Gold Coast hinterland
The Gold Coast hinterland is an area of South East Queensland, Australia that comprises part of the McPherson Range, Numinbah Valley and western parts of suburban Gold Coast.
There are various scenic attractions including national parks leading to the development of a vibrant tourism industry. Wine-tasting, bird-feeding and bushwalking are some of the pastimes that attract visitors to the hinterland.[1] Other attractions in the area include O'Reilly's Guesthouse, the Natural Bridge and Binna Burra.
Geography
This elevated area is part of the Great Dividing Range and contains the headwaters for a number of rivers and creeks including the Coomera River, Nerang River, Pimpama River, Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Creek. Some of the highest mountains in the hinterland are Springbrook Mountain (900 m), Mount Nimmel (489 m), Mount Tamborine (560 m), Mount Cougal at (739 m) and Tamborine Mountain (600 m).
Suburbs and townships
Land use in the hinterland is divided between protected areas and rural residential living. On the eastern foothills of the hinterland lie the Gold Coast suburbs of Mudgeeraba, Tallebudgera and Nerang. There are a number of small villages like Advancetown, Beechmont and Canungra that are considered part of the hinterland.
At the foot of Mount Nimmel lies Austinville and beyond, the towering plateau of Springbrook Mountain, on top of which lies a small township by the same name. Some have commented some of these sleepy suburbs are reminiscent of a 19th century village, as these areas are some of the oldest in the relatively young Gold Coast.
Protected areas
The area has significant natural beauty that has been preserved in national parks. Much of the hinterlands extensive national parks are UNESCO World Heritage listed. Springbrook National Park covers 2720 hectares of rainforest, plenty of which is accesible by walking trails.[2] Remnants of early forestry history await you as well as several waterfalls, including the famous Purlingbrook Falls, as well as many gorges and much rainforest.
Lamington National Park covers 20,590 hectares of rainforest, comprising mainly of two sections, the Green Mountains and Binna Burra.[3] The longest available walk is 24 kilometres, about 8 hours walking time. Tamborine National Park covers 1160 hectares of the Tamborine Mountain, a remnant of the once giant Tweed Volcano.
Closer to the coast, although not technically part of the hinterland, is the Currumbin Valley Reserve.
