REST YOUR HEAD: SOUTHERN GOLD COAST AND HINTERLAND

Coolangatta

They say variety is the spice of life – and you’re sure to find plenty of it here. Take your pick from swanky suites and apartments overlooking some of Australia’s best surf breaks, nostalgic beachside cabins and campsites, or charming country cottages nestled in a natural wonderland.

The Sebel Twin Towns Coolangatta is a handy place to base your stay in the chilled-out southern suburbs. This centrally located, four-star hotel offers a relaxed coastal vibe, with a range of modern rooms and suites, including six accessible rooms. Have a putt on the private mini-golf course, burn off excess energy with a hit of tennis, or while away the day flitting between refreshing dips in the indoor or outdoor pool, and rejuvenating sessions in the spa or steam room. Cross the road to the sparkling surf of Coolangatta beach, or meander along a covered walkway to find yourself surrounded by the restaurants, bars and exclusive entertainment at Twin Towns Services Club.

For those who like to stay close to the runway, Rydges Gold Coast Airport offers a convenient solution within a short walk of the terminal, allowing you to go from baggage pick-up to hotel check-in in a matter of mere minutes. You can rest in comfort knowing both your departure gate and the world-class waves of the southern Gold Coast are all within easy reach. The hotel offers rooms with a range of bedding configurations and concourse or coastal views, including accessible glass-fronted rooms with horizon outlooks over the resort pool or Kirra beach coastline. 24-hour reception ensures there’s always someone eager to greet you, and on-site conference facilities and free wi-fi make this a perfect place to work, rest and play. Need an early morning caffeine hit, food fix or rooftop nightcap? The on-site Runway Italian Restaurant and Salty Fox Rooftop Bar have it covered!

Gold Coast Tourist Parks

Reconnect with family and friends or rediscover life’s simple pleasures with a stay at a Gold Coast Tourist Park.

Idyllically positioned in the region’s finest island, creek-side and coastal locations, their range of parks mean you’ll be spoilt for choice when planning your next beachside break. Each Gold Coast Tourist Park offers a unique range of accommodation, including unpowered and powered campsites, ensuite sites and a variety of cabins, including some wheelchair accessible and easy access options. The Jacobs Well and Kirra Beach properties are dog-friendly, meaning your four-legged furry friend will be well catered for.

Starting in the north, Jacobs Well is a boatie’s best-kept secret, with waterfront accommodation and some of the Gold Coast’s best fishing spots. The three island campgrounds at South Stradbroke Island are perfect for nature-based recreation and utter relaxation, in an uncrowded pristine setting accessible only by boat.

Broadwater Tourist Park overlooks the calm waters of Southport Broadwater yet is close to the heart of the action at theme parks or Surfers Paradise.

Main Beach Tourist Park offers everything at your fingertips. There’s a patrolled surf beach directly opposite, easy access to public transport, and the dining and boutique shopping of Tedder Avenue within walking distance.

A little further south, Burleigh and boutique Ocean Beach Tourist Parks sprawl splendidly beside the sea, while the tree-lined park at Kirra is a short walk from the chilled out beachside cafes and world-class waves of the southern Gold Coast.

But perhaps the most loved member of the Tourist Park family is iconic Tallebudgerra Creek. This peaceful piece of paradise has been a family favourite for generations. Visitors flock here to soak up the sunshine and play in the clear, calm waters of the estuary, nestled between sandy surf beaches and the natural splendour of Burleigh Heads National Park.

Tamborine Mountain

Head for the hinterland and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature in a unique range of accommodation perched high on mountaintops or nestled amidst the rainforest.

Retreat to a heavenly haven of Cedar Creek Lodges, where you can immerse your senses in nature without compromising on creature comforts. Tucked away amidst the natural adventure playground of Thunderbird Park on Tamborine Mountain, this retreat features stylish, architecturally designed self-contained lodges and holiday cabins hidden amidst the rainforest, as well as next-level woodlands glamping options overlooking Cedar Creek. Relax in the creek’s cascading rock pools, explore meandering paths through the forest, or take your adventure to new heights with a host of on-site activities including ziplining, Treetops Challenge, thunderegg crystal fossicking and much more. Indulge your tastebuds with a premium dining experience at the Rainforest Restaurant and Lounge Bar, or delight in a casual bite at the Terrace Kiosk. Cedar Creek Lodges is a feast for the senses!

Tamborine Mountain is also an idyllic location for adults craving a romantic retreat where they can relax and reconnect, nurtured by nature’s touch. Embrace the romantic, relaxed ambience at The Polish Place. These double-storey self-contained cottages are thoughtfully designed for couples. Soak in the serenity in your double spa, be lulled by the warm crackling of a log fireplace, and wake to enjoy the provisions of a full breakfast basket on your private deck, in the company of abundant birdlife.

Or embrace the sensual sanctuary of award-winning Pethers Rainforest Retreat at North Tamborine. Each of the property’s ten private treehouses are designed with romance in mind. Relax and rejuvenate with a shared a bottle of bubbles in the spa bath, cuddle up by the crackling log fire, or be soothed by the soundtrack of nature on your private balcony overlooking spectacular sub-tropical rainforest.

Springbrook and Lamington National Parks and Surrounds

Follow winding country roads to sublime eco-accredited lodgings set amidst the World Heritage-listed wonderland of Springbrook and Lamington National Parks.

The multi-award-winning O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Campgrounds is an iconic example of the region’s excellent accommodation offerings, nestled amidst pristine natural surrounds. This family-friendly property is perched high in the majestic Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park, and is proudly operated by third-generation O’Reilly family members, whose ancestors pioneered ecotourism in the area almost a century ago. The main property features a range of cosy retreat rooms and self-contained villas perched high on the hillside. The adjoining Campground offers powered safari tents and camping and camper trailer sites, with communal areas overlooking the magnificent McPherson Range. The Retreat offers a host of nature-based experiences for people of all ages and abilities, plus the Lost World Spa for the ultimate rainforest rejuvenation. O’Reilly’s is a great place to base yourself to explore the labyrinth of walking tracks that weave through this ancient Gondwana rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and cathedrals of towering trees. It’s a truly immersive experience!

Or feel on top of the world as you connect with nature and cocoon yourself in the serenity of Binna Burra Lodge, perched 800 metres above sea level amidst the sub-tropical rainforests of lush Lamington National Park. This serene, sky-high retreat boasts accommodation to suit a range of tastes and budgets, from secluded rainforest campsites and glamping options to tiny wild houses and luxury sky lodges. Drop in for a local tipple at the historic Groom’s Cottage and Bushwalker’s Bar, or enjoy succulent local flavours with a meal at the Binna Burra Tea House. This pristine area is a bushwalkers paradise, with a host of self-guided and guided walks available, along with engaging nature-based experiences. Explore and experience a world of natural wonder at Binna Burra Lodge!

Accessibility – Coastal Accommodation

The Gold Coast’s southern suburbs are quite well serviced by public transport, including suburban rail and local bus services. For public transport journey planning information, please visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30. Taxis and ride-share services are also widely available in coastal areas.

To find out more about accessibility at Sebel Twin Towns Coolangatta, Rydges Gold Coast Airport and Gold Coast Holiday Parks, please refer to the City of Gold Coast’s Accessible Visitor Guide. This comprehensive guide includes detailed information and photos of accessibility offerings at each of these properties. To access this guide, visit destinationgoldcoast.com, go to the ‘Plan’ drop-down menu and select ‘Accessibility’.

To find out more about individual accessibility offerings at each of the Gold Coast Tourist Parks, or to learn more about dog-friendly policies at Jacobs Well and Kirra Beach Tourist Park, please visit goldcoasttouristparks.com.au and click on the relevant headings.

Queensland has strong laws in place concerning access rights for guide dogs, hearing dogs and other certified assistance animals assisting people with disabilities. These legislative rights entitle accredited animals assisting registered handlers full public access rights to all public places, public passenger vehicles and places of accommodation.

Accessibility – Hinterland Accommodation

The hinterland has fewer public transport options, with self-drive being the main mode of transport in this more remote region. However, a range of tour operators do offer excellent guided tours with expert audio commentary throughout the area, and may be happy to pick-up or drop-off at hinterland accommodation on request. Please speak to your preferred tour operator to discuss your requirements.

Cedar Creek Lodges is a dog-friendly property, warmly welcoming domestic and assistance animals. The lodge’s Rosella Room is designed with accessibility in mind. For further information please search ‘Cedar Creek Lodges accessibility’ or contact the property directly to discuss your individual requirements.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat has two dedicated wheelchair friendly Mountain View rooms, and wheelchair friendly bathroom facilities at the Mountain Cafe for day visitors. O’Reilly’s Campground features two easy access powered safari tents. The nearby Tree Top Walk and Python Rock tracks can also be accessed by wheelchair users with some assistance. For further details please contact O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat directly.

Binna Burra Lodge offers an exquisite, wheelchair accessible 2-bedroom Sky Lodge apartment. For further information or to check availability and request this room, please phone Binna Burra Lodge direct on 07 5533 3622. The main dining venue, The Binna Burra Tea House, features ramp access, allowing guests with mobility challenges to dine with ease. Please note that The Grooms Cottage Bushwalkers Bar is not wheelchair accessible, and there are no wheelchair access walks in the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park.