Ahhh glamping. If it weren’t for you, many of us would recoil and chant “hells to the no” with even the slightest whiff of our man folk trying to coerce us into a tent like structure. But, chuck ‘glam’ at the beginning and we’re all for it! The soaring popularity of this genius concept is ever strong in these post pandemic times when the appeal of exploring our own backyard in all its raw glory is showing no signs of wavering. And now, the cooler weather is upon us which screams campfire, toasted marshmallows, red wine (especially red wine) and outback star gazing on a crisp wintery night.

Thanks to the La Niña rains of late, the rolling planes of red in outback Queensland are more vibrant than ever…and you won’t even need a filter because their a-la-natural beauty is that phenom #nofilter.

Here are seven spots in this ravishing region for you and your other half / gal pals to get your glamp on.

Rangelands Outback Camp
If you’re into epic burning sunsets with a generous dose of luxury, Rangelands Outback Camp ticks those boxes…and many more. Boasting six exclusive supersize tents, you’ll be treated to a king size bed (or king singles) with top designer comforts and air con to wind down after a day exploring the stunning cattle property. Located atop a jump-up on Rangelands Station, it’s a true-blue experience in comfort and style.
Where: Rangelands Station, Kennedy Development Road, Winton

Gilberton Outback Retreat
Want to get off the grid but in five-star luxury? As mildly anxiety-inducing as that may sound, a technology detox is the ultimate way to switch off (literally), unwind and chillax. This stunning retreat set on a working cattle station is one of Australia’s hidden jewels, with international celebs flocking to the retreat for some R&R. If it’s good enough for the rich and famous…
Where: Gilberton Road, Einasleigh

Undara Railway Carriage Accommodation
Return to yesteryear with a turn of the century camping vibe…but in a 2022 kinda way, with the creature comforts we’d rather not leave at home. Offering visitors a unique eco-friendly holiday experience with bygone era charm, you’ll be in awe of the famous Undara Volcanic National Park. From rolling savannah plains to ancient lava tubes and volcanic craters, it’s bucket-list natural beauty at its finest.
Where: Undara Road, Mount Surprise

Mitchell Grass Retreat
If you popped your must-have luxuries from home and an authentic outback experience into a blender, you’d get Michell Grass Retreat. Surrounded by vast grasslands and visiting sheep and cattle, guests are welcome to visit surrounding local properties to hear the DL on outback living. Immerse yourself in nature and spend quality time with your love or your posse, as the golden red sun goes down.
Where: Lot 162 Longreach Muttaburra Road, Longreach

Saltbush Retreat
Is it just us or is an outback soak in an exclusive outdoor bath terrace – complete with sunset canapes – the definition of #goals? Located within walking distance of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum, Saltbush Retreat invites you to indulge in their luxury package for two, including two nights’ accommodation, breakfast baskets, BBQ and salad pack, pantry essentials, pamper pack, cheese and antipasto hamper and bottle of wine. We accept!
Where: 63-65 Ilfracombe Road, Longreach

The Staging Post
If a boutique heritage-themed stay with a rustic-luxe feel is your vibe, then pay attention! Situated in the heart of Longreach, The Staging Post draws inspo from the pioneer era with a unique outback experience enhanced with their lovingly crafted outback quirks. Kick your boots off after an adventure-filled day and immerse yourself in a unique rain-shower feature in your rustic ensuite.
Where: 128 Eagle Street, Longreach

Julia Creek Caravan Park
With six Artesian Bathhouses to help you unwind after frolicking in the outback, the therapeutic properties of water from the Great Artesian Basin will renew your mind, body and soul. Each bathhouse has two huge comfy claw-footed tubs with unparalleled views of the outback sunset. Then, nosh up with one of Julia Creek’s scrumptious award-winning bush dinners…and we’ve just described the perfect day.
Where: Julia Sreet, Old Normanton Rd, Julia Creek

Words by Bianca Trathen.

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.

Now is it just us, or is a weekend road trip taking in the best of what the GC and our Northern NSW neighbours have to offer good for the soul? This just in: nope it’s not just us, as every year countless locals cancel their boozy Saturday and/or Sunday BBQ’s in favour of a chilled drive to marvel at our abundant natural beauty.

On that note, we’ve rounded up the best local scenic spots perfect for a spot of unwinding and resetting, allowing you to just ‘be’. Everybody exhale…..

Lost World Valley
A true rugged wilderness by the dramatic Razorback Mountain and Lamington Plateau, the Lost World is as enchanting as it sounds. Decompress and slow the pace along the scenic Lost World Tourist Drive through the Kerry Valley, Lost World, Lamington Gorge and Christmas Creek. Channel your inner farmhand at Tommerup’s Dairy and stock up on the freshest produce at Farm Gate Trails. Feel that? Yep, it’s your stress level plummeting.
Where: Christmas Creek Road, Lamington National Park

Advancetown to Murwillumbah
Fancy winding your way through tree-lined hills and lush green paddocks and oops, you’ve suddenly crossed the border into NSW and don’t you love it when that happens?! Let this journey give you a healthy hit of zen as you switch out the rat race for the simpler pleasures. There’s plenty to see, plus a tonne of eats icons like the majestic hat-winning Tweed River House.
Where: Southbound out of Advancetown on the Nerang-Murwillumbah Road

The Granite Belt
It may be a bit of drive but it’s well worth the fuel (quite a statement right now). There are amazing wineries to visit (just a glass of course – you’re driving remember!),…and umm, case closed coz #vino. The crisp air, endless sky and big flavours of the Granite Belt are only matched by the divine locally made cheese and artisan products, perfect for a romantic picnic among the vines.
Where: Head out west toward Beaudesert, then on to Warwick, and follow the signs from there

The Channon
Famous for its epic monthly craft market, The Channon is a delightful village with artistic flare, friendly folk, and country charm in spades. The village has tea rooms, craft shops, galleries and a historic tav, not to mention the rainforest walk to end all rainforest walks in the spectacular Protestor Falls on Terania Creek Road. Don that Fitbit…or don’t, and just take it allllll in.
Where: Southbound on the M1 before exiting towards Lismore

Brunswick Heads
Okay if you haven’t visited Brunswick Heads, quite frankly #RemedyThisNOW. A quaint, lush and unspoilt coastal village just 15 minutes north of Byron, happy snaps of its stunning beaches and spectacular river will set your socials alight. Also, when one visits this area, one MUST check out ‘The Brunswick’. Full stop. Exclamation mark. You’re welcome.
Where: Southbound on the M1, about half an hour away

Angourie
Just 5km south of popular big sister Yamba, its famous point-breaks have made it a must-see with the world’s top surfers. Explore the renowned Yuraygir Coastal Walk, which kicks off here and take a dip (or a photo this time of year brrrr) of Mara Creek, Back Beach, Lake Arragan, and the Shelley headland caves. If you’re lucky, you may even spot Free Willy (well, close-ish) frolicking in the beautiful waters.
Where: Southbound on the M1, between Ballina and Yamba.

Words by Bianca Trathen.