Glamping, wineries: Ultimate dog-friendly guide to Tamborine Mountain
There’s no need to ruff it if you want to take your dog on holidays. We road test the Gold Coast hinterland’s most luxe glamping destination.
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The hot tub is steaming, fire pit primed and heater humming.
As mist cloaks the rainforest, we’re cosy under canvas with front-row seats for the mountain’s moods.
My husband and I are spending a chilly winter’s night in a tent with our dog but it’s clear we won’t be ruffing it.
No family member is left behind at Tamborine Mountain Glades, the hinterland adventure hub home to this rather flash Woodlands Luxe Tent.
Offering a suite of dog-friendly accommodation less than an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast and Brisbane, it’s just the spot to skip the sitter for our border collie Tally’s first travel adventure.
We checked in at reception alongside guests for the property’s assortment of accommodation before driving through the camping section to the glamping get-ups, cleverly positioned for privacy.
Ducking inside the lamp-lit tent we found a comfy linen-wrapped bed, bar fridge, big TV, reverse cycle airconditioner, microwave, kettle, toaster, crockery, plugs to charge our mobiles – basically everything you’d expect in a hotel room without sacrificing that canvas connection to the elements.
All of the ‘walls’ unzip to mesh so you can choose just how close to nature you get.
For Tally there’s dog bowls, a snuggly mat and a cute welcome card.
Our water-obsessed pup immediately spots the private path to Cedar Creek – in fine form after recent rain – and with a wave of white-tipped tail hurtles into the nearest rock pool.
I’d be right there with her in summer, but in the cooler months the creek is a burbling backdrop for our sleepover, supplying a soothing soundtrack and waterfront vantage.
Filtered through towering trees, the best view may well be from the jacuzzi.
It occupies a back corner of the timber platform, the other side devoted to a separate bathroom.
Clad in a curve of corrugated iron, it looks rustic but underfloor heating, bathrobes and slippers say otherwise. It is pure luxury.
Open to the sky, it gives new meaning to a rain shower, the piping-hot plumbing mingling with the refreshing real deal.
The deck also boasts a barbecue, but aside from marshmallow appetisers toasted over the fire pit, campfire cuisine isn’t on our menu this time.
We’ve got a booking at the onsite The Rainforest Restaurant.
Having exchanged farm life for pupacinos on the Gold Coast, Tally is a seasoned socialite but I’m still a little nervous at the thought of her third-wheeling a swanky supper.
I’m reassured by the warm welcome from waitstaff, who fuss over her and fetch a water bowl along with our menus.
We’re set up on a sheltered terrace where tealight candles twinkle on the tables and trees are decorated by staghorns and string lights – an absolute winner for a romantic dinner.
It’s love at first bite, kicking off with a gooey round of baked camembert lashed with local honey and finished with candied walnuts and lavosh.
The Peruvian street staple anticuchos are another highlight – choose from marinated beef, chicken or prawn skewers from the hibachi grill, dressed in chimichurri sauce. Many of the herb and vegetables are plucked from the property’s own organic chef’s garden.
We hitch a free buggy ride back to the tent, where Tally settles in her bed next to ours and we knock off the Tim Tams and hot choccie in the mini bar.
With lamps and Netflix switched off, the sounds of the rainforest kick in.
Anyone who has trouble drifting to sleep should give this natural lullaby a go. Works like a dream.
Without carpet we aren’t stressed about any midnight accidents, but puppy pads and poo bags are supplied for pet owners if nature calls unexpectedly.
We’re reminded again at breakfast that dogs aren’t just allowed at Tamborine Mountain Glades, they are enthusiastically embraced.
A hearty buffet is served daily in The Rainforest Restaurant.
We dig into home-style garlic mushrooms piled on hunks of sourdough toast while Tally laps up the attention from staff and fellow guests.
Including the iconic Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain Glades has plenty on the activity menu, from zipping through the treetops and laser skirmishes to spa sessions.
Tally was disappointed to learn the enticingly titled Dig It was designed for cool kids and not expert backyard excavators like herself.
It would be easy to while away the day without leaving the property but we’re on a mission to sniff out more of the mountain’s hound hot spots.
WITCHES FALLS WINES
Sit and sip at this charming cellar door.
Pups and their people can prance through the vines which form a backdrop for alfresco sessions.
Usually stretched over an hour and with six pours from the choice of vast varietals, it boasts an extremely generous tasting package.
BOXER BREWING CO.
Brewery owner Jon Heslop leads by example when it comes to this new bar’s pet policy.
Boxer Brewing Co. is named to honour a long line of loyal companions, starting with Jon’s childhood sidekick, Humphrey, and continued by the current generation of two young boxer dogs.
The gleaming craft set-up next to the winery – called The Kennel – is a top spot to enjoy a pint or catch a footy game on big screens with your best mate.
Tally scores a peanut-butter bone bickie while we work our way through a tasting paddle.
LOBORN
This spirited drinking den is hidden behind Picnic Real Food Bar at North Stores.
We’re greeted by Loborn’s resident pup, looking very smart in a bandana and eager to show off his tricks.
Owner and cocktail craftsman Tom Drewett is an engineer who decided to indulge another of his passions after relocating to Tamborine Mountain.
Tom is also happy to show off his tricks and Negroni fans are unlikely to leave empty-handed, with gin, vermouth and rather incredible amaro all made in the colour-drenched space.
CAULDRON ESTATE AND DISTILLERY
If you’re looking for some lunch to go with that liquid diet, this sprawling property with picnic-friendly lawns, alfresco seating and vineyard views is a pup-friendly pit stop.
Just be prepared for them to want a slice of the action when they get a whiff of the toasties, stacked fries, burgers and satisfying steak sandwiches.
The gin specialist also has a sizeable cocktail menu to explore, tastings and weekly mixology classes.
The writer was a guest of Tamborine Mountain Glades.
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