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.

Okay so I’m sure we can all agree that there are some blissful bathhouses around the Goldy and northern New South Wales. There are also some beautifully restored historic buildings, srsly #trending watering holes, pumping pubs and exceptional eats spots. However, correct us if we’re wrong (we’re not), but we’re yet to unearth a place combining all of the above into one unicorn-like locale. Until now that is, and we’re tickled at least 50 shades of pink by this brand-new Mullumbimby trailblazer.

Set in the heart of the ‘biggest little town in Australia’, The Banya is a total #mood. Built upon the sun-baked bricks of a 1920’s bank, it’s a modern experiential twist on a traditional European bathhouse and we are crushing hard on this chameleonic venue. Inviting us to eat, drink, relax, rejuvenate and connect, it’s well worth a little trek south-west over the border.

Introducing this quintessential Euro social experience to our ‘hood is local publican Brenden Lawless. Giving the space a new lease on life whilst preserving its original, old-world charm, The Banya is nothing short of a solid ten. The talented Mardi Borrack from Style Agenda was appointed to work her interior design magic, whose resume includes work on the big screen. Her creativity and attention to detail designing for specific periods in the cinematic world translated effortlessly to The Banya, giving Brenden’s vision the finesse it deserves.

Swell also came to the party and then some, with a transformative build catapulting the old bank into 2023. Integrating on-fleek finishes inspiring luxe relaxation yet respecting its longevity and original ‘roots’, it exudes contemporary fun and traditional wonder. Lofty windows and high ceilings have been lovingly restored, blending old and new to create an exciting and enticing aesthetic.

Think raw bricks fused with soft blush render, hexagon tiling, herringbone wood, terrazzo, marble, and coffered ceilings with chic pendant lights and plush leather. The Bathhouse features a tiled lap and three large hot mineral pools hugged by lush foliage and cobblestone pathing. There’s also a wood-fired sauna, a steam room, a cold plunge, five massage treatment rooms, and a rooftop sundeck for post-treatment relaxation. Namaste!

Once you’re fully zenned out, it’s time to partake in a cheeky tipple or two and a delicious feed. The on-site bar and dining are focussed on casual refinement with small share plates and nutritious staples which is precisely our kinda jam. In the dining room, indulge your tastebuds with Rock Oysters on Ice, served either natural, with finger lime mignonette, or with prosecco granita (side note: it’s the latter for us, coz who are we to knock back anything involving wine and sorbet?!). Or how about Ballina King Prawns on garlic butter brioche with cocktail sauce, cos and pickles crisps?

During the day or for takeaway, we suggest a Banya Bowl with greens, kraut, pickles, smashed butterbeans and marinated egg on brown rice with herbs and lemon and go on, add cured trout for the ultimate foodgasm. Wash it down with a Hinterland High Smoothie, combining banana, spinach, cucumber, coconut water, super greens and mint or for a bright, light and clarifying cocktail, you can’t beat the Kaffiroska with kaffir infused vodka, lime and a lick of sugar.

So, for the perfect mix of feel-good experiences (eating, sipping, chilling/pampering, and socialising) all under the one truly spectacular roof, all roads lead to The Banya.

Where: 35-37 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby
When: 9am till late, Monday to Sunday

 Words by Bianca Trathen.

Every once in a while, you stumble across a bona fide triple threat.

We’re talking phenomenal food, an impeccably styled space, a truly unparalleled location, and old-world hospitality. Wait, that’s 4 things, which means this place is so off-the-charts spesh, that it actually qualifies as a quadruple threat! Ladies and gentlemen, please take a bow for the majestic Tweed River House.

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.

Restaurant owner / interior designer Gregory Lording has impeccably styled every inch of this space. From the patterned pressed metal ceilings in the main dining room, to the magnificent chandelier in the 10-seater private dining room, all the way to the wall art and décor choices. It’s also impossible to not mention the tranquility of the Tweed River, and panoramic views of the lush cane fields and mountain ranges. Bundle this all together and you get a truly unforgettable trip to Tweed River House.

Now let’s get to the food because let’s be honest, it’s kinda (really really) important to get this part right in making this a showstopping location. And folks, we are proud to report they nail it.

They offer mouth-watering French-style cuisine so delicious that they’ve been nominated for a Chef Hat Award by the Australian Good Food Guide. Their curated menu is hand-selected by Head Chef Joseph McGrattan showcasing only the best of each season’s produce; from the region’s fertile farmlands, riverways and ocean. Now you’re talking!

Once you’ve sampled their signature cocktail the Le Bleu, with ink gin, violet liqueur, orange syrup, lemon and whites (drooling over here), it’s time to peruse the menu.

You’re spoilt for choice between their two, three or five-course menus. Or perhaps you should up the ante with their degustation menu served exclusively in the chandelier private dining room.

If you prefer your choice of meals, we suggest to start the Jake Hill Rabbit Terrine, with confit rabbit and fair game chorizo terrine, leek, citrus rhubarb, hazelnuts, bush tomato gel and tarragon mayo. Then, move your way into the Bouillabaisse with Australian bay prawn, scallop, local octopus, chargrilled fish, mussels, cuttlefish, vegetables, house bread and rouille. Or, perhaps the McAuley’s Road Beef is more to your liking, with pink rump, with smoked mash, daube croquette, sautéed urliup mushrooms, bordelaise and pickled carrot.

And it’s safe to say dining out just isn’t complete without the icing on the cake – dessert. So, we suggest you treat yourself to the Native Citrus, with native citrus lemon aspen and honey cake, aspen ice cream, rum and finger lime cream cheese mousse and gingerbread crumble. Talk about finishing things off on a sweet note! We are sooo here for this.

For a relaxed yet contemporary culinary experience in a setting that captures the stuff dreams are made of, you know where to go.

Where: 131 River Street, South Murwillumbah NSW
When: Lunch – Thursday to Sunday, 12pm to 3pm. Dinner – Friday & Saturday, 5.30pm to 8pm.

Words by Bianca Trathen