As an avid motorbike rider I seen a few good roads in my time. Some of them a little too close, resulting in a serious accident in October 2011. But I’m still here and still riding, only bigger and better now.
For those who have read more than this page you’ know that there’s and up and coming trip around Australia in the making with our Bike and Trailer, but more on that in another blog.
Brisbane (or Brizzy to the locals)has some spectacular bike rides and over then next few blogs (and weeks) I want to list some of the great rides that the Sunshine State of Queensland has to offer.
Mount Tambourine
This is the favorite place for any of our rides. I have lost count of how many times we have gone up the mountain for a coffee. The great thing about the mountain is that there are several roads to get there all giving you a thrilling and scenic cruise up the hill. There was a time I would have got a sport bike and literally thrashed it up here but now that I’m older I take my time. You have to respect the mountain it’s claimed several lives and I still want to hold onto mine for now.
Places to visit
- Gallery Walk – forms part of the highway 95 over the mountain and houses some unique little arts and craft stores. Be sure to stop at The Gallery Cafe for Belgian Waffles and Ice Cream (their signature dish).
- The Polish Place – this is a truly breathtaking place as the views over the western side of the mountain are arguably one of the best viewing spots around. A word of caution here though, hide the sugar packets from the parrots or you”ll have them on the table almost eating from your hand. It’s a great way to get up and close to the wildlife at no extra charge!
- Witches Chase Cheese Factory – Made right on the premises and with viewing window you can see exactly what’s going on. Or better still head for the shop and try before you buy. There are not only great cheeses yogurt and gelato ice cream are made and sold here too.
- Mt Tamborine Brewery – Across from the cheese factory and in the same new and modern facilities is Tambourines most popular boutique brewery. The best way to check out their product is to buy the $10 sample pack consisting of 4 beers from their range. The neat thing is that you choose which beers you want to try. The Complex often has a local band or musician playing so it makes for an awesome afternoon of beers, cheese and chips (french fries)
- Mt Tambourine Distillery – Michael and Alla are hidden away down Beacon Rd but are well worth visiting their unique and award winning blends of Liqueurs, Schnapps, Vodka, Eaux de Vie housed in their Tudor styled Mansion and grounds reflect Michael’s home of Ipswich in the UK. Sit in on a tasting ($5.00 per person) and take home a little something for a special occasion. It’s always a favorite place of ours and many a time we have taken family and friends to visit.
How to get to Tambourine?
From Brisbane
Take the M3 – M1 highway to exit 34 (Beenleigh) then follow highway 92 until you reach the roundabout. Take the first exit on the left onto route 95 (you’ll see the “Bearded Dragon” pub on the left) and head up the mountain to Gallery Walk.
From The Gold Coast
Head along the M1 Highway towards Brisbane and take exit 57 and follow highway 95 up the hill to Gallery Walk.
NOTE – to anyone wanting to head down the hill using “The Goat Track” (Tambourine Mountain Rd) to Canungra – DON”T – the road suffered severe damage in the rains of March 2013 and is closed until further notice – we will advise when this reopens,but it will be some time.
Please note, no cats were hurt in taking this picture,
Thanks for sharing these memorable moments of visit Tamborine Mountainwith us.very natural images capture by photographer.Really done awesome job by him
Hey, thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed the blog
hey! Amazing Article. I really like it as it contains lot of information about the Travel in mount tamborinet.. We have also the mount tamborine accommodation in which you can easily enjoy the, “The Escarpment Retreat”.
These tips are really amazing. I appreciate it for sharing them.
Hey, Thanks for the comment, we’ll come up and check out your restaurant next time we are up the mountain. has anyone else been to Mt Tamborine? http://www.escarpment.com.au