Into my own back yard we go.

By Danielle Lancaster

Today we farewelled the Gold Coast and a big ticket bonus on the ‘Experience Queensland - Where Australia Shines’ campaign for operators on Tamborine Mountain is that it was included on this famil.

I can honestly say I know a little bit about the mountain – well now I know more! First up, we met up with Cody of Bunyip Bike Tours who, until I’d received my itinerary, I had never heard of. It happens Cody has been running his bike tours for around 12 months and he loves the mountain. The tour which started from Gallery Walk included Curtis Falls and a visit to a winery. Usual tours include the Glow Worm Caves but we were a little short on time to include this today.

Being honest the thought of the bike ride daunted a few of us – yes it is mountain bike riding not riding ones with engines – however even for those of us who had not been on a bike for over 20 years, those of us who are not as fit as we’d like to be etc that was never a problem for Cody. Hills can be walked and dips sailed and the new bike tracks make riding safe and a great way to see the mountain plus keeps our carbon foot print low doing so!

Jo, Brent and Cody
Image by Danielle Lancaster

From there we popped into the Mount Tamborine Brewery and Cheese Factory for a tasting. Once again the cheeses – all made in house – where a delight and I stocked up. I gave the beer tasting a miss, as I don’t drink bubbles, but my fellow travellers enjoyed the quenching cool ales especially after the bike ride.

Next stop was Songbirds for lunch. This has been on my bucket list for some time and I was far from disappointed. The food was excellent, the service perfect and the setting divine. Not hard to see why it’s won an award or two and I won’t have a problem referring it in the future, that is for sure. I must say that when the meal first arrived I was a little aghast at the size, however fine food fills and once our plates were finished we were all agreeing a shady mango tree for a nap would be in order.

 

Image by Danielle Lancaster

Not so. Instead we opted to walk it off with a visit to Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. As many of you already know I love this forest – the third oldest National Nark in the world and the oldest in Queensland. One of the wonderful creatures the crew at Skywalk have been protecting by planting a specific native vine is the Birdwing Butterfly. Considered endangered, it thrives here and also in my own backyard!

Birdwing Butterfly
Image by Danielle Lancaster

So just goes to show one can always learn something new about their back yard!

A top tip: To see the glow worms at night in their natural environment take the Curtis Falls Walk. Don’t forget a torch and sturdy non-slip foot wear.

More:

Bunyip Bike Tours:
http://www.bunyipbiketours.com.au/Bunyip_Bike_Tours_Gold_Coast/Welcome.html

Songbirds: http://www.songbirds.com.au
Tamborine Mountain Brewery: http://mtbeer.squarespace.com/
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk: http://www.rainforestskywalk.com.au
Tips on Photographing Butterflies: www.blue-dog.com.au and click through to e-newsletter archives