Traditionally people visit the Gold Coast Australia for all the coastal and water based attractions such as swimming, surfing, beaches and the many theme parks and other attractions.
But take a step away from the hustle and bustle of the main beach to discover the hinterland and you will get the full Gold Coast experience.
Be sure to visit Hinterland destinations such as Springbrook National Park, Canungra and Numinbah Valley.
There is so much more to do in the Gold Coast hinterland that is so uniquely different from sites and attractions from anywhere else you may have travelled.
Springbrook is a small settlement nestled amidst the Springbrook National Park.
Here, visitors will find Antarctic Beech trees and a captivating plethora of native Australian wildlife and plants.
Visitors to Springbrook National Park should also be sure to visit the 1km trail along the Natural Bridge area of the National Park which takes in the glow worm cave at Cave Creek and passes through a Natural Arch.
At the foot of the creek visitors can enjoy a rest and have a swim in the Waringa Pool.
A number of waterfalls are located with the National Park area which also has some impressive rocky landscapes.
Purlingbrook Falls is the most significant of the falls.
There are several kilometres of walking trails within the park that let you meander and truly enjoy your Hinterland holiday.
The stunning Lamington National Park as well as the Coomera River, Canungra Creek, Binna Burra Resorts and O'Reilly's Valley are all located in Canungra.
Canungra Gold Coast is dotted with majestic hills mountains and convenient picnic spots, the ideal location to enjoy a bushwalk and watch for some native Australian flora and fauna.
Once a month, on the fourth Saturday of each month are the Canungra markets with vendors selling a variety of fresh local produce and arts and crafts.
There are also some well known wineries in Canungra and some great restaurants for sampling the local produce served up to you.
Traditional owners of the Gold Coast Hinterland, Australia's aboriginal people discovered a narrow valley that appeared to be holding two mountains together with a mystic power.
The aboriginals called the valley 'Nyummin' which translated to mean 'hold tight country'.
Today this area is the picturesque Numinbah Forest Reserve which is home to Waterfall Creek, silky oaks and dry Eucalypt trees which are empowering attractions.
Visitors who prefer can also seek permission from the national park authorities to cycle or horse ride in this area.
Visitors seeking accommodation in Springbrook may try the comfort of the Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, Cedar Lake Country Resort, Springbrook Mountain Manor, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat & Mountain Villas, Boonah Valley Motel, Hardy House Bed & Breakfast and the Mouses House.
Accommodation prices of these Gold Coast hotels and resorts vary and start from around $90 per night for budget accommodation and increases significantly for luxury Gold Coast accommodations.
Canungra also offers a number of excellent Gold Coast accommodations including Wallaby Ridge Retreat, Baggs of Canungra Bed & Breakfast and O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat.
For those who wish to soak up more of the great outdoors, Sharp Park River Bend Country Bush Camping is the cheapest option, with budget priced basic rooms without facilities.
For more up market accommodation try the 5-star comfort of O'Reilly's.
The Australian Gold Coast Hinterland should is a must see for all visitors to the Gold Coast and one of the best Australian holiday destinations currently available.
Combine the beauty of the Gold Coast Hinterland and rain forests with the golden beaches, surfing and swimming opportunities and you have a holiday to remember.