Backyard Tourist: Day trip up to Green Lane Coffee Plantation, Mt Tamborine on the Gold Coast

IF you’re looking to keep out of the busy Gold Coast Show weekend, this day trip to a neighbouring Hinterland suburb is sure to win you over. It even includes an organic coffee plantation.

Green Lane Coffee Plantation: Some cherries ready for the picking. Picture: supplied

FOR those who need quality caffeine throughout the week — and perhaps a cup or two on the weekend, it’s hard to beat this gorgeous plantation hidden on the mountain.

Yes, this one is especially for the coffee lovers: Green Lane Coffee Plantation at Mt Tamborine.

The mountain is synonymous with leisurely weekends, glorious views and quaint cafes, but it also hides a sweet spot for our caffeine addicts.

Not just coffee at the plantation, but their gorgeous coffee trees too. Picture: supplied

Or, if you’re like me, just a curiosity about why these local coffee beans are so special.

Located just down from the famous St Bernards Hotel, a trip up to Green Lane Coffee Plantation is perfect for a Sunday drive and stop-in.

The property has row after row of coffee trees with lush, mown lawns in between each one.

They hold group tours each Sunday which cover a range of topics such as where the coffee comes from and how it’s processed, stored and roasted.

In between the coffee trees. Picture: supplied

Coffee beans. Picture: supplied

Plantation director Tony Williams tells me his family purchased the plantation two years ago, and it is now family-run alongside his son as manager.

The entire plantation is organic — so no sprays — and even their imported coffee, used for blending purposes, is organic too.

If you decide to take a one-hour tour, you can take part in ‘cupping’, taking in an array of different blends through your ‘tasting senses.’

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I’m told that coffee will taste differently across the front, middle and back of the tongue.

The coffee trees have all been trimmed back, but there are small red ‘cherries’ — holding two precious coffee beans each — already coming through.

If you want to dive into nature a little differently, roaming throughout the plantation on tour is a sure fire way to enjoy it.

Sunday tours cost $20 per person.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Granny Mac's Fudge shop. Picture by Scott Fletcher

The Gallery Walk at Mt Tamborine will have you wishing you lived up here all the time and is the perfect way to end your day on the mountain.

Aptly named, the walk boasts more than 60 shops along Long Road.

We’re talking the famous Granny Macs Fudge Store and Cafe, made on site, and the German Cuckoo Clock Nest store, home to hundreds of grandfather and cuckoo clocks.

There’s ample cafes along the road for quick pit stops, as well as a range of galleries, including Aboriginal, contemporary and even Japanese artwork.

EAT AND DRINK

Coffee with a St Bernard? Yes please. Picture: Jerad Williams

IF you haven’t been to St Bernards Hotel on Alpine Terrace yet, it’s really time you do.

Named after those big rescue dogs famed for trekking through snow with a small barrel attached to their collar, the spot boasts hearty food, a bar, a comfy interior, outside dining and amazing views.

They even have peacocks lazily making their way past diners.

Oh, and they have St Bernard dogs too. Sometimes they will be chilling next to the bar, other times outside on the ramp or at the front door.

DISCOVER

The glow worm cave Photo Adam Armstrong

Glowing worms are sure to be a big hit with the kids, but it’s also something for those interested in our native wildlife.

At the Glow Worm Caves Tamborine Mountain, you’ll be treated to dark caves studded with little glow worms lighting up the area.

Designed to keep the colony of these special worms happy and healthy, the worms light up all year round.

Glow worms are actually fly larvae and their purpose is to attract smaller insects, helping to control the populations.

Half an hour tours run from 10am until 4pm seven days a week.