Rise and shine: it’s time for another magical day on the Gold Coast. We recently took a jaunt up north for a three-day vacation packed full of arty, culinary and outdoorsy experiences. Fuelled by delicious pastries, day two is all about the natural wonders of the Gold Coast hinterland region and the unique artisans in the area. We stop by the local cheese store, take a leisurely nature walk, and visit Queensland’s largest wine producer. 

Check out our day one itinerary if you missed it. Let’s get into it! BREAKFAST: PARISIAN TREATS If you’re anything like me, it’s going to take a powerful force to get out of bed in the morning (a plushy and fluffy Mysa Motel bed, at that). Enter: Tarte bakery, and their pastry selection fit for a God. Just the thought of their strawberry custard tart had me leaping out from under the sheets and driving for the longest 10 minutes of my life. And oh boy, was I rewarded in the biggest way. Located on the corner of Burleigh’s iconic James Street, Tarte’s chic decor and almost-too-perfect-to-devour sweets feels like stepping into a Parisian boulangerie. Pro tip: get there early to secure one of the cute outdoor tables. Oh, and order the karaage chicken bagel – it will change your life.MORNING: RETAIL THERAPY If you’re a fan of artisanal, one-of-kind pieces, then the boutiques of Burleigh are exactly where you want to be. You’ll find a boutique on almost every corner, each expertly curated with clothing, jewellery, home and lifestyle products that’ll have you swooning (and wishing you upgraded your baggage allowance). My bank account took a serious dent after visiting Emte on James Street and Heartfill Store on Lemana Lane, and I regret nothing. MIDDAY: MOUNTAIN MAGIC Now, here’s a dose of Gold Coast nature magic for you. From Burleigh’s sandy beaches, you can be in the lush hinterland in just forty minutes. Tamborine Mountain is a region on the outermost edge of the Gold Coast, with spectacular views of the entire city and beyond. Nestled amongst the area’s many national parks and natural wonders are quaint country shops and cafes. We made a very important call into Tamborine Cheese to pick up the essentials for a hike (read: cheese, biscuits and pâté) before heading to the Curtis Falls walking track. This picturesque one-kilometre trail winds through mighty flooded gum trees and thick rainforest, arriving at the flowing falls. There are eels, turtles and even a local platypus in the freshwater pool beneath the waterfall. The walk itself is relatively easy with a mild incline on the return; still, it’s a good idea to wear trainers and sports gear, stay on the designated track to protect wildlife and fauna, and pack adequate drinking water (and cheese, duh). LUNCH: WITCHES FALLS WINERY I’m a firm believer that all exercise should be rewarded. Naturally, a one-kilometre nature walk equates to a tasting flight of cider, glass of wine and grazing platter – preferably, at a mountaintop winery like Witches Falls, which is a convenient five minute drive from the Curtis Falls walking track. Located on an old avocado farm, Witches Falls is one of Queensland’s largest wine producers, using traditional winemaking techniques to produce unique and minimal intervention wines. Everything about the venue is perfect: the ambiance, the greenery, the drinks that have clearly been crafted with expertise and care, and above all else, the service. It’s difficult to stop singing their praises, so I shan’t. Go to Witches Falls Winery, definitely order a glass (or two) of the ginger cider, and thank me later. EVENING: MIAMI MARKETTA When the evening rolls around, it’s time to put on your stretchiest pants and head over to the biggest and best food hall the Gold Coast has to offer. Miami Marketta is a night market packed with funky bars, vibrant murals and endless food stalls to satisfy any craving. They also host regular live gigs and festivals. You could spend hours exploring the hidden, fairy light-lit laneways. Or, you could do what I did and take it upon yourself to eat from every single food vendor so as not to miss a thing. Up to you, really! Some personal highlights included: a gin and tonic from the ritzy Gin Parlour, a sizzling plate of chicken and chorizo Spanish paella from Samba, and a passionfruit lamington from Reid Street Kitchen. Miami Marketta is open from 5pm every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. After a day of Gold Coast perfection – pastries, nature, wine and food all within close distance – sleep is needed after this jam-packed day. Luckily, the Mysa Motel is just a hop and skip down the road from the markets. And trust us, you’ll want to be in bed early for what’s in store tomorrow…

This luxe itinerary and article were brought to you in partnership with our pals at Destination Gold Coast. To explore more and to plan your art and entertainment-filled trip, head over to Destination Gold Coast. 

frankie acknowledges and pays respects to Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region of the Gold Coast. We pay respects to all Elders past, present and emerging.