Day Trip to Mount Tamborine and Surfer's Paradise

This post is part of our travels from Singapore to Brisbane (via Bali with Jetstar – $425 per person) and returning via a stopover in Bali (Brisbane to Bali via Jetstar – $300 per person). The last leg from Bali to Singapore was via KLM at a surprisingly affordable price of $79. This made the return flight from Singapore to Brisbane a rather affordable total of $800 SGD.

On day 5 of our travels in Brisbane, we decided to do a day trip to Surfers Paradise. Having travelled to Surfer’s Paradise almost 20 years ago, it was time to revisit and check out how things have changed. During this trip, there was a side trip to Mount Tamborine as well….

Brisbane Travels Day 5 Itinerary

Budget Car Rental Brisbane Downtown

Budget Car Rental Brisbane CBD - Retrieving the car from Margaret Street First Parking — Budget Car Rental Brisbane CBD – Retrieving the car from Margaret Street First Parking

Budget Car Rental Brisbane CBD - Instructions for returning of rented car — Budget Car Rental Brisbane CBD – Instructions for returning of rented car

This morning, we woke up at 6:30am to retrieve the car from Budget Car Rental at Albert Street on time at 8am. When we arrived, the office was just about to open. The retrieval process was smooth and we were given directions on the specific car and carpark lot to retrieve it. After checking the car and uploading photos of any scratch marks that we observed, we were on our way to Mount Tamborine!

Checking Out The Attractions at Mount Tamborine

Franquette Mount Tamborine

Driving from Brisbane to Mount Tamborine

Arriving at Mount Tamborine Queensland Australia

The drive from Brisbane CBD to Mount Tamborine was about 1.5 hours. When we arrived at Franquette, there was parking lots available next to it. However, do note that the humps here curve inwards. So drive real slowly when entering the carpark. During our visit to Franquette, we heard many cars scratching the surface. So be aware!

Franquette Tamborine Mountain Bakery and Cafe

Franquette Tamborine Mountain - Almond Croissant ($9.5) and Flat White ($6) — Franquette Tamborine Mountain – Almond Croissant ($9.5) and Flat White ($6)

Franquette Tamborine Mountain Almond Croissant ($9.5) and Roasted Beef Baguette ($16)

During our visit to Franquette (Tamborine Mountain), we had the almond croissant ($9.5), large flat white ($6) and Beef Baguette ($16). The almond croissant had the flaky outer layers, chunky sizes of almond flakes as well as a delectable frangipane within – a well-crafted croissant indeed. As for the Beef Baguette, there was a generous serving of roast beef as well as a delectable homemade sauce. Both were orders were delicious but price-wise, definitely a little on the high side.

@2bearbeartravel During our #Daytrip to #mounttamborine, we visited @franquette.bakery #franquette, a local #bakery at #longroad. The setting is #beautiful and the #almond #croissant was #shiok! #food #foodie #sgfoodie #foodtok #foodtiktok #travel #2bearbear #traveltok #travelblog #travelblogger #foodblog #foodblogger ♬ オリジナル楽曲 – おぬ – 🐈‍⬛🌙

Tamborine Mountain Distillery

Liqueurs available at Tamborine Mountain Distillery

Tamborine Mountain Distillery Tasting Paddle ($10AUD)

Walking down Long Road and making a left turn, we were able to reach Tamborine Mountain Distillery on foot, just 5 minutes away. Along the way, we also saw many shops, restaurants and attractions as well.

At Tamborine Mountain Distillery, we tried out a tasting paddle of 4 liqueurs for $10. This time, we chose the flavours of Wattle Toffee, Butter Whisky, Lychee and Elderflower as well as Yuzu. Our favourite was definitely Lychee and Elderflower – who would have thought that a tropical fruit and floral aromas would be so enticing? We also enjoyed the Butter Whisky which had the taste of a traditional whisky with a twist of a smooth buttery taste. Yum!

Before we left, we also bought a 55ml of Lychee and Elderflower as well as Wild Forest Plum liqueurs for $15 each.

@2bearbeartravel Did the #liquer #tasting at #tamborinemountaindistillery and we thoroughly enjoyed the Lychee/Elderflower liqueur! If you’ve been here, let us know your favourite liqueur below! #distillery #tastingroom #food #foodie #sgfoodie #travel #2bearbear #visitbrisbane #brisbane #daytrip ♬ original sound – 𝘔𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘔𝘢𝘯’𝘴

Fortitude Brewing Co.

Fortitude Brewing Co. Tamborine Mountain Craft Beers - Hawaiian Hazy IPA ($15) and Hoogley Session Ale ($14) and Spicy Buffalo Wings ($15) — Fortitude Brewing Co. Tamborine Mountain Craft Beers – Hawaiian Hazy IPA ($15) and Hoogley Session Ale ($14) and Spicy Buffalo Wings ($15)

For lunch, we headed to Fortitude Brewing Co. where tried out their delicious craft beers including the Hawaiian Hazy IPA ($15) and Hoogley Session Ale ($14) as well as the Spicy Buffalo Wings ($15) – with no further taxes on these prices. We enjoyed the Hawaiian Hazy IPA with its bold, hoppy flavours which went really well with the Spicy Buffalo Wings. The blue cheese dip that came with the buffalo wings was absolutely delectable!

@2bearbeartravel Stopped by #Fortitude #Brewing Co. and the #wings with #bluecheesedip was #super ! #craftbeer #beer #brewery #food #foodie #foodblog #foodblogger #sgfood #sgfoodblogger #sgfoodblog #2bearbear #travel #brisbane #visitbrisbane ♬ Happy Vibes – Lil Nig

Tamborine National Park and Cameron Falls

2bearbear at Tamborine National Park Queensland Australia

About Tamborine National Park Queensland Australia

Valley Views from Tamborine National Park Queensland

Rocks formation found at Tamborine National Park

Views out to Pacific Ocean from Tamborine National Park

Pacific Ocean Views from Tamborine National Park Queensland

Hiking through the forests at Tamborine National Park Queensland Australia

2bearbear walking through Sandy Creek Circuit at Tamborine National Park

After a hearty meal, we drove to Knolls Road and walked up to Tamborine National Park to check out Cameron Falls. This particular hike through the Sandy Creek Circuit was quite manageable. However, do remember to wear suitable shoes because Tom almost tripped a couple of times in his sandals. Before we entered the trail, there were several other visitors having their lunch and one of the visitors shared that her favourite area within the trail is an area with large rocks and boulders. She described it like a scene out of a movie. When we walked through Sandy Creek Circuit, the rocks/boulder formations was indeed an instagrammable area. At the end of the circuit, we could not really see Cameron Falls because some of the trees have grown taller and blocked the views from the lookout point. Nonetheless, it was nice to hike through the forest for fresh air and views out to sea. Still an enjoyable hike in the end.

@2bearbeartravel Did an 1 hour walk through #TamborineNationalPark to see the #waterfall but was obscured. Nonetheless, the #hike and #trek was amazing with fresh air, boulders and forests. Enjoy! #nature #naturetok #naturetiktok #nationalpark #travel #traveltiktok #travellife #2bearbear #brisbane #visitbrisbane #traveling #travelblog #travelblogger ♬ Good Energy – Jeppe Reil

After the hike, we wanted to checkout a better lookout point. However, at Justin’s lookout, there was really nothing to see and at Eagle Height Hotel, there were no seats that faced the view and eventhough the in-house restaurant had seats, it was still a distance away from the views. We had bought an apple cinnamon bun from Long Road earlier and had it in our car at Eagle Height. Next it was time to visit Dream World (Gold Coast)!

Checking Out The Attractions at Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise

Dream World Gold Coast

@2bearbeartravel Our #daytrip to #surfersparadise, passing by #dreamworld and confirming that the beach at Surfer’s Paradise is still probably the best in the world because (1) the sand is so so so so fine! (check out the vid!) (2) there’s a wide beach providing ample space for beach goers and (3) great waves for surfers and for non-surfers, a great spot to catch others in action! 😀👍⛱️🌊 #beach #beachvibes #beachday #beachlife #travel #brisbane #queensland #aussie #australia #dreamworld #sandbar #visitbrisbane #2bearbear #traveltiktok #roadtrip #travelblog #travelblogger ♬ Like I Do GALCHANIE COVER – GALCHANIE (แกลชานี่)

When we arrived at Dream World, besides taking a couple of photos and checking out Dream World LEGO store, we noticed that the Tower of Terror is gone and replaced with the Dream World Tower instead. Hence, the roller coaster that used to zoom up the Tower and come back down backwards is now gone. The “Giant Drop” though still remains. You can hear the screams even from the carpark. Yikes! At the Dream World LEGO store, we saw the Back to the Future Car – the DMC DeLorean with Legos!

Surfers Paradise Gold Coast

Parking at Chevron Island for free parking at Surfers Paradise

For free parking, we parked at Chevron Island and strolled over to Surfers Paradise, about 15 minutes away by foot. Our first stop this time, the beaches of Surfers Paradise!

Day Trip to Mount Tamborine and Surfer’s Paradise — 2bearbear at Surfers Paradise Gold Coast Australia

The sand at Surfers Paradise is still as fine as we remembered. We’ve been to many beaches world wide and it seems no other beach comes close. The beaches of Phu Quoc are probably second for us. The weather was also perfect this evening at 23 degrees. We could sit on the beach with just our t-shirt, burying our feet in the sand and enjoy the breeze.

@2bearbeartravel Our #daytrip to #surfersparadise, passing by #dreamworld and confirming that the beach at Surfer’s Paradise is still probably the best in the world because (1) the sand is so so so so fine! (check out the vid!) (2) there’s a wide beach providing ample space for beach goers and (3) great waves for surfers and for non-surfers, a great spot to catch others in action! 😀👍⛱️🌊 #beach #beachvibes #beachday #beachlife #travel #brisbane #queensland #aussie #australia #dreamworld #sandbar #visitbrisbane #2bearbear #traveltiktok #roadtrip #travelblog #travelblogger ♬ Like I Do GALCHANIE COVER – GALCHANIE (แกลชานี่)

After chilling by the beach, we walked back to the boulevard and shopped for souvenirs at Surfers Paradise. There were lots of shopping options and attractions such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not! For dinner, we headed to Sandbar, a venue that we decided upon before we reached Surfers Paradise…

Sandbar Surfers Paradise

Sandbar Surfers Paradise - Rump Steak ($36) and Prosciutto Pizza ($26) — Sandbar Surfers Paradise – Rump Steak ($36) and Prosciutto Pizza ($26)

At Sandbar we ordered the Rump Steak (200g – $36) and also the Prosciutto Pizza ($26). For drinks, we tried the Byron Bay Lager ($12). We enjoyed the steak with the smokey grilled taste while seated outside in the al fresco dining area. What surprised us though, was the pizza, which has an explosion of flavours including caramelised onion, balsamic vinegar and the fattiness form the cheese, prosciutto and olive oil. Absolutely delicious!

@2bearbeartravel Dinner at #Sandbar, #surfersparadise. We had the featured #byronbay #lager as well as the #steak and #prosciutto #pizza. Great atmosphere right next to the #beach of Surfer’s Paradise! ☺️👍 #travel #traveltiktok #travellife #traveltok #food #foodie #foodies #sgfoodie #beer #beach #beachvibe #beachvibes #beachlife #2bearbear #daytrip ♬ This City – Sam Fischer

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After dinner, we went to Coles and bought Cobs popcorn and truffle chips for supper before we drove back to Brisbane. The drive took about an hour and it was smooth. We went to a Caltex nearby and pumped $16 for 8 litres while travelling about 200km. The upgraded Toyota Camry hybrid did deliver on mileage. Back in Brisbane, we parked at the Margaret Street First Parking Garage and took the photo of the mileage before we left. Before we took out the car this morning from Budget Rental, we checked with the staff that we were able to park back at Margaret Street at night (we arrived at 9pm), before we returned the car the next morning.

Stay tuned for Day 6 of our Brisbane / Bali travels where we checked out Pancake Manor and flew to Bali for the next part of our travels!

Brisbane Travels Day 2: Checking into Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street and Strolling about in Brisbane City

Brisbane Travels Day 3: Wedding, Blessings and Lots of Food!

Brisbane Travels Day 4: Visiting Hillsong Church Brisbane and Tasting Craft Beers at Stone & Wood Brewery, Valley Hops Brewing and Charming Squire

Brisbane Travels Day 5: Day Trip to Mount Tamborine and Surfer’s Paradise

Brisbane Travels Day 6: Brisbane’s Best Pancakes at Pancake Manor and Flying from Brisbane to Bali

Bali Travels Day 7: Checking into Mercure Kuta Bali and Sunset at GIOI Ocean Gourmet!

Bali Travels Day 8: Shopping at Beachwalk Kuta and Chilling at one of the Best Rooftop Bars in Bali…

Bali Travels Day 9: Massage at Shine Spa Sheraton Bali and Stroll to Seminyak Village!

Bali Travels Day 10: Day Out at Mal Bali Galeria

Bali Travels Day 11: Visiting Hillsong Bali and Chilling at Mercure Kuta Bali before Departure 🙁

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