Words by Dorian Mode Photography by Lydia Thorpe
The Gold Coast. Say those words, and you instantly conjure images of high–rises, crowded beaches, and glitzy nightlife. It’s all surfboards and theme parks, right? But seniors, venture a little further inland and you’ll find another side to this holiday hotspot – a lush hinterland that’s more the “green behind the gold”. Think rainforests, funky hippie villages, and just enough wineries to have you walking sideways down Gallery Walk.
We set up camp at the Mercure Gold Coast Resort in Carrara. Geographically, it’s smack bang in the middle of the Gold Coast, making it the perfect base to pivot between the beachy glitter strip and the serene hinterland. The resort itself is surrounded by a golf course and driving range, which is great if you’re a golfer. Us? Not golfers. But we enjoy a nice view over the greens as we sip on a glass of wine. And what’s more, the Mercure has one of the best value hotel restaurants we’ve come across but more on that later.
The morning starts with a drive up to Mount Tamborine, just 30 minutes away. Unlike the trek from Bondi to Katoomba, this hinterland escape is right at your doorstep (both beach and hinterland are each a little over 15 mins away). The road winds through lush greenery, and soon you’re in a different world – cool mountain air, misty views, and charming villages that feel like something out of a fairy tale (if that fairy tale involved scented candles and wine tastings).
Our first stop is the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, a raised walkway through the treetops. It’s a bit pricey for what it is, but the views are worth it. Heavy tropical rain adds an extra layer of atmosphere, and as we walk through the mist, it’s easy to forget that we’re just a short drive from the beachside chaos of Surfers Paradise.
The main draw of Mount Tamborine is Gallery Walk – a stretch of quirky shops, cafes, and art galleries that’s a bit hippie, a bit posh, and thoroughly charming. It’s all wine tastings, tie–dye, and oddball shops like the Hinterland Hemp Emporium and the German Cuckoo Clock Nest (yes, really). One standout is Castle Glen, a bizarre Scottish–style castle selling liqueurs in every colour of the rainbow. Want lavender gin? They’ve got it. How about pineapple tequila? Sure, why not. It’s the Gold Coast.
For a more outdoorsy adventure, there are some fantastic hiking trails in the area. Take a gentle hike and it will lead to the Bearded Dragon Hotel, a pub that’s perfect for seniors – flat paths, a welcoming atmosphere, and cold beer waiting at the end. This is my kind of hike.
We also stumble upon a hidden gem: the Mount Tamborine Botanic Gardens. I do love a public garden. Maintained by a dedicated group of senior volunteers, these gardens are an oasis of calm. It’s the kind of place where you can sit quietly, surrounded by lush greenery, and feel like you’re a world away from the hustle of the Gold Coast.
Back at the Mercure, after a lazy swim in the resort pool, we head to the restaurant for dinner. And here’s the surprise: the food is killer, and the prices are even better. Not a single bottle of wine on the menu costs more than $50, and happy hour runs from 3 to 5pm with house spirits, wine, and beer at bargain prices. We tuck into grilled barramundi and a bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. Eating out on the Gold Coast in general, we’ve discovered, is surprisingly cheap.
The next day, we head back into the hinterland for a visit to the Tamborine Mountain Distillery, Australia’s smallest operating pot still distillery. It’s tucked away off the main road, and stepping inside feels like entering a whimsical world of artisan spirits and quirky concoctions. We also visit Peddly Picnics, where you can grab a gourmet hamper and ride off into the mist.
Finally, and here’s where I out myself, I love a shopping centre. So we also stop at Pacific Fair on our way back to the coast – because no trip to the Gold Coast is complete without a little retail therapy. This is not just any shopping centre. It’s a sprawling complex with a lagoon at its centre, complete with sun lounges. It’s peak Gold Coast: flashy, fabulous, and a little bit ridiculous. But you can’t help but love it.
Psst! Public transport on the Gold Coast is another pleasant surprise. The Premier has introduced 50c fares for public transport across Queensland, and the best part? It applies to everyone – locals and visitors alike. It’s a fantastic way to explore the region without breaking the bank.
As the tram crawls through the gut of the glitter strip on the way to the airport, we glance back at the hills – a quiet reminder that beyond the bling lies the Gold Coast’s true treasure.
fact box
Autumn/Winter Stay and Save at Mercure Gold Coast Resort
Deal: Save up to 25% when you book early and stay three or more nights this winter.
Location: Mercure Gold Coast Resort – the perfect base to explore the Gold Coast’s beaches, hinterland, and attractions.
Booking: Visit www.mercuregoldcoastresort.com.au to book your stay.
HANDY WEBSITES & LINKS
Mercure Gold Coast Resort: www.mercuregoldcoastresort.com.au
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk: www.rainforestskywalk.com.au
Gallery Walk, Mount Tamborine: www.tamborinemtncc.org.au/gallery-walk/
Castle Glen Australia: www.castleglenaustralia.com.au
Mount Tamborine Botanic Gardens: www.tmbotanicgardens.org.au
Tamborine Mountain Distillery: www.tamborinemountaindistillery.com
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre: www.pacificfair.com.au
Translink – Gold Coast Public Transport: www.translink.com.au