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The Gold Coast is one of Queensland’s premier destinations. With sun, sand and surf waiting for you all year round.

If you're there for the Commonwealth Games and fancy seeing something a little different, hire a car from the Gold Coast and head for the hills. Drive thirty minutes inland from the beaches and you’ll find the Hinterland, which is full of rainforests, farms and vineyards.

Here are five things to do when you’re there.

Sip some wine

The Gold Coast Hinterland is a fantastic destination for wine-lovers. It’s one of Queensland’s fastest growing wine regions, thanks to the range of micro-climates creating perfect growing conditions for a variety of grapes. Mount Tamborine (pictured), Mount Nathan, Lamington and Canungra are full of top-notch wineries. Some wineries that we recommend include Albert River Wines and O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards.

The Knoll Lookout, Mount Tamborine. Photo by Wiki.

Hiking in Springbrook National Park

Hiking is a popular pastime in Springbrook National Park. The track to Natural Bridge, which has formed over millions of years from water pounding onto the roof of a basalt cave, is one of the most popular. It’s the perfect place for a picnic. At night in summer, the cave is equally enchanting. Take a guided tour to see amazing glow-worm colonies, fireflies and even luminous fungi.

Visit the Cheese Shop and Factory

Just an hour from Brisbane and in the heart of Mount Tamborine is the Witches Chase Cheese Company Shop. Deliciously soft and hand-made cheeses are waiting to be sampled and bought. The factory proudly produces small batches of high-quality cheeses and other dairy products, such as ice cream. This amazing destination could keep you tied up all day!

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

Walk 30 metres above the ground through the rainforest canopy. Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is an exciting eco-adventure that’s suitable for all ages. The 1.5km long path at Skywalk treats you to views of lush rainforest leads you to the crystal clear rock pools of Cedar Creek. During the trip, you’ll encounter rare butterflies and other rainforest animals.

Get up close with Alpacas

The Mountview Alpaca Farm is an exciting destination for people of all ages, especially kids. Not only is the beautiful view of Tamborine Mountain and the Gold Coast likely to inspire you, but you can cuddle and pat alpacas! For just a few dollars you can buy a large bag of food and feed these friendly animals. There’s also a gift shop, where you’ll find unique alpaca-themed goods from Australia and South America.

Also, check out Romantic drives ... Coffs Harbour to Crystal Castle, Byron Bay

BRIANNA PIAZZA

Brianna Piazza

Brianna Piazza

Brianna Piazza is an Australian television reporter and part-time travel blogger. Originally from Melbourne, she's currently living in Cairns where she works for WIN News and spends her weekends exploring the outdoors Far North Queensland.

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