Sundays are reserved for one of three purposes; chilling with the fam and getting prepped for the week ahead, sneaking in a little Sunday sesh to delay Monday as long as humanly possible, and our fave, a spot of road trippin!

We’re lucky on the GC as we’re inundated with scenic drive options, and only need to travel an hour or two to find lots of beautiful, unique sights and activities.

We’ve broken it down to five destinations and provided a small snapshot of what you can find at each.

Toot toot!

Mt Tamborine

Gallery Walk
A trip up the mountain isn’t complete without a stroll along Gallery Walk. It’s a melting pot of eclectic finds, with over 70 shops in the one block. You’ll find everything from fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts, cellar door outlets, chocolate, fudge, food outlets, cafes…and even a cuckoo clock shop. If you’re looking for something unique or need to buy that friend who has everything a gift, chances are you’ll find something here.
Where: Long Road, Tamborine Mountain

Curtis Falls
Enjoy a beautiful walk through the rain-drenched Eucalyptus forest to the magical Curtis Falls. Wander past towering trees and through a canopy of ferns, down to this miniature and photogenic waterfall. The 1.1km walk should only talk half an hour or less to get down to the falls, but you will likely want to stay awhile and soak up the peacefulness. Top it off with a spot of morning tea at the Curtis Falls Cafe. Lovely!
Where: 16 Eagle Heights Road, North Tamborine – Get there via Eagle Heights Road and park right at the entrance to the walk.

Cauldron Distillery
This 18-acre working distillery is the darling of the Scenic Rim. A Prohibition-style space with an established vineyard, lush rolling meadows and of course, a generous gin and cocktail bar, there’s a lot to love. Settle in for a bev or a feed, or BYO picnic rug and chill amongst the vineyards. You can partake in complimentary lawn games if you so desire, and they’re pro pop here so Fido can come too!
Where: 89-123 Hartley Road, Tamborine Mountain

The Glow Worm Caves
Take a guided half-hour walk through lush rainforest to a purpose-built cave, filled with thousands of shimmery glow worms! Everyone can get up close and personal with a glow worm here without damaging delicate wild habitats #CueApplause. And the best part? It’s conveniently located in the Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery, you can enjoy a tipple pre or post tour…or pre and post tour!
Where: Cedar Creek Estate, 104-144 Hartley Road, North Tamborine

Canungra

Mountview Alpaca Farm
Located in O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard, you can meet alpacas and drink wine and srsly, life made. Choose between 15 and 60 minute alpaca experiences where you can walk and feed these cute creatures, or go all out with an alpaca picnic, alpaca devonshire tea, or a wine, cheese and alpaca package (#us). Set in a boutique vineyard and historic Queenslander homestead, it’s as picturesque as it is fun.
Where: 852 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra

Cudgen

Farm & Co.
No doubt Instagram has informed you there is a field of sunflowers just a short 25 minute drive away where you can frolic, take selfies, pick said sunflowers and generally pretend you don’t have a care in the world. There’s also a coffee shop where you can sink into an oversized lounge chair while gazing at the sunflowers and contemplating a new career in farming, live music of a weekend, a tasty array of brunch eats and fresh veggies you can take home too.
Where: 529 Cudgen Road, Cudgen 

The Chindy
Check out restful riverside town Chinderah, stopping in for a refreshment and snack at The Chindy. Also known as Chinderah Tavern, The Chindy boasts a big old deck overlooking the widest river in the world (not a fact) and supplies all the cold beer, wine and tasty eats you could wish for on a Sunday afternoon. There’s live music, sunsets if you time it right, and just general non-city good times. Right next door is Cubby Bakehouse so you can get yourself some dessert for the drive home.
Where: 156 Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah

Byron Region

The Farm Byron Bay
A must visit for everyone (especially anyone with a little person in tow), The Farm is a destination in itself. See how the farm operates and say hi to the animals, and meet the infamous mascots Braveheart the Scottish Highland cow and Bobby the rooster. Collect macadamia nuts from the macadamia trees, have a meal at Three Blue Ducks restaurant, or grab a little something from The Bread Social to eat outside on a picnic rug. There’s a playground for the anklebiters and plenty of beautiful open space to explore.
Where: 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale

The Crystal Castle in Mullumbimby
Instagood alert! Sit in an ancient amethyst cave, pose with rare and amazing giant crystals, and wander five hectares of subtropical, crystal-filled Shambhala Gardens and rainforest. You can even touch the World Peace Stupa, a project blessed by the Dalai Lama and join in Crystal Sound Healings at 12pm and 3pm! Grab a bite with a stunning hinterland view at Lotus Café and let the kids run amok in the playground.
Where: 81 Monet Drive, Montecollum

Hotel Brunswick
The heart of beautiful Brunswick Heads, swing in for a drink or a feed at this classic Aussie pub. Somewhat of an institution and a fave far and wide, relax under the beautiful Poinciana trees in the beer garden and soak up the ambience. Always busy on Sundays, if you can push the friendship and stay on till the early evening, you’ll generally be rewarded with live music and an even more awesome vibe. Pub grub at its best.
Where: Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads

Newrybar Merchants
A collective of creative local artisans and curators of fine goods who are passionate about what they do, this is our jam! Honouring the space and the essence of the Byron Bay Hinterland, Newrybar Merchants enables customers to experience rustic charm effortlessly blended with sophistication within a beautiful and unique retail space. Shop everything from faaarshion, to homewares, to wellness products and everything in between, it’s a must.
Where: 16 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar

The Tweed

Northern Rivers Rail Trail
This scenic trail connects you to breathtaking landscapes, charming local towns, and top-notch spots to eat, stay, and explore. Whether you’re cruising on two wheels, taking a leisurely stroll, or going for a run, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is an adventure at your own pace. With bike hire, shuttles, and cosy accommodation options along the way, planning your trip is a breeze. For an extra dose of fun, Better By Bike makes exploring even easier—perfect for beginners, casual riders, and anyone keen to swap four wheels for two. It’s also a great way to switch off, soak in the stunning surroundings, and even turn a team-building day into a mental health boost. Grab a picnic or a coffee at The Platform Cafe before you head off.
Where: Various access points from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek

Wollumbin National Park
This World Heritage-listed national treasure is well worth a look. Previously known as Mt Warning National Park, lose yourself in some of the largest and oldest tracts of sub-tropical rainforest on Earth. Wollumbin, which rises from the park to a height of 1,157 metres above sea level, is a remnant central vent of an ancient volcano and yep, that’s a drawcard right there. Note the Wollumbin (Mount Warning) summit track and the Aboriginal Place remains closed.
Where: About 12km south-west of Murwillumbah off Kyogle Road, Mount Warning

Tweed River House
This one is special! From the vantage point of the verdant riverbanks, settled at the tropical foothills of the Tweed Caldera in Murwillumbah, this century-old riverside plantation house has been lovingly restored to maintain its original character and charm. The elegant yet relaxed renovation creates a unique space that reflects the gentle pace of the Northern Rivers, oozing 1930s style with a French twist. They’ve even been nominated for a Chef Hat Award by the Australian Good Food Guide so if the aesthetics aren’t enough to get you there, the nosh will be!
Where: 131 River Street, South Murwillumbah

Baked at Ancora
Another one that’s close by when you’re a bit strapped for time is Baked at Ancora. Believers that sweet treats and waterside picnics go hand in hand, we concur and we can’t get enough of this Parisian style café bakery. From their signature croissants and traditional classics like pain-au-chocolat, to the more unique and inventive flavour combos, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in actual Paris. Well worth the waistline damage.
Where: 118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads 

Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre
There’s always something new to discover at the Tweed Regional Gallery, housed in a large, modern, architecturally award-winning building with views to Wollumbin/Mount Warning. While you’re there, a meal at in-house eats haunt Apex is an absolute non-negotiable. With a stunning outlook and design to reflect the vista, indulge in a unique combo of rustic French patisserie goodies and modern cafe plates with a very ‘now’ pan-Asian twist. Add a cocktail and instant happy place.
Where: 2 Mistral Road, South Murwillumbah

Husk Farm Distillery
Just a hop, skip and a jump over the border, a sneaky visit to the lush Husk grounds is certainly one of the more low effort, high reward outings Gold Coasters have at our fingertips. Our recommendation? Take your tastebuds on a very smooth sip around the signature Husk offerings with a tasting paddle to start. Not only have they mastered treats of the thirst quenching variety, the Husk Farm kitchen offers up a selection of top notch eats to rival their signature spirits selection.
Where: Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Thirsty folk of the GC and surrounds, prepare to update that rolling list of steadfast sip spots to whip out at a moment’s notice – we’ve officially scored one more to adore, as Perentie Brewing Co. cracks its taps just in time for summer.

Situated smack bang between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the purpose-built, $6 million-dollar brewery is the first of its kind for the Eagleby region, bringing authentic lager beers, tasty, seasonal bar bites and a sprawling beer garden space to the banks of the Albert River, within the Distillery Road Market (DRM) entertainment hub.

No matter your neck of the woods, Perentie’s addition is a huge get that will attract the parched and peckish from far and wide. The central, craft brew hotspot – one the Logan region has long been crying out for – will be a game changer for any who’ve attempted to gather a crew more chaotically spread through the suburbs than a Vegemite sanga.

Providing a contemporary, convenient spot for ale to load up on the likes of black beer spiked Onion Rings, Prawn and Bug Rolls, Smash Burgers, and sink some icy cold pints – just a mere one-minute side quest off the motorway.

Even if you’re yet to step foot inside the industrial-style DRM precinct, it’s one you’ve likely spied in your travels. Tucked right beside the highway – at a whopping 17,000 sqm footprint, the festoon-lit facility is one that’s hard to miss.

Its first stage in 2019 delivered a community foodie hub for the bustling growth corridor – complete with food truck studded artisan markets, a Mexican Cantina, a Smokehouse, and its very own flagship, licensed Zaraffas location. A Z-raffs churning out caffeine hits and cocktails? Sign us up.

With a name inspired by Australia’s largest monitor lizard, Perentie’s addition signifies the next stage for the project, unveiling an impressive, architecturally designed 921m2 space. Which, more importantly for the beer buffs among us, holds over 30,000 litres of beer onsite and capacity to brew 1 million litres year… don’t mind if we ‘brew’!

There’s a total 68 taps of beer throughout (over half of which are dedicated to the house brews) with an offering that includes three signature beer products alongside a seasonal menu fresh out of the on-site kitchen. There’s a signature drop to suit every hankering, including the Summer Dry (a mid-strength lager), Pure Crisp (clean crisp lager) and Komodo Black (dark lager) beers – all brewed using traditional German techniques.

The state-of-the-art production facility is the brainchild of a man who clearly has a passion for brews in all forms – Zarraffa’s Coffee Founder, Kenton Campbell. The project finally sees his long-term vision for the space to become a “world-class precinct with something for everyone” come to brew-ition.

“DRM, and now Perentie, is somewhere you can meet family or friends halfway, stop for a refreshing drink and bite to eat, browse the markets and listen to your favourite local musicians.” Kenton adds “Perentie is really the icing on the cake creating authentic moments of relaxation and enjoyment.”

Well, you heard the man, go forth, relax and enjoy!

Where: 124 Distillery Rd, Eagleby
When: Thursday to Sunday 11am – late
Website: www.perentiebrewing.co
Instagram: @perentiebrewingco

Words by Kellie Leader.

We know you’ll agree that back in 2018, when Granddad Jacks opened in the backstreets of Miami’s arts and industrial precinct, there was a collective swoon movement across our Coast. And since then, the distillery headed up by father and son duo, David and Luke Ridden has surfed a gin-infused movement that has seen Australia’s taste for boutique artisan-produced gin skyrocket.

If you’ve visited their craft distillery in Miami (if you haven’t, we strongly suggest you do STAT), you’ll be familiar with their modern yet vintage-styled venue and approach to producing craft spirits. Whereby they regularly host thirsty hordes and teach the fine art of distilling with intimate distillery tours. And you probably won’t find a better place to taste and learn as Granddad Jacks has been awarded multiple accolades, including a double gold medal from non-other than the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Awards.

So, in order to share the love, Granddad Jacks has only gone and opened themselves a brand spanking new venue in Brisbane, which promises the same world-class drinks experience but with a capital city feel.

The new space can be found on the backstreets of down-to-earth and industrial Albion in Brisbane’s inner northeast and is focused on being a welcoming community-driven hub for locals and visitors alike to mingle and appreciate carefully curated craft spirits.

Upon entry, you’ll realise a lot of effort has been put into ensuring this venue mirrors the same laid-back and antiquated vibes of their Miami headquarters. Bare red bricks, leather Chester lounges, and a polished concrete floor help instil the essence of what Granddad Jacks is all about, and if you happen to forget for a second, you might just catch the eye of his hand-painted mural behind the bar — a man whose life was well-lived.

The focus has also been to create a space hinging its makeup on being eco-friendly and sustainably put together. Whilst the original distillery has its Barbershop within the distillery, the Albion venue features a Greenhouse area to the rear. A very poignant inclusion for the business as Grandad Jack himself was an avid gardener throughout his life — and we’ve heard whispers this space may increase in size… so watch this space.

From the Greenhouse, the guys are keen to grow as much as they can on-site by way of herbs and botanicals for the distilling process and to help make/garnish all of those delicious cocktails we know and love about Granddad Jacks. They’re utilising state-of-the-art aeroponic gardens, which use hydroponic technology to grow plants with the utmost sustainability: saving the planet one cocktail at a time. — We are all about that!

To keep things interesting, the crew have gone about making and releasing an exclusive gin to their Brisbane venue. Inspired by Albion’s historical past and when Market Gardens populated the lower-lying marshlands, supplying the town with most of their fresh produce. The Albion Gin incorporates locally sourced Pink Oyster mushrooms, Basil, Soy sauce, Ginger, Coriander, Orris root and Juniper to create an artistically balanced savoury gin.

You can also expect to see monthly limited releases and a slew of unique cocktails which you will only find served here — sorry Gold Coasters. Expect the Not So Tom Collins with Penny Vodka, butterfly pea syrup, lemon juice, blossom tonic and the Buttered Up with lashings of Albion Gin, orgeat, lemon ginger & mushroom butter, salted basil, and pear syrup.

If you fancy something a little different, the Albion site will also be brewing up a small amount of beer on-site as well — perfect if you feel like a palate cleanser before getting into the good stuff.

Open Thursday through to Sunday Granddad Jacks Brisbane welcome kidlets and dogs with open arms and encourage you to BYO food from several local businesses like nearby Fonzie Abbott, who put together some amazing burgers and pizzas.

It now looks like you have a viable reason to hotfoot it to the River City — so go on, we won’t tell anybody.

Hours: Thursday — Sunday, 3pm — 9.30pm
Where: 26 Collingwood Street, Albion, Brisbane

Words by Alex Mitcheson.