With lush rainforest, rustic cafes, spectacular views, picturesque wineries and wonderful walks, the Hinterland is the Gold Coast's best-kept secret.
While nearby Surfers Paradise and Byron Bay are often swamped by tourists the Gold Coast Hinterland retains an endearing community spirit. An eclectic group of local artists exhibit their works, cosy restaurants and cafes hug the sidewalk and atmosphere abounds.
Located 50 minutes drive from the coastal strip and 25 minutes from Ruffles Lodge, the Hinterland contains an amazing 29 national parks and nature reserves and World Heritage-listed national parks. It is also home to Australia's largest area of subtropical rainforest, the world's biggest volcanic caldera (of which Mt Warning is the "core") and 300kms of walking trails.
Mt Tamborine - Canungra - O'Reilly's - Beaudesert
Walk through the treetops in the O'Reilly Rainforest, listen to jazz and try a new grape at the Canungra Valley Vineyard or if you feel like an adventure then take a four-wheel drive through beautiful expansive Australian bushland.
Numinbah Valley across the NSW boarder and down into the Tweed valley
This drive is a circuit leaving Ruffles Lodge and passing through the rugged area of the Numinbah Valley and rainforest of Natural Bridge. As you pass into NSW you leave the scenic rim of the McPherson Ranges and drive into the beautiful valley below. The picturesque village of Chillingham has a true country feel. You drive east through the Tweed valley before heading north back up onto the scenic rim and into Queensland.
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Hinterland Winery Tours
Encompassing the rainforest beauty of Mt Tamborine and the emerald countryside in the valleys of Canungra, Clagiraba, and the Albert River, is Queensland's boutique wine region. The Gold Coast Hinterland Wine Country is a spectacular wine region featuring boutique wineries and vineyards producing award-winning wines. Choose from numerous different vineyards to visit.
The Gold Coast area is a golfer's paradise; within a proximity of 30 minutes drive from Ruffles Lodge, there are approximately 30 public and resort style golf courses. The cost of a round ranges from $40 to $135. We can book your golf for you and will drive you to the course of your choice if you do not have your own transport and then collect you at the end of your day's golf.
Ruffles practice area will help you fine tune your game.
When you book your golfing holiday at Ruffles we send you a list of available golf courses, with a short description of each including cost and distance from the Lodge. If you wish we can pre-book all your golf. Jan is our keen golfer and has played all 18 courses on our list
THEME PARKS
Because Ruffles does not cater for children we only talk about the Parks that are suitable for adults as we have been surprised at the number of our guests who spend all day at the theme parks and then go back and do it all over again the next day.
Dreamworld
Dreamworld is only 10 minutes from Ruffles. Our guests recommend "Tiger Island". It's amazing how big these animals are when you get up close. www.dreamworld.com.au
Warner Bros Movie World
Movie World is only 12 minutes from Ruffles. Our guests have been raving about the Superman escape ride. www.movieworld.com.au
Australian Outback Spectacular
An American guest who was keen to see the Outback show asked me to join him; he wasn’t keen on going alone. We both found the show and dinner a wonderful experience. I would recommend the show to anybody with a love of horses. John
See our (outback package) listed under specials and packages.
Sea World
Sea world is 30 minutes from Ruffles. This is a top place for those who enjoy large sea animals, sharks, dolphins and polar bears. A guest told us how early in the morning they were able to join a small group and swim with the dolphins and be filmed. Numbers were limited so as not to stress the animals. Go to events on their website. www.seaworld.com.au
SURFERS PARADISE
For those who enjoy the glitter and shopping, we can recommend Tedder Avenue, Main Beach for lunch and Marina Mirage for shopping. Also don't miss Steiners gallery for art (located 30 minutes from Ruffles).
Lamington National Park
