Sundays are reserved for one of three purposes; chilling with the fam and getting prepped for the week ahead, sneaking in a little Sunday sesh to delay Monday as long as humanly possible, and our fave, a spot of road trippin!

We’re lucky on the GC as we’re inundated with scenic drive options, and only need to travel an hour or two to find lots of beautiful, unique sights and activities.

We’ve broken it down to five destinations and provided a small snapshot of what you can find at each.

Toot toot!

Mt Tamborine

Gallery Walk
A trip up the mountain isn’t complete without a stroll along Gallery Walk. It’s a melting pot of eclectic finds, with over 70 shops in the one block. You’ll find everything from fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts, cellar door outlets, chocolate, fudge, food outlets, cafes…and even a cuckoo clock shop. If you’re looking for something unique or need to buy that friend who has everything a gift, chances are you’ll find something here.
Where: Long Road, Tamborine Mountain

Curtis Falls
Enjoy a beautiful walk through the rain-drenched Eucalyptus forest to the magical Curtis Falls. Wander past towering trees and through a canopy of ferns, down to this miniature and photogenic waterfall. The 1.1km walk should only talk half an hour or less to get down to the falls, but you will likely want to stay awhile and soak up the peacefulness. Top it off with a spot of morning tea at the Curtis Falls Cafe. Lovely!
Where: 16 Eagle Heights Road, North Tamborine – Get there via Eagle Heights Road and park right at the entrance to the walk.

Cauldron Distillery
This 18-acre working distillery is the darling of the Scenic Rim. A Prohibition-style space with an established vineyard, lush rolling meadows and of course, a generous gin and cocktail bar, there’s a lot to love. Settle in for a bev or a feed, or BYO picnic rug and chill amongst the vineyards. You can partake in complimentary lawn games if you so desire, and they’re pro pop here so Fido can come too!
Where: 89-123 Hartley Road, Tamborine Mountain

The Glow Worm Caves
Take a guided half-hour walk through lush rainforest to a purpose-built cave, filled with thousands of shimmery glow worms! Everyone can get up close and personal with a glow worm here without damaging delicate wild habitats #CueApplause. And the best part? It’s conveniently located in the Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery, you can enjoy a tipple pre or post tour…or pre and post tour!
Where: Cedar Creek Estate, 104-144 Hartley Road, North Tamborine

Canungra

Mountview Alpaca Farm
Located in O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard, you can meet alpacas and drink wine and srsly, life made. Choose between 15 and 60 minute alpaca experiences where you can walk and feed these cute creatures, or go all out with an alpaca picnic, alpaca devonshire tea, or a wine, cheese and alpaca package (#us). Set in a boutique vineyard and historic Queenslander homestead, it’s as picturesque as it is fun.
Where: 852 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra

Cudgen

Farm & Co.
No doubt Instagram has informed you there is a field of sunflowers just a short 25 minute drive away where you can frolic, take selfies, pick said sunflowers and generally pretend you don’t have a care in the world. There’s also a coffee shop where you can sink into an oversized lounge chair while gazing at the sunflowers and contemplating a new career in farming, live music of a weekend, a tasty array of brunch eats and fresh veggies you can take home too.
Where: 529 Cudgen Road, Cudgen 

The Chindy
Check out restful riverside town Chinderah, stopping in for a refreshment and snack at The Chindy. Also known as Chinderah Tavern, The Chindy boasts a big old deck overlooking the widest river in the world (not a fact) and supplies all the cold beer, wine and tasty eats you could wish for on a Sunday afternoon. There’s live music, sunsets if you time it right, and just general non-city good times. Right next door is Cubby Bakehouse you can get yourself some dessert for the drive home.
Where: 156 Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah

Byron Region

The Farm Byron Bay
A must visit for everyone (especially anyone with a little person in tow), The Farm is a destination in itself. See how the farm operates and say hi to the animals, and meet the infamous mascots Braveheart the Scottish Highland cow and Bobby the rooster. Collect macadamia nuts from the macadamia trees, have a meal at Three Blue Ducks restaurant, or grab a little something from The Bread Social to eat outside on a picnic rug. There’s a playground for the anklebiters and plenty of beautiful open space to explore.
Where: 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale

The Crystal Castle in Mullumbimby
Instagood alert! Sit in an ancient amethyst cave, pose with rare and amazing giant crystals, and wander five hectares of subtropical, crystal-filled Shambhala Gardens and rainforest. You can even touch the World Peace Stupa, a project blessed by the Dalai Lama and join in Crystal Sound Healings at 12pm and 3pm! Grab a bite with a stunning hinterland view at Lotus Café and let the kids run amok in the playground.
Where: 81 Monet Drive, Montecollum

Hotel Brunswick
The heart of beautiful Brunswick Heads, swing in for a drink or a feed at this classic Aussie pub. Somewhat of an institution and a fave far and wide, relax under the beautiful Poinciana trees in the beer garden and soak up the ambience. Always busy on Sundays, if you can push the friendship and stay on till the early evening, you’ll generally be rewarded with live music and an even more awesome vibe. Pub grub at its best.
Where: Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads

Newrybar Merchants
A collective of creative local artisans and curators of fine goods who are passionate about what they do, this is our jam! Honouring the space and the essence of the Byron Bay Hinterland, Newrybar Merchants enables customers to experience rustic charm effortlessly blended with sophistication within a beautiful and unique retail space. Shop everything from faaarshion, to homewares, to wellness products and everything in between, it’s a must.
Where: 16 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar

The Tweed

The Ivory Waterside
Barely over the border but for the northern GC folk, it’s a Sunday drive to Tweed Heads so we’ll let this one fly. Recently undergoing a bit of a nip and tuck and overlooking the adjoining marina and picturesque Terra Creek, it’s the ultimate in casual waterside dining. The food is consistently delish and guys, you can even get your rad on with tons of vintage arcade games in Benny’s Arcade. Talk about a one-stop-good-times-shop! Add it to the list.
Where: 156 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Wollumbin National Park
This World Heritage-listed national treasure is well worth a look. Previously known as Mt Warning National Park, lose yourself in some of the largest and oldest tracts of sub-tropical rainforest on Earth. Wollumbin, which rises from the park to a height of 1,157 metres above sea level, is a remnant central vent of an ancient volcano and yep, that’s a drawcard right there. Note the Wollumbin (Mount Warning) summit track and the Aboriginal Place remains closed.
Where: About 12km south-west of Murwillumbah off Kyogle Road, Mount Warning

Tweed River House
This one is special! From the vantage point of the verdant riverbanks, settled at the tropical foothills of the Tweed Caldera in Murwillumbah, this century-old riverside plantation house has been lovingly restored to maintain its original character and charm. The elegant yet relaxed renovation creates a unique space that reflects the gentle pace of the Northern Rivers, oozing 1930s style with a French twist. They’ve even been nominated for a Chef Hat Award by the Australian Good Food Guide so if the aesthetics aren’t enough to get you there, the nosh will be!
Where: 131 River Street, South Murwillumbah

Baked at Ancora
Another one that’s close by when you’re a bit strapped for time is Baked at Ancora. Believers that sweet treats and waterside picnics go hand in hand, we concur and we can’t get enough of this Parisian style café bakery. From their signature croissants and traditional classics like pain-au-chocolat, to the more unique and inventive flavour combos, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in actual Paris. Well worth the waistline damage.
Where: 118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads 

Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre
There’s always something new to discover at the Tweed Regional Gallery, housed in a large, modern, architecturally award-winning building with views to Wollumbin/Mount Warning. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Claude Monet’s painting Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday] 1890, currently on loan from the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). While you’re there, a meal at the new in-house eats haunt Apex is an absolute non-negotiable. With a stunning outlook and design to reflect the vista, indulge in a unique combo of rustic French patisserie goodies and modern cafe plates with a very ‘now’ pan-Asian twist. Add a cocktail and instant happy place.
Where: 2 Mistral Road, South Murwillumbah

Husk Farm Distillery
Just a hop, skip and a jump over the border, a sneaky visit to the lush Husk grounds is certainly one of the more low effort, high reward outings Gold Coasters have at our fingertips. Our recommendation? Take your tastebuds on a very smooth sip around the signature Husk offerings with a tasting paddle to start. Not only have they mastered treats of the thirst quenching variety, the Husk Farm kitchen offers up a selection of top notch eats to rival their signature spirits selection.
Where: Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum

Words by Bianca Trathen.

It’s that time of year when we’re all pretty spent – figuratively and literally (we’re looking at you Christmas). When all we want to do is take a ‘leaf’ of absence and escape the hustle and bustle, but don’t have time to get on a plane or drive for hours #arewethereyet. Well, like your fairy godmothers who should never be taken for ‘plant-ed’, we’re here to unpack an unmissable local retreat delivering all of the above. Introducing Canungra’s Country Mile Escape, a beautiful boutique hinterland getaway nestled amongst the picturesque rolling hills of the Scenic Rim which fun fact, was recently voted one of the world’s top 10 travel destinations by Lonely Planet #howztheserenity.

Owned by the ever-accommodating, warm and welcoming Trish and Murray Wilson, this 70-acre property is simply tree-mendous. Boasting two modern and stylishly appointed self-contained studios, it’s perfect for couples vibing a romantic hinterland getaway #bomchickawahwah, or friends and family in search of a relaxing countryside escape. It’s certainly hard to beat Mother Nature’s input with breathtaking views, rolling hills, and greenery goodness at every turn, but Trish and Murray have given her a solid run for her money. Their attention to detail is meticulous, and nothing has been overlooked when designing, decorating, and decking out these French country style stunners.

The family friendly ‘The Aerial’ studio offers two spacious bedrooms with deluxe king-size beds (bedding reconfiguration available upon request) and en-suite bathrooms.  Take in the awe-inspiring mountain view from the gorgeous soaking bathtub, preferably with a vino in hand for maximum zen. Pull up a pew on the large deck area and watch the native fauna, cattle, and horses. Relax by the indoor fireplace on a chilly evening before cooking dinner in the fully equipped kitchen, then venture outside to the fire pit which screams ‘toast marshmallows with me’. If you’re seeking a couples getaway there is the option to book one bedroom at The Aerial.

Romantics, listen up coz ‘The Shay’ studio is the shiz! Imagine a secluded open plan French Provincial style studio, complete with a luxurious king-size bed, a luscious large soaking tub, and exquisite tree canopy views. The deck is an ever-popular spot for lovers to take in the hinterland ambiance and enjoy an intimate meal whipped up in the self-contained kitchenette.

There’s certainly no shortage of entertainment, with a myriad of activities like long strolls around the property. Apart from soothing the mind, body, and soul, the ankle biters will love meeting the friendly farm animals. Keep your partner happy and book a nurturing warm holistic spa experience at your private luxury retreat. We’re talking massages, volcanic hot stone massages, a Crystal Body Balance treatment, and a Mother Earth experience, and go on – just book ‘em all.

Venturing outside the property, explore national parks like Binna Burra, O’Reilly’s or Tamborine Mountain with rainforest, creeks, and waterfalls. This is a great option on a hot summer’s day as these iconic places throw some serious shade. In a good way. After your tree-change, why not hit up a winery, micro-brewery, or gin distillery, and refer to previous comment about the massages #yesyesandmoreyes. Venture out to the nearby Canungra township for a sticky-beak at the local antique and specialty stores, then settle in at a quaint café or the local hotel for a bite. And you can tick off hot air ballooning off your bucket list here with an early morning float above the idyllic countryside.

All in all, the elegant Country Mile Escape scores huge brownie points from us and, well, everyone (check out the online reviews!). It’s a magical place to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with nature….and your most loved one/s.

For bookings and more information, go here.

Where: 63 Little Flying Fox Road, Canungra
When: 8am – 7pm, Monday to Sunday

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY COUNTRY MILE ESCAPE

Distilleries of any sort hold a special place in our hearts, but none more so than the ever-popular gin variety. And speaking of variety, the award-winner we’re about to unpack has a show-stopping selection of gins guaranteed to please, irrespective of your persuasion. If you’re into sweet summery flavours, you’re sorted. If you’re more of a savoury gal or guy, come right this way. But it’s not just the refreshments worthy of a nod here. In fact, what’s not nod-worthy about this place?! Because frankly, every element deserves a shiny gold star (or five, according to Google Reviews).

We know you’re intrigued and wishing we’d get to the point already so without further ado, we present….Cauldron Distillery on picturesque Tamborine Mountain.

This 18-acre working distillery is the darling of the Scenic Rim, cooked up by three savvy spirit-loving blokes, Darren Stewart, Greg Dower, and Glen Stewart. Featuring an established vineyard, lush rolling green meadows you’ll want to, well, roll in when you’re 4 (or 6) gins deep, and even the Al Capone ORIGINAL Parlour Dining Room and Chairs (yep, now that’s gangster, do we hear along the literal grapevine there’s a speakeasy bar to come?) – what’s not to love about this little slice of heaven?

Overall, Cauldron boasts a Prohibition-style space with of course, a generous gin and cocktail bar, and we are officially impressed. It’s not all just about gin and unique Queensland-inspired craft beverages though, with Head Chef Chris Woodberry serving up mouth-watering Modern Australian tapas with native ingredients. His signature dish Five To Five Coastal Gin Infused Salmon proves that when it comes to gin, more is more.

When paired with the award-winning gins on a Gin Tasting Paddle with Sunset Gin, Mountain Gin, Costal Gin and True Blue Gin, you become acutely aware why this place and its stock is a hit with critics, locals and everyone in between.

This place really does offer it all though. You can book a distillery tour, a gin and salsa night, pottery workshop, or even sign up for Sip N Paint class with local artist Erin Geeves. Looking to take your interactive class to the next level? Take a gin-making class and whip up your very own brew on a 1955 classic Jaguar table (cool much?!).

Or, keep it simple with a BYO picnic rug amongst the vineyards, partaking in complimentary lawn games if you so desire. And the garnish on the gin cocktail – you can even BYO pooch!

With indoor and outdoor dining capacity for 200 people, a 4×6 metre stage for live entertainment and spectacular Instagramable photo backdrops at every turn, its perf for your upcoming event or nuptials. But seriously, you had us when they mentioned you can design your own cocktail and OMG, is there actually anything better in the history of history? Well maybe, because we also hear there’s a make your own Bloody Mary cocktail bar to come too! Bring on the bacon.

If you know you know. And if you didn’t, now you do. Bottoms up!

Where: Cauldron Distillery, 89-123 Hartley Rd, Tamborine Mountain
When: 12pm – 5pm Wednesday & Thursday; 10am – 7pm Friday & Saturday and 10am – 5pm Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday.

Words by Bianca Trathen.