The Gold Coast in South East Queensland makes for an almost perfect place to live and visit. Beautiful sandy beaches, blue skies and a climate where winter is definitely not a hindrance to enjoying the cosmopolitan lifestyle.
However, there are some hidden gems right in the Gold Coast’s hinterland. If the glitz and glamour of the tourist strip aren’t your thing, then take a day trip to Tyalgum to experience the O’Heart Festival.
The festival is about green and healthy lifestyle, sustainability, music and family friendly activities all rolled into one.
This is an excellent self-drive day trip from the Gold Coast.
Overall the trip is about 276kms on very good roads through some of the best natural scenery to be seen in the Gold Coast hinterland. So it’s easily done in a day with plenty of time to experience all this part of the world has to offer.
Northern Gold Coast to Fingal
Distance: 53kms/45minutes
Before heading inland, take a short detour to Fingal. This is worth a visit as it sets the scene for the rest of the day.
Drive down the M1 into New South Wales and take the turnoff to Fingal. The road follows the Tweed River into this leafy little town where the visitor can immediately feel a change of pace.
Things to See and Do
Walk out onto the headland and look out over the ocean. Spend some time taking in the pristine views.
Best Place to Eat
Our pick would be the Sheoak Shack Gallery Café with its rustic décor and comfortable outdoor furniture. A perfect spot to have a coffee, brunch and look out over the Tweed River. Take a walk through the gallery and look at creations by local and indigenous artists.
Fingal to Murwillumbah
Distance: 30kms/30minutes
Murwillumbah is the major town in the area, with a population of about 9,000 residents.
Things to See and Do
- Visit the World Heritage listed Wollumbin National Park, and for the more adventurous climb up Mount Warning to get unmatched views of the surrounding landscape.
- Call into the Tweed Regional Gallery and spend some time in the Margaret Olley Arts Centre. Margaret was one of Australia’s most respected painters, specialising in still life.
- If you’re here on the third Sunday of the month, then why not visit the Makers and Finders Markets where local artisans and primary producers have their best on display.
Best Places to Eat
There is a range of dining experiences in the town, from cafés and restaurants offering a wide range of international cuisines to traditional pub grub.
Our recommendation is Café Keith which serves coffee, wine and craft beers! Once you’re there, no need to leave. You can check out their Facebook page here.
Visit Destination NSW-Murwillumbah for more information.
Murwillumbah to Tyalgum
Distance: 22kms/26minutes
Tyalgum is surrounded by rugged mountain terrain such as the Nightcap Ranges, and is a beautiful little township that has a feel all of its own. All of the original buildings have been restored and preserved to create a feeling of a bygone era, when life seemed simpler and slower paced.
O’Heart Festival
This is a great festival if you are looking for grassroots entertainment and atmosphere. It’s held on a weekend mid-August each year, and goes from Friday afternoon, Saturday through to Sunday. It’s theme is ‘conscious awakening’.
For those of us on the other side of 60, who hark back to the core values and beliefs behind events such as Woodstock, this is a real treat.
The festival embraces:
- Local bands and entertainers (both free and ticketed)
- Market stalls
- Workshops on sustainability and environmental solutions
- Yoga and meditation sessions
- Activities for the whole family
Things to See and Do
Even if you missed the O’Heart Festival and have to wait until next year, there are stores and markets full of local produce and crafts every single weekend. And there’s always a local band playing somewhere.
Best Place to Eat
There are a few, but our pick would have to be Flutterbies. This café spreads out through a number of local buildings, but the intimacy and great atmosphere is not lost on the visitor.
A must-try is their Champagne Cocktails:-
- Rose Bliss Champagne – rose petals, Persian rose fairy floss and edible gold glitter
- Champagne Gold – 1920’s glass with elderflower and edible gold glitter.
Bubbles not your thing? Then try their excellent adaptations of the classic G&T (Gin and Tonic).
Tyalgum to Northern Gold Coast
Distance: 72kms/75minutes
Turn left out of Tyalgum onto Limpinwood Road and then onto Nerang-Murwillumbah Road.
Things to See and Do
- Become absorbed in the beautiful, rugged landscape of the Lamington National Park on your left and Springbrook National Park on your right.
- Take a short detour into Natural Bridge, to see a waterfall falling behind the basalt arch.
Places to Stop for a Break
Try the Two Pines Café or NV Café along the Nerang Murwillumbah Road.
Road Map
There’s something for everyone in and around the Gold Coast. In particular, a self drive day trip to the hinterland offers a world of rich experiences.
