Moving to the Gold Coast Hinterland? We reckon this little gem of a region is Southeast Queensland’s best-kept secret! Often referred to as the green behind the gold, a move to the Gold Coast Hinterland totally delivers on a laid-back country lifestyle that’s perfect for the adventurer or those wanting a gentler pace. And if you still want the beach… it’s only a 30+ minute drive away.
The region stretches from Mount Tamborine in the north to the Tweed Ranges in the south and takes in Springbrook and Lamington National Parks. The region includes tourist-friendly Tamborine Mountain and the absolutely stunning Numinbah Valley. The small villages of Beechmont, Lower Beechmont and Canungra are considered part of the hinterland, with the neighbouring Gold Coast suburbs of Mudgeeraba, Tallebudgera, Guanaba, Cedar Creek, Wongawallan, Mt Nathan, Maudsland and Nerang.
The area offers a wonderful change of pace to the beach with beautiful walking tracks, lookouts, restaurants, art galleries and a host of stunning natural attractions which are great things to take in when moving to the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Gold Coast Hinterland at a glance
Driving through the winding mountain roads of the Hinterland can be an awe-inspiring and thrilling adventure as you make your way from one National Park to the next. There’s also a whole host of fun and adventure-filled activities to experience. Walk amongst the treetops on the Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk or tour the Numinbah Valley. Keep reading to discover a few of the adventures the Gold Coast Hinterland can offer you and your family!
Living there
Life in the Hinterland is pretty relaxed and friendly. Due to its great climate of ‘not too hot and not too cold’, the region is great for the gardeners as well. With lots of locally grown produce, the area has drive-by stalls and honesty boxes selling everything from citrus, avocado, nuts and flowers. You can literally pick up dinner on your way home for a few gold coins.
Its attractive village and rural environment make towns such as Tamborine Mountain seem like a small green jewel nestled into the canopy of rainforest high above the sprawling sea of the Gold Coast. Home to rare and unusual flora and fauna and a biodiversity comparable to that of nearby World Heritage listed areas, the area fosters a strong desire to nurture and protect this unique part of Queensland.
For families looking for a quieter lifestyle, you will not be disappointed. The Gold Coast Hinterland has a population of approximately 20,000 people—made up of 53% established couples and families.
Housing
Whilst the Gold Coast has developed at an astonishing rate, the Hinterland has taken a slower, gentler pace.
Employment
Being so close to the Gold Coast, employment figures for the Hinterland are recorded as part of the broader area. The three most popular occupations are: Professionals, Technicians and Trades Workers, Clerical and Administrative Workers.
Education
The Gold Coast Hinterland has a mix of primary and high schools. In Queensland, state schools are free and decided by catchment area – which means your child will go to the nearest school to your home. To find out what state school catchment area you reside in, visit the Queensland Department of Education Catchment Map.
Education costs for all schools will vary. State schools offer fee-free tuition, but extracurricular activities usually mean there will be a fee involved. Private schools range from the various religious denominations through to Steiner and Montessori just to name a few.
Gold Coast Hinterland primary schools
There are numerous schools scattered across the Hinterland including Tamborine State School, Beechmont State School, Canungra State School, St Bernard State School, and Silkwood School just to name a few. There are nearby private schools in neighbouring Gold Coast suburbs, accessible by bus or car.
Gold Coast Hinterland secondary schools
With fewer options for high school, a lot of high school students commute to neighbouring Gold Coast suburbs. The region includes Tamborine Mtn State High School, Mudgeeraba private school Somerset College, and Silkwood High School.
Weather
As we’re still in Queensland, the Hinterland offers a warm and pleasant climate. Average temperatures are usually around 5 degrees cooler than on the coast. Further inland towns such as Canungra can have a drier climate due to more open paddocks and bushland rather than rainforest.
Getting there & around
There is some public transport to and from Hinterland areas, but a car is a necessity if you need to travel for school, leisure activities, or work.
Things to see & do
Mount Tamborine or Tamborine Mountain is under 40 minutes from Gold Coast beaches, yet it looks and feels just like a quaint, mountain-top village. A wander through this scenic township will have you enjoying all the delights of the area including tea shops, a brewery, restaurants, antiques and all manner of homemade offerings. Tambourine is packed with unique attractions including the Glow Worm Caves, Treetop Challenge or how about some high ropes adventures, mini golf, laser tag, fossicking for ancient Thundereggs, or horse riding at the place where adventure joins nature at Thunderbird Park? There’s even a Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival!
Lamington National Park sits atop the Lamington Plateau of the McPherson Range and takes in 20,600 hectares of subtropical rainforest. Known for its waterfalls, rock formations, walking tracks, ancient flora and elusive fauna, the park is a nature lover’s paradise.
Enjoy this beautiful region on foot and trek through the rainforest, under waterfalls and the ancient rock formations which wildlife, such as the mysterious glow worm, call home. With hundreds of square kilometres of bushland, the number of treks you can do is really only limited to the amount of time you have and the tread on your boots. Once you move here, you’ll have plenty of time to take it all in.
If you’re after pub food and atmosphere, you can’t miss out on the Bearded Dragon with weekend Cane Toad Racing, live music, extensive kids’ play area and sweeping verandahs to take in the scenery. The Eagle Heights Mountain Resort offers punters stunning views of the Gold Coast and surrounding Hinterland.
There are so many great family-friendly things to do in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Check out our article with a full list!
Where to live on the Gold Coast Hinterland
Moving to Tamborine Mountain
One person described Tamborine Mountain as “leafy, safe, communal” which pretty much sums it up. It’s also picturesque and clean with plenty of peace and quiet. With a great neighbourly spirit, Tamborine Mountain is an ideal place for families with kids. While it’s not great for public transport or a busy nightlife (unless you’re a possum, fruit bat or sugar glider), the benefits of this laid-back mountain village far outweigh the negatives. Property prices are pretty good too, with the average dwelling selling for approximately $800,000. Don’t forget that block sizes are much bigger than in the “burbs,” so you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck.
Moving to Eagle Heights
Eagle Heights is a quiet suburb on the northern side of Tamborine Mountain with two primary and two high schools of excellent standard not too far away. The bushland setting creates a peaceful environment, yet when visitors pop in, there are tourist attractions close by for entertainment. There is an older population with lots of community interests and activities. Safe, secure and friendly ensures a worry-free lifestyle.
Moving to Beechmont
Beechmont is the perfect escape from city living. Space for the family, fresh air, picturesque mountain complete with ocean and farmland scenery. It’s a peaceful area with an excellent primary school, cafes, and community facilities. A beautiful, peaceful place where a character home on land is more affordable than you’d think. It’s close enough to the Gold Coast to have a day out for shopping, the beach, theme parks, sport, or whatever takes your fancy.
Why you should move to Gold Coast Hinterland
Just 30 minutes from the Gold Coast, the Hinterland is one of the region’s secret treasures. Moving here will feel like an escape to the country but with the city only a cooee from your front gate.
From walks to waterfalls and national parks Tamborine Mountain has it all for the outdoor adventurer. You’ll be captivated by the lush green rainforest, slower pace, cooler climate, and sweeping views that truly are “the Green behind the Gold.”
