Gold Coast Hinterland Overview

Just a little over an hour from the bustling coast, the Hinterland lets nature-lovers bushwalk through subtropical rainforest, enjoy spectacular views, and stroll through tiny towns. It makes for a wonderful daytrip away from the glitz of the coast, and while there are limited budget accommodations, there are several great opportunities for camping.

Travel by car is the most flexible and enjoyable means to explore. Head south along the Gold Coast Hwy. and turn right at Hooker Blvd./Nerang (at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre). You will immediately see signs to Springbrook National Park (41km), Binna Burra (48km), and O’Reilly’s Plateau/Lamington National Park (74km). Continue toward Nerang and then follow the signs. Many of the roads inland are not connected, and a fair amount of backtracking is inevitable. However, the parks are close enough to one another that two or more can be visited in just a few days. Look for kangaroos along the drive. For more info, contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (☎13 13 04; www.epa.qld.gov.au).

There are group tours that can transport you to some of the parks. Scenic Hinterland Tours, 9 Beach Rd. (☎07 5531 5536; www.hinterlandtours.com.au.) across from the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre, picks up from Gold Coast resorts and has trips to both Lamington ($62) and Springbrook ($65) National Parks. While the guided tour is convenient, you will spend most of your time on the bus sitting next to Australian pensioners. Students get a $5 discount. You must book ahead. All State Scenic Tours accesses O’Reilly’s Park in Lamington from the Transit Centre in Brisbane and will pick up passengers along the Gold Coast. (☎07 3489 6444; www.brisbanedaytours.com.au. Departs daily 9am, returns 4:30pm. $79, children $49. Includes morning tea and wine tasting.)