-door service to/from your abode or hotel #VIP. They cover all areas of South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Grab your bestie, your partner or your posse and check out all the best wineries, distilleries, eateries and super fun GC experiences in one of their luxury vehicles. Yes please!
Where: 3200 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Words by Alex Mitcheson & Belinda Symons.
