Local favourites, sharing their insider tips on places and things to do on and around Tamborine Mountain – Your gold coast hinterland!

Samantha Dusting is the owner of Lydia’s Garden, a florist shop inside My Country Escape in Canungra specialising in garden-style bouquets and bespoke weddings.

What inspired you to start your business, and what do you have planned in 2021?

I named my business Lydia’s Garden after my grandma, Lydia Alice. She had a very beautiful and very old Victorian garden, which was surrounded the family farmhouse, it was her grandmothers before she inherited it. We always got a tour of the garden when we visited, were told the names of all the flowers and allowed to pick as many as we liked. She was a passionate gardener and loved sharing her knowledge with my sister Emma and me.

I have been working in the flower industry for the past 13 years and began floristry almost by accident – my friend had a wedding decor and styling business and had booked a wedding at Versace. She was struggling to find a florist to take on the wedding flowers and asked if I would help, having had no experience I quickly booked myself into a floristry school! Together we pulled it off and managed to make a very traditional Sri Lankan wedding absolutely beautiful with masses of flowers, colour and noise. It truly was a baptism of fire! While the majority of my floral work has been weddings, for the past four years I have been working with Michelle Roper-Dennis at My Country Escape in Canungra as a retail florist. It gives me free reign to make the flowers that I love for the shop and thankfully people love to buy them too. I usually come to Tamborine Mountain to pick up my foliage and flowers from the local growers and also to make deliveries; my daughters attend the high school on the mountain so I am frequently visiting – and I have to say:

I cannot wait until the Goat Track is open again!

I have lived in Southeast Queensland since 1986 after moving up from Melbourne with my family. I worked at the ATO for 10 years and took a voluntary redundancy in 1999, which prompted my partner Johnno and I to move from Brisbane to the Scenic Rim to live in Kerry, just outside of Beaudesert. It was the best decision we ever made. We were both working at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, and Duck Creek Road was our daily drive, a very hair-raising and exciting one! We then moved to Canungra in 2002 bought our home, a worker’s cottage, which we have been renovating ever since. My sister Emma bought the house next door to us about eight years ago which has been really lovely.

How did COVID-19 affect you and your business in 2020/2021?

Covid has actually been very good for my business (sadly not for some other business owners), I had been working at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard for 22 years as the wine club coordinator and resigned in June last year as my floristry business became too busy to be able to dedicate myself fully to both.

What is it about your business that you love? What makes your business stand out from other, similar businesses? Is it a business that gives you satisfaction?

I love the creativity of floristry, seeing something at the flower market that I absolutely MUST have determines the colour palette of the flowers for the week, including visualising and planning the bouquets for the shop. My style of work is a very organic and rustic style, I enjoy creating something that looks like you’ve swept your arm through the garden and gathered a beautiful, natural bunch of flowers; a very different style from a ‘normal’ florist shop. I source a lot of my product from local growers (thanks Loretta, Emma, Grant and Heather!) and the beauty of that is that it’s picked just before I pick it up. There is a big push within the floral industry to support locally grown flowers rather than imported flowers, not only because they’re fresher but also because imported flowers are dipped in poisonous chemicals to pass through quarantine. I receive a lot of lovely compliments about the beauty and longevity of my bouquets from customers, something that brings me a lot of happiness.

What challenges have you had in business over this period of time?

Being a ‘one-man-band’, it’s sometimes challenging trying to fit trips to the flower market, flower preparation and conditioning, construction of orders and deliveries into one day. Planning is key!

What is the most bizarre or funny thing you have encountered in your business?

I’ve had a few unusual requests for personalised bouquets for a Peppermint Crisp lover and a Chuppa-Chup lover. Making table centrepieces for the Scenic Rim Regional Council’s Business Awards dinner using pumpkins from White’s farm in Kerry for vases was quite memorable too.

If you were not doing this what would your ideal job be?

I honestly can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing.

Interesting facts about yourself?

I have backpacked my way around Europe on my own twice and covered England, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Denmark, Germany and Scotland. I worked as a restaurant manager in Scotland for a year and screen-printed T-shirts in Amsterdam for six months.

What do you do for fun?

I love beach combing for sea-glass, glass tumbled and smoothed by the sand. Since visiting Tassie in January I now have a new love for sea-pottery!

Do you take holidays and if so, is there a favourite destination or activity?

We enjoy beach holidays at Broken Head with our family; you can do as little or as much as you like however you’ll usually find me on the beach with my nose in a good book.

Local favourites, sharing their insider tips on places and things to do on and around Tamborine Mountain – Your gold coast hinterland!

Doreen Wendt-Weir is a local author, well-loved speaker and occasional TV personality. She has just written her latest book, Gardening in Your Nineties.

Tell us a little about your life

I have been writing all of my life. I was first published in the Australian Women’s Mirror when I was in my twenties, with a story about hitchhiking in Italy. It had three illustrations, and I received my first exciting cheque!

I had already written two books about Logan Village when I commenced a Bachelor of Arts course at Griffith University, majoring in Creative Writing and Indigenous Studies. While completing my BA Honours degree, I was encouraged to research the sex lives of older people. This led to my best seller Sex in your Seventies, the book that changed my life.

How has COVID-19 affected your life?

I was born in 1928, so COVID-19 meant that I keep to myself largely. I am a keen vegetable gardener, so I decided, to fill my time well, to write another book on gardening. I realised that I thought a lot about my life while gardening, so the tale became a memoir. Because it was a true story, the intertwining love story was a necessity, and Gardening in your Nineties, the sequel to Sex in your Seventies became a reality.

I have had a chequered career. I was born on a dairy farm on the Logan River. The war interrupted my studies at the Brisbane Girls Grammar School, and I became part of the war effort in 1944 when I was manpowered to work for the US Army in their large post office in Brisbane. When the war ended, I was lost. I always wanted to be a journalist, but a BA was required in those days, and I did not have the Senior pass (grade 12) that was needed to gain entry to university. Adult education had not been heard of, so I went nursing, a decision I have never regretted.

After four years General Training in Grafton, I completed an Obstetrics course in Sydney. A friend and I then embarked for England where we completed our District Midwifery in Boston, Lincolnshire. We rode around on our bicycles, delivering babies in all sorts of conditions, just like the TV show Call the Midwives.

How would you best describe what you do?

I am really a raconteur, an entertainer. With my writing, I can inform folk, hold their interest, entertain them. I cannot stand anything boring, so I must always be interesting – or say nothing.

What are your main challenges?

Marketing my books is a challenge. But I seem to be good at it. I have my own website sexinyourseventies.com and have done a lot of guest speaking, entertaining folk and promoting my book(s) at the same time. One thing leads to another, and I have never had the need to advertise. An ABC radio interview (that won an Australia-wide competition) led to a television career that only ended with the advent of COVID-19.

Any particularly funny moments in your career?

The funniest thing to occur was when I was interviewed by Larry Emdur on The Morning Show, Channel 7. It was all about my book of course, Sex in your Seventies, and I was recounting the story of an interviewee who had cured her husband of his sexual problem with ‘quickies’. Larry and Kylie both thought I meant Quickeze, the indigestion remedy, and the next day went to great lengths to explain to viewers that it was useless thinking this little tablet would cure the dreaded malady!

I am to be envied in a way, I think, as I am finding fulfilment in my gardening and writing, and what goes with both!

I am now 93 years old, and despite a recent setback, live an interesting life. I have good friends, lovely family, a warm bed and good tucker. I count my blessings and only aspire to a simple life.

What do you do to relax?

I like to play (the card game) 500 and I love doing crosswords, both of which keep my brain active. We all need a laugh and I try to find the ‘funny side.’ I am never nasty. I love ‘doing lunch on the verandah,’ and adore good conversation.

Do you like to travel or go on holidays?

I have done a lot of travelling in my day, and now am content to visit family in distant towns, or have a day at the beach. The last time I visited the latter, I could not get up off the sand, and was helped by a lifesaver who had noticed my plight! I gave him my best smile and thanks.

I try to be interested and interesting. I love people and their stories. I have found that the most unlikely person has a story to tell. I once heard Sir John Gielgud speak, giving advice about life. He said to beware of the pitfall of becoming ‘a caricature of oneself’ as one grew older. Wise words, and worth thinking about. I consider I was once a victim myself, but Sir John’s words made me aware of my condition, and I now take care that I do not exaggerate any traits, good or bad, that I might possess.

Final thoughts?

A wise uncle long ago sent me this verse:

I shall pass this way but once;

Any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now.

Let me not defer nor neglect it,

for I shall not pass this way again.

Local favourites, sharing their insider tips on places and things to do on and around Tamborine Mountain – Your gold coast hinterland!

Off The Farm is a locally owned and run business in Canungra. Owned by Garry Hall, managed and run by Lauren Stevens, this little venture supports and uses only local and Queensland-grown produce.

What did you do before opening your business?

Before deciding to start a produce shop , Garry was/is a builder by trade. Lauren was/is a social media, public relations and events manager.

How would you describe Off the Farm?

We support local business, employ friendly staff, always fresh… lots of new and exciting items coming into the store daily. We have lots of new and inspiring things over the next few months, so watch this space –

What is it about your business that you love? What makes your business stand out from other, similar businesses? Is it a business that gives you satisfaction?

As manager, I love the interaction with the locals, I love getting to know everyone, their individual traits and the kids’ little personalities. Customers also get a kick out of knowing when they walk in, that I know what smoothie or juice they’re buying.

Our business stands out from the others because we support local. We only use QLD produce if we can’t get locally grown. We stock lots of products from locals, ranging from honeycomb, peanut brittle, beef jerky, herbs/spices and rubs, finger limes, milk and dairy, beef, a whole fridge of vegan range, raw and smoked garlic, and our honey is from the hives on Garry’s farm. Can’t get any more local than that!

What challenges have you had in business over this period of time?

Like all business, COVID-19 and lockdowns affected us, but we managed by offering home delivery and by staying open later hours to assist with essential workers needing fresh food.

What is the most bizarre or funny thing you have encountered in your business?

Fruit in the shape of odd and peculiar things: use your imagination. We had a pineapple named Wilson at one stage.

If you were not doing this, what would your ideal job be?

Retired in the Maldives – Professional sleep tester?

Interesting facts about yourself?

I’ve survived a sliced jugular. My anterior jugular was sliced inside from a previous surgery complication; had it been externally, I wouldn’t be here telling my story.

I also have very long fingernails and get comments every day… but I’ve had them long for over 20 years, so they are now just a part of me, I can’t function without them.

What do you do for fun?

I (Lauren) love stand-up paddle boarding, camping, beach days, anything outdoorsy, but I also love wine nights with friends, eating out and being in the company of good people.

Garry is an avid car and truck enthusiast, who loves wakeboarding and water-skiing; he loves his camp fires, but also his relaxing nights at home.

Do you take holidays and if so, is there a favourite destination or activity?

I mainly holiday to Sydney, as my dearest friends are there (I’m originally a Sydney girl), but a weekend on the Gold Coast is an amazing stay-cation!

Final thoughts?

I’m that friend you probably shouldn’t sit next to at a serious function: I dance like no one is watching, ’cause no one usually is, but I do get caught singing in the shop a fair bit.

I believe being beautiful has very little with how you look. Beauty comes from within.

Local favourites, sharing their insider tips on places and things to do on and around Tamborine Mountain – Your gold coast hinterland!

Georgia Lorange has lived all 13 years of her life on Tamborine Mountain, and has been dancing for most of it.

Tell us a little about your life.

I first started dancing when I was three years old at Tamborine Mountain Dance Academy, where I took classes in ballet, tap, contemporary, and jazz. I continued dancing there for seven years, but when I realised I wanted my main focus to be ballet, I moved to a full time ballet school. I now train full time at Classical Coaching Australia in Brisbane, which shares the same director as Brisbane City Youth Ballet.

What do you love about ballet?

I love the hard training and pushing myself to my limits. It is an extremely hard career to pursue, but that makes it even more worthwhile to see the results of all the hard work you have put into it.

But the main reason I love ballet is performing. I love everything about it: the music, the sets, the costumes, even the nerves I get, and of course the excitement. I love spending all the rehearsal time figuring out how to portray the story and my character in my expressions and movement.

That is what all my training and hard work is for.

What shows have you performed in?

I first successfully auditioned for the Brisbane City Youth Ballet in 2017 when I was nine years old. That year, I performed in The Magic Faraway Tree, Alice in Wonderland, and The Nutcracker. I absolutely loved everything about it! I auditioned again last year for The Nutcracker and couldn’t believe it when I was offered the main role of Clara. We performed seven sold-out shows at the Brisbane Powerhouse last December and it was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had! I also got to dance the role of the Dormouse in Alice in Wonderland in January and the Snow Goose in The Snow Queen at the HOTA just a couple of weeks ago. This was my first role en pointe in a full scale ballet production.

What are your greatest achievements so far?

Being accepted into the Queensland Ballet Associate Program and the Australian Ballet’s Interstate/International Training Program. Also, receiving a scholarship to the Princess Grace Academy in Monaco, and being awarded the Leanne Benjamin Ballet Scholarship at the end of last year was so exciting. In 2020, I was the youngest person, at age 12, to complete a Certificate II in Dance.

How has COVID-19 affected your life?

Covid has been both good and bad for me. When we were in lockdown last year, the Youth American Grand Prix held Zoom classes with company ballet school directors from all over the world, and I was lucky enough to be given a scholarship by Luca Masala, director of the Princess Grace Academy. The bad side of it, performance-wise, is that The Snow Queen at the HOTA had to be postponed when the three-day lockdown overlapped with the original date. Thankfully, it was still able to go ahead a week later with 100% capacity. Alice in Wonderland at the Powerhouse was reduced to 50% capacity earlier this year.

What are some challenges?

Working on my mindset is my main challenge at the moment. Ballet requires you to have grit, both physically and mentally. I’ve missed out on many things but I just have to pick myself up and turn my disappointment into drive.

What are some interesting facts about yourself?

I became vegan in 2019 after I watched ‘The Game Changers’ on Netflix. This documentary showed the benefits of eating plant-based foods as an athlete. I also do this for the environment and because I’ve always felt bad when eating meat as I absolutely love animals and don’t want to hurt them in any way.

I have been unschooled (not following a set curriculum) since Grade 3, which has allowed me to pursue creative projects and spend more time with my family.

I volunteer at the Tamborine Mountain Landcare Piccabeen Bookshop with my Mum on a casual basis and have done this for the last three years.

I probably saw more musicals before I turned eight than any other child – ever! I have seen Wicked (in three different cities), My Fair Lady, Singing in the Rain, Aladdin, Cats, The Sound of Music, and many more. I’m even going to see West Side Story just this week! Some of the greatest memories I have is my Mum and I going to see a new musical. We would get all dressed up, and of course critique it afterwards. Our all time favourite is Wicked. It will be something we will always do together.

What do you do for fun?

Ballet takes up most of my time but I love digital art, playing badminton, crafting, going on walks, baking cakes with my grandmother, reading, listening to music, and creating new things.

What kind of music do you like?

I love movie soundtracks and instrumentals. Music has always been a huge part of my life and is one of the reasons I love dancing so much. I think my love of music comes from my Dad who is a professional musician.

What do you see in your future?

I want to be able to dance professionally in one of the top ballet companies – as a Principal dancer, of course!

Local favourites, sharing their insider tips on places and things to do on and around Tamborine Mountain – Your gold coast hinterland!

Donna McKillop is the owner of Wisteria Sewing Services, specialising in bespoke sewing alterations and manufacturing, serving, Tamborine Mountain and its surrounds.

What inspired you to open your business and what do you have planned in 2021?

I started working in a Sunshine Coast surf wear manufacturing factory at age 16. There I learnt sewing, cutting and basic pattern making. At 18 I went out on my own and started my own clothing label, learning more about children’s wear. As the years went by, I brought three children into the world. I became a single parent at 30 and moved to the Noosa Hinterland where I opened a shop and sold my Sandpit Kids clothing attire whilst offering an alteration and manufacturing service.

Over time, the alterations component of my work took over. I met my now husband Vince, a long–time Tamborine Mountain resident, and made the decision to move as my youngest was 18 and had his own place.

Sandpit Kids was relocated to the Eagle Heights shopping centre above FoodWorks and morphed into Wisteria Sewing Services when I stopped making kids clothing. We then moved our workplace to our home studio. During the spring months we have an amazing floral display of wisteria that has been on the premises for over 30 years.

This year we added an embroidery service to our mix of work, with Vince taking responsibility for the technical and design side of this aspect of the business.

What did you do before opening your business?

In addition to working in the clothing manufacturing sector I have worn ‘other hats’ – parenting my three kids, a lawn mowing and gardening service, a house cleaning service, and as a barista and attendant in a bookshop.

How would you describe your business?

Anything that needs stitching – from clothing to curtains, cushions to bags – the list is endless.

What is it about your business that you love?

Being creative, coming up with ideas with a customer to make a garment work. The sewing is the easy bit.

Is it a business that gives you satisfaction?

I get a real buzz when customers are satisfied. To be in a trade for 33 years (whoops, giving away my age) and still loving it. What’s that old saying? Do something you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.

If you were not doing this what would your ideal job be?

When I was at school, I wanted to be a vet but I hated studying, so that went out the window; in my mid–twenties I wanted to be a midwife but that meant studying, so that went out the window. Can you see a pattern forming here (lol)? Sitting here writing this I’m actually stumped. I honestly think I have the ideal job for me.

Interesting facts about yourself?

Got married for the first time at 47. I owned miniature goats and had to deliver a baby when it got stuck – midwife and vet desires came into play. Started drawing one–and–a–half years ago and have had four commissions – you can see my art in my studio.

What do you do for fun?

My kind of fun is considered pain for others – six–to–12–hour adventure racing, navigating, mountain biking, kayaking and running. A holiday for me is hiking in New Zealand and pitching a tent each night. No manicure or facials for me.

Final Thoughts?

Don’t worry, be happy!

Local favourites, sharing their insider tips on places and things to do on and around Tamborine Mountain – Your Gold Coast hinterland!

Anthony Rigg specialises in residential building design, having moved to Queensland after finishing his studies in Newcastle, NSW in 2002. He has lived on Tamborine Mountain for the past three years.

What inspired you to start your business, and what do you have planned in 2021?

Design, particularly residential design, has been something that I have grown to love. Initially, I worked for a high-end building company on the Gold Coast, helping senior staff draw up homes on Sovereign Island, Sanctuary Cove, and Hope Island. About a year-and-a-half in, a colleague asked me to design a home for his ageing parents on a one-acre block in rural Casino, NSW. It was to be the first time that I would only be answerable to the client. The budget for their home was tiny compared to the mansions we created on the Gold Coast. However, the joy I felt in aiding the clients create something special was immeasurable. With that first home complete, I quit my job at the Paradise Point building company and began to work for myself. In retrospect, it was way too early to go out on my own, as I was still learning the fundamentals of construction, yet this is how it happened. One begins in a very modest fashion. In 2005, I registered my company Bleuscape Design. Since then, 16 years have passed, and I am as passionate about this industry as ever. I still run a very humble operation, however, we have a steady flow of exciting work, much of which is here on Tamborine Mountain.

How did COVID-19 affect you and your business in 2020/2021?

As COVID began to emerge in 2020, we had several projects placed on hold; however, around June-July of the same year, most of what we had in the pipeline kicked off again. It felt like due to the restrictions and lockdowns, people simply recognised they had more time on their hands. As a result, momentum began again in the form of building projects. This, combined with a steady migration of Sydneysiders and Melbournites to Qld, has seen a flourishing of opportunities for designers. We are very busy, with some exciting new homes and renovations in the works.

What did you do before opening your business?

I grew up in Cooranbong, a small town 20 minutes south of Newcastle, NSW. Before moving up here for work in the design industry, I was working odd jobs to support myself during study, the main one being Weet-Bix packing at the local Sanitarium Health Food Company.

How would you describe your business?

We are primarily focused on residential design. We work with clients wanting something special, something tailored to a desired lifestyle. Having said that, I would class our work as style-less in that we don’t have a preferred aesthetic. Design brief, client budget and context or location are the three critical areas to set the parameters to work within. Parameters in residential design are essential to make the project relevant. Each opportunity is different and deserves a fresh perspective.

If you look at our work as a whole, the greatest compliment someone could give would be to see each project as individual, unrelated to the previous in aesthetics, space, and form.

What is it about your business that you love? What makes your business stand out from other, similar businesses? Is it a business that gives you satisfaction?

Our company is inherently design-focused. We are not just draftsmen. To get the best work out of us is to give us creative licence within defined parameters. All of our clients have been thinking and dreaming about taking ownership of something that is uniquely theirs. To help them realise this dream is an extraordinary honour.

What challenges have you had in business over this period of time?

The most significant challenge is the time it takes to achieve a portfolio of built work when starting from scratch. Gaining this initial momentum takes time, extraordinary discipline, and a period where one works for minimal financial reward. However, if you stick to it, a tipping point inevitably comes where things take hold, and the ball starts to roll.

What is the most bizarre or funny thing you have encountered in your business?

I once had a developer contact me for an initial meeting on a project he was planning in Vanuatu. We sat down and went through the design brief and his desired outcomes. At the end of the meeting, I began to discuss a potential fee proposal. He looked at me strangely and proceeded to say that I should be paying him for the privilege of working on such a unique and career-defining project. I had to do everything I could to not laugh out loud. He was stone-cold serious! Inevitably, the relationship ended there. To this day, I don’t know if he convinced anyone to get involved, yet driving away, I had to admire the sheer audacity. There are some sharks out there that prey on young designers to achieve their goals.

If you were not doing this what would your ideal job be?

I would be a chiropractor. It’s very different from what I am doing right now, but for some reason, it intrigues me.

Interesting facts about yourself?

I am very dyslexic. While this was an issue in high school, I rely on it now to do what I do. Dyslexic people are highly visual. My ‘seeing’ is as easy as breathing; the challenge is to reverse engineer what one sees into a distilled combination of practical and memorable space.

What do you do for fun?

I love spending time with my family. Our weekends are generally spent caring for our horses, hanging out with friends, and going on family outings. At 43, it’s the simple things that mean the most.

Do you take holidays and if so, is there a favourite destination or activity?

We have a favorite holiday destination that is relatively close to home. It’s staying on the beach at Tugun. As a family, we generally head down there for a few weeks in the year. In the last few years, the council has constructed a concrete pathway from Tugun to Coolangatta. I love to ride my electric skateboard along it with the kids when we get the opportunity.

Final thoughts?

To do what one loves in life is something worth pursuing. I believe strongly that we all have something to offer. Life is too short to wake up on Monday morning and be looking forward to Friday afternoon. I will continue to do what I love to do for as long as I can. It fulfills that creative desire in me because every prospect provides the grounds for new directions. In my opinion, every opportunity to design, whether it is big or small, is a great opportunity.

Local favourites, sharing their insider tips on places and things to do on and around Tamborine Mountain – Your Gold Coast hinterland!

Please note: The Three Little Pigs is no longer operating in Main Street. We have left this interview with Michael accessible on the site to acknowledge his substantial contributions to the Mountain over many years.

1. Where do you take visitors?

We’re spoiled for choice, between all the cafés, wineries, and distilleries and the abundance of National Parks. It’s hard to go wrong with anything you do on your visit. One special attraction is definitely at the end of Beacon Road for sunset viewing: you can see the Western Ranges and views sweeping north to Brisbane and Stradbroke Island. With many friends on the Mountain, we often entertain at home, so visiting friends for lunch or dinner at their homes is always special.

2. Favourite time of year?

It would have to be autumn to winter, it’s still warm during the day to enjoy the Mountain, but cold enough to light a fire at night and cozy up with a glass of good red wine.

3. Best fun in the region without spending a cent?

It would have to be the National Parks: there are so many great walking trails, waterfalls and swimming holes around if you know where to go, and some amazing views as well. Oh, and the fireflies at the right time of year (spring).

4. Your personal beverage recommendation on the Mountain?

Well, there are some great places on our Mountain: for a great gin and tonic, Cauldron Distillery on a Sunday afternoon with the sun setting is always great. Tamborine Mountain Distillery for cocktails – just great. And Witches Falls Winery, of course – very popular for twilight/sunset wine experiences.

5. Top local food experiences?

Well not including us at Three Little Pigs, (ha ha), there are a couple of spots we go to regularly: Elevation Café for breakfast, The Coffee Plantation for brunch or lunch, and dinner at leaf (Japanese)

6. Your favourite spot for a treat?

The French patisserie man (he sets up on Sunday mornings in the supermarket car park), or Chocolates on Gallery Walk.

7. Best venue for a wedding?

Well, we got married at Pethers’ Rainforest Retreat, so that would definitely be a good pick. Gorgeous setting.

8. You can’t leave the Tamborine Mountain without doing what…?

Experience the Mountain as locals do, experience the warm welcome of the small Main Street traders hidden in North Tamborine village.

9. Brief history of the business

We opened as Three Little Pigs Bar and Bistro in early 2017, and from the outset, our aim was to create a space which would be perfect to catch up with friends and relax, as well as for that special occasion where you wanted to really spoil someone.

Wherever possible, we have supported local produce – our passion, knowledge of fine food and wine is extra special when we have been able to make it a unique local experience. I think our success is largely due to the fact that the local community has recognised this and embraced what we are trying to do.

Live Like a Local and Discover Michael Hopkins’ Favourites:

1. Nature
2. Cauldron Estate and Distillery
3. Witches Falls Winery
4. Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation
5. Chocolates on Gallery Walk
6. Pethers Rainforest Restaurant

Local favourites, sharing their insider tips on places and things to do on and around Tamborine Mountain – Your Gold Coast hinterland!

1. Where do you take visitors?

Depending on the time available, we can take them anywhere within a 200km radius of the Mountain. Brisbane, Gold Coast, and the Hinterland offer a wonderful variety of things to see and do. We are blessed to be located within reach of so many things to experience

2. Best fun in the region without spending a cent?

The National Parks and all the wonderful walks. The hang-gliding take-off lookout is a few hundred metres from Polish Place and offers some of the best views in the world, especially at sunset.

3. Your personal beverage recommendation on the Mountain?

All of the wineries, distilleries and breweries – it’s hard to go wrong at any of them.

4. Top local food experiences?

Clancy’s Irish Pub, PipinTook2 (fine dining), Hickory (ribs), Three Little Pigs (modern Australian and international), Belvedere for Italian.

5. Your favourite spot for a treat?

Three Little Pigs (Main Street, North Tamborine – in the heart of town) for lunch or dinner.

6. Best venue for a wedding?

We have quite a few – Cedar Creek Estate is an absolutely beautiful setting, with its own little chapel.

7. You can’t leave the Tamborine Mountain without doing what…?

Definitely experience some of our beautiful National Park walks and scenery, and make sure to pop in to at least one of our wineries.

8. Brief history of the business

Our business was established in 1983 as a coffee shop and gallery. in 1989 it was changed to Polish Gallery Cottages (when our accommodation chalets were built). In 2003, we changed our name to The Polish Place, with a new restaurant (indoors and outdoors) and an art gallery.

In 2016, a fire destroyed our main building (including the restaurant, gallery and residence). In 2019, we rebuilt and reopened with a new restaurant and gallery. The community support was incredible, and we are forever grateful.

Local favourites, sharing their insider tips on places and things to do on and around Tamborine Mountain – Your Gold Coast hinterland!

1. Where do you take visitors?

The Coffee Plantation for breakfast or lunch, the knoll for a rainforest bushwalk and a relax in the spa facilities at my day spa, and dinner at the 3 Little Pigs.

2. Favourite time of year?

Spring – it’s just glorious on the Mountain.

3. Best fun in the region without spending a cent?

It used to be hang-gliding and now it’s a casual walk in the rain forest or down at Cedar Creek.

4. Your personal beverage recommendation on the Mountain?

Witches Falls Winery.

5. Top local food experiences?

The 3 Little Pigs in Main Street, The Coffee Plantation, Tamborine Mountain pasta for a quick take away dinner.

6. Your favourite spot for a treat?

Chocolates on Gallery Walk.

7. Best venue for a wedding?

Avalon Gardens look beautiful.

8. You can’t leave the Tamborine Mountain without doing what…?

Take a walk on one of the many rain forest walks.

9. Brief history of the business

Getaway Day Spa has been in operation for 21 years. We started with a very simple setup in space adjacent to a working avocado and rhubarb operation, and gradually built from there.

We have trained some wonderful staff over the years, expanded our space, and are proud to offer a full range of day spa services, including spa/ mineral pool/ infrared sauna/ steam room, and ice plunge.

Our spa packages are always available as private bookings for either yourself, with a partner, or with a group of friends or family. The setting is beautifully relaxed, away from the hustle and bustle, but perfectly located as part of your visit to the Mountain.

Local favourites, sharing their insider tips on places and things to do on and around Tamborine Mountain – Your Gold Coast hinterland!

1. Where do you take visitors?

There is so much that Tamborine Mountain has to offer but you can’t go pass Gallery walk.  With so many shops and cafés it’s hard to choose a favourite.

2. Favourite time of year?

We absolutely love it in the spring here at the Hotel. The garden comes to life with its display of florals and the sound of the animals that reside there. It is also our human’s favourite time of the year.

3. Best fun in the region without spending a cent?

You can’t come to the mountain and not check out the many National Park bushwalks.  Our favourite track would have to be the walk to Curtis Falls.

4. Your personal beverage recommendation on the Mountain?

You are spoilt for choice but my humans love coffee, you should definitely visit the Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation.

5. Top local food experiences?

Firstly, we would suggest, at St Bernards Hotel. But you can’t go past a great feed with an awesome vibe at the Three Little Pigs on Main Street.

6. Your favourite spot for a treat?

When you come up with the kids you can’t go past Granny Mac’s Confectionary Store on Gallery walk, without popping in for fudge.

7. Best venue for a wedding?

St Bernards Hotel of course! Rebecca our Award-winning co-ordinator has helped many couples guide their way through their wedding planning journey and created such a magical day!

8. You can’t leave the Tamborine Mountain without doing what…?

You can’t go home without visiting all the local knickknack stores where you are sure to find something.

9. Brief history of the business

St Bernards Hotel was built in the late 1800’s and still holds its old-world charm today especially with us the local residents, Molly, Syrah & Cooper, can be found at the front of the Hotel where you can also enjoy a cold beer & a great feed out on the back deck that overlooks the Guanaba Gorge and Gold Coast Hinterland.