So we’re allowed to venture up to 150 kilometres away but we live on the Gold Coast so we already live in paradise. We’re also very keen for an adventure and to see something a little bit different than what we’ve been looking at for the past two months. What are we to do?

How about a little day trip (or spend the whole weekend if you wish) to Mount Tamborine? An absolutely stunning spot that’s only about 45 minutes away and offers more good times than you can probably jam into just one day honestly.

Let’s discuss. The drive itself is lovely and relaxing, winding up the mountain into the lush greenery and watching the city recede behind you. Once there, you’ll find yourself in a sweet little mountaintop village, surrounded by rainforest and on chillier days, with a low fog descending from above.

Now there are so many things to do once you get there, starting with tea and scones obviously. The Gallery Café has long been a favourite with an impressive array of teas (we’re quite partial to the Devonshire variety) plus of course, some warm, fluffy, freshly baked scones to kick things off. If it’s a bit on the nippy side up there, you can snuggle by the fireplace and not even venture outside.

You should though because you’re next stop is one of the many rainforest walks around the place including the Curtis Falls Walk (a fave) which yes has a waterfall at the end and is just a little 2km round trip. The Sandy Creek Circuit is also a beauty with views out over the Scenic Rim and also at a not-too-taxing 2.6km round trip.

Once you’ve sweated a bit, pop over to Lemon Lovers Gelato (across the road from the entrance to Curtis Falls) for a refreshing treat – they have over 20 flavours to choose from – and if you’re in a treat yo’self mood, Australian Outback Opals is right there filled with sparkly goodies too. How good are opals.

Right, so now you might like to wander up and down The Gallery Walk in the village, there are lots of quirky shops to peek into including fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts, produce, cellar door outlets, chocolate, fudge and cafes. All the best things.

One absolute must-visit is Granny Mac’s Famous Fudges because not only can you take home some of the yummiest fudge in the world, in pretty much any flavour you can think of, you can also stock up on an array of your favourite lollies (including some you forgot existed) for the trip home.

For a late lunch you need to head to Cedar Creek Estate where you can grab a picnic basket and set up on the lawn. For just $85, you’ll get an antipasto plate, a cheese plate, salads and warm dishes, muffins and chocolate and a basket and throw rug that you can take home. Enjoy all that while overlooking the stunning surrounds and that’s pretty much the most relaxing time there is.

Once you’re done there, head to Fortitude Brewing for some locally brewed, takeaway beers to enjoy once you get back home and right next door you’ll find Witches Chase Cheese who offer a huge variety of delicious goodness (including French and Italian flavours) you’ll absolutely want to stock up on. If wine is more your thing, pop over to Witches Falls Winery to grab a few bottles to take home.

Hopefully you went on a big enough stroll to not feel too full because that’s a lot of eating and drinking. Our fave. Finish the day off by watching one of the most magical sunsets you’ll ever see from Rotary Lookout. Perfection

Of course you can stay overnight on Mount Tamborine and find plenty more fun things to fill your time but well worth a day trip if that’s all you have.

Happy getting away from home for a bit.

Words by Kirra Smith

We’ve all clocked up plenty of hours swimming, eating and drinking beachside this summer, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

But may we suggest a tree change for your next coffee / breaky / brunch / lunch date, with a trek up the beautiful Tamborine Mountain.

A refreshing alternative to #cakebytheocean, it’s recently levelled up another notch with the boho-meets-Scandi newcomer, Bean N Brunch.

With a srsly inviting design, stunning covered deck, and a smashingly good menu, it’s the perfect addition to our beloved Tambo.

Oh and bonus points awarded for the charming Gallery Walk location, coz who doesn’t love a side of shopping with their double-shot flat white.

Opening on Christmas Day (true story!) and already setting tastebuds-a-flutter, it’s reason enough to clock up some km’s on the ‘ole odometer.

Seating 50 bods on the cosy deck for a relaxing alfresco-style experience, we love everything about this place.

Its warm and welcoming ambiance starts with the weatherboard and VJ panelled exterior, which is effortlessly mirrored inside.

The clean white and timber aesthetic features the most glorious thick-set wooden floorboards, rattan pendant lighting, and just the right amount of foliage hanging overhead.

Manager David Csavas is your smiling host with the most, boasting over ten years of hospitality experience (translation; it may be his first café but it sure ain’t his first rodeo).

Working behind the bar and as a barista in both Hungary and Norway, as well as in venues and cafes across Queensland, his passion for quality coffee and nosh is fierce.

32 years young, he’s turned his dream of opening a café into bricks and mortar and is livin’ la vida mocha.

If you’re Bean N Brunch bound for breakfast (say that a few times to get all kinds of tongue twisted), look no further than the signature Bean N Brunch Egg with a Florentine crunchy English muffin layered with your choice of meat (bacon, ham or smoked salmon) or veg (mushroom and avo), poached eggs and warm Hollandaise, served with a golden hash brown and grilled tomato.

Or for a lazy lunch done right, get your nom on with the signature PM dish, Bean N Brunch Schnitzel, a sumptuous golden crumbed chicken breast served with beer battered chips and salad.

Then, on your next visit coz trust us, there’ll be another (and another…), try the Grilled Barramundi, Osso Bucco Ravioli, or a palette pleasing beef, chicken or vegan burger.

Beverage wise, David and his team do a mean latte, macchiato and dirty chai.

Perhaps you’re channelling something to cool you down and to be fair, it’s like fiddy degrees in the shade right now so one can’t go past a mango, strawberry or passionfruit Home Made Lemonade. Or for more of a substantial sip, it’s gotta be the Avo-Go-Go Smoothie with avo (duh), broccoli, spinach, mango, coconut, ginger, and lime.

Oh and watch this space because David has big things in the pipeline for Bean N Brunch and Sir, we are all ears!

With a grand plan to introduce more European dishes as part of a winter special menu (including Hungarian Goulash), srsly can it be June already?

So round up your people, pack your appetite for ‘a latte’ great eats and drinks, and make for the mountain!

Where: 161 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain
When: 6am – 3pm Monday to Sunday. Closed Tuesday.

Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Carly King.

You’ve seen the weekend packs of Lycra-clad cyclists rolling in for their post-ride caffeine fix. The humble “coffee ride” has become as much a part of cycling culture as the Tour de France. And now, thanks to Che Cafe & Bikes, Broadbeach Waters has the perfect pit stop to celebrate it.

At its heart, Che Cafe & Bikes is a tandem ride. Noel Charpentier, originally from Chile, brings the mechanical precision and passion that can only come from a lifetime on two wheels. With over 16 years in the cycling world, he’s competed internationally, taught mountain biking at some of Chile’s top schools and developed expertise in high-end bicycle service. For him, cycling is more than a sport, it’s a culture built around craftsmanship and community.

Ana Pedroza has spent her life immersed in community, and nearly two decades of working in restaurants, hotels, cafes and events across Argentina and Australia have only deepened that connection.

Noel and Ana met here on the GC, where their shared love for coffee and cycling began to merge into a bigger vision. Life took them to Perth where the plan to create a space that celebrated both their passions came together. By 2024, they had returned to the Gold Coast ready to shift things into gear.

The pair spent a year searching for the right spot before finding a space in Broadbeach Waters that simply clicked.

Designed by Andrea Paredes of Sensa Living, Che Cafe & Bikes feels less like a business and more like your most stylish friend’s living room, if your friend also happened to serve Argentinian pastries and fix carbon-fibre road bikes.

The cafe exudes mid-century cool with a dash of punk rock. Cyclists can roll right up to the bike workshop, while those taking a more leisurely pace can settle into the communal tables.

A neon sign beams from the wall declaring, “When in doubt, pedal it out” but Ana and Noel should add “and eat empanadas” to the motto, because their golden pockets are that good.

Fuel your ride with Ana’s traditional Argentine empanadas loaded with savoury minced beef, onions, capsicum, egg, olives and spices or go veg with a protein rich creamy spinach (bechamel), fetta, onion and spices.

Sugar cravings? Get your fix with flaky medialunas filled with sweet dulce de leche, custard cream, nutella & banana or coconut dulce de leche (Ana’s answer to an almond croissant, but better!)

Coffee can be canned on the spot for riding convenience, but if you’re staying a while, Che cafe also serves mate, a traditional Argentine herbal tea made from dried yerba mate leaves, sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla from a distinctive, gourd-shaped cup. This drink is said to increase focus and physical performance. Need we say more, mate? On ya bike to Che Cafe & Bikes!

Where: Shop 3/ 1 Sunshine Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
When: Tuesday–Sunday, 6am–5pm
Website:checafeandbikes.com.au
Instagram:@checafeandbikes

Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby