Natural, authentic Italian pozzeti gelato – it’s tradish and delish.
Natural, authentic Italian pozzeti gelato – it’s tradish and delish.
If you’re anything like us, our brains say salad, but our tastebuds autocorrect that to gelato. It’s the edible equivalent of shoes – there’s always room for more, plus it feels way less damaging than its bloat-inducing cousin, ice cream #truedat. So when we discover a gelato shop worthy of our coin and in this case, our KM’s (it’s on Tamborine Mountain), we feel compelled to do our bit for society and spread the good word.
Introducing Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co, a two-months young gelato wonderland churning out the finest traditional Italian gelato goodness. With seasonal flavours rejigged every few days, regular visits are totally justified, dispelling the theory that you can have too much of a good thing (you can’t).
Using local growers and ingredients where possible by working with suppliers like For Real Milk, Grazing Girls Eggs, and Funny Honey (Scenic Rim), Cravve Chocolate (Burleigh Heads), Those Little Voices Coffee (roasted on Tambo), it is the ultimate #supportlocal business. And stop press, these gelato geniuses have opted for the traditional pozzetti gelato cabinet. This uber authentic cabinet has lids (say what?!) and the contents can’t actually be seen from the cabinet (*cue crickets…*). But fear not friends because this is the traditional way, and the best means of storing a natural product. It stops circulation and maximises freshness, which means the end result is pure gelato supremacy.
Experienced Pasty Chef Bec Leitner along with her partner (and home-grown Tamborine kiddo) Alick Kilsby combined their passions and voila – Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co was born. Bec, who is also the ‘Head Chef’ and was previously manager of the pastry team at Burleigh Baker, has long championed desserts that are natural, lower in sugar, with no nasty fake stuff #AmenSista. Joining forces with Alick who is passionate about supporting the growing food scene in his ‘hood’ and making Main Street a food lover’s must see (or must eat), they’re a match made in heaven…both professionally and personally.
Just before opening, this gelato loving duo embarked on a research trip across the entire East Coast to sample as much pozzetti gelato as possible and guys, if you need volunteers to source more intel…#JustSayin. This enabled them to nail the exact texture, flavour and style, demonstrating their commitment to the cause. Bec also received one-on-one training from a couple of Italian Gelato experts to perfect her skills, and ensure the recipes remained authentic and natural.
Alick and Bec designed the interiors with a clear aesthetic in mind, alongside shop fitter Sam Harder. Inspired by the Tamborine Mountain rainforest scenes with a minimalist and contemporary look and feel, you’ll find indoor seating for 18, outdoor seating for 8, or you can plonk on the grass. Located close to stunning lookouts and rainforests, if you overindulge (us), you can always clock up some steps on a nearby rainforest hike #bonus.
In addition to being delish and tradish, their gelato is all gluten free, plus they offer several vegan options as well. Right now, we’re crushing on the Mint Stracciatella which is fresh garden mint gelato with chocolate shards throughout. Equally delectable are the Banana Custard, Lamington, and Lemon Myrtle and Honey flavoured gelatos, and we won’t judge if you order all of the above coz we did too. There is also a small selection of cakes for sale each day, which again are natural and always gluten free.
So next time you’re planning a trip up the mountain, remember a balanced diet is a gelato in one hand and a gelato in the other – especially when they’re au naturel from Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co.
Where: 4/15-17 Main Street, Tamborine Mountain
When: 10am – 6pm Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday. Days and hours are extended on school holidays
Instagram: @tamborine_mountain_gelato_co
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Carly King
We’ve all clocked up plenty of hours swimming, eating and drinking beachside this summer, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
But may we suggest a tree change for your next coffee / breaky / brunch / lunch date, with a trek up the beautiful Tamborine Mountain.
A refreshing alternative to #cakebytheocean, it’s recently levelled up another notch with the boho-meets-Scandi newcomer, Bean N Brunch.
With a srsly inviting design, stunning covered deck, and a smashingly good menu, it’s the perfect addition to our beloved Tambo.
Oh and bonus points awarded for the charming Gallery Walk location, coz who doesn’t love a side of shopping with their double-shot flat white.
Opening on Christmas Day (true story!) and already setting tastebuds-a-flutter, it’s reason enough to clock up some km’s on the ‘ole odometer.
Seating 50 bods on the cosy deck for a relaxing alfresco-style experience, we love everything about this place.
Its warm and welcoming ambiance starts with the weatherboard and VJ panelled exterior, which is effortlessly mirrored inside.
The clean white and timber aesthetic features the most glorious thick-set wooden floorboards, rattan pendant lighting, and just the right amount of foliage hanging overhead.
Manager David Csavas is your smiling host with the most, boasting over ten years of hospitality experience (translation; it may be his first café but it sure ain’t his first rodeo).
Working behind the bar and as a barista in both Hungary and Norway, as well as in venues and cafes across Queensland, his passion for quality coffee and nosh is fierce.
32 years young, he’s turned his dream of opening a café into bricks and mortar and is livin’ la vida mocha.
If you’re Bean N Brunch bound for breakfast (say that a few times to get all kinds of tongue twisted), look no further than the signature Bean N Brunch Egg with a Florentine crunchy English muffin layered with your choice of meat (bacon, ham or smoked salmon) or veg (mushroom and avo), poached eggs and warm Hollandaise, served with a golden hash brown and grilled tomato.
Or for a lazy lunch done right, get your nom on with the signature PM dish, Bean N Brunch Schnitzel, a sumptuous golden crumbed chicken breast served with beer battered chips and salad.
Then, on your next visit coz trust us, there’ll be another (and another…), try the Grilled Barramundi, Osso Bucco Ravioli, or a palette pleasing beef, chicken or vegan burger.
Beverage wise, David and his team do a mean latte, macchiato and dirty chai.
Perhaps you’re channelling something to cool you down and to be fair, it’s like fiddy degrees in the shade right now so one can’t go past a mango, strawberry or passionfruit Home Made Lemonade. Or for more of a substantial sip, it’s gotta be the Avo-Go-Go Smoothie with avo (duh), broccoli, spinach, mango, coconut, ginger, and lime.
Oh and watch this space because David has big things in the pipeline for Bean N Brunch and Sir, we are all ears!
With a grand plan to introduce more European dishes as part of a winter special menu (including Hungarian Goulash), srsly can it be June already?
So round up your people, pack your appetite for ‘a latte’ great eats and drinks, and make for the mountain!
Where: 161 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain
When: 6am – 3pm Monday to Sunday. Closed Tuesday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Carly King.
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!
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.
