The unexpected Aussie region that was perfect for a 'reset' holiday

I won't lie, up until very recently, I wouldn't have chosen the Gold Coast as a destination for a relaxing getaway. 

The Queensland tourist mecca has a reputation for family holidays, Schoolies parties, theme parks, and sun-soaked beach days. 

But after a short drive from the airport, I stepped out of the car in the Gold Coast hinterland and all those stereotypes disappeared. 

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I vaguely knew that the Gold Coast had a hinterland, but never really considered it too much as a tourist destination, choosing instead to focus on the 'mainstream' parts of the Goldy, like Surfers and Broadbeach. 

What a big mistake that was. 

Less than an hour from the beach, the hinterland is a vast but well-kept secret, where small towns, winding hiking trails, lush waterfalls, abundant wildlife, luxurious spas, boutique stays, and breathtaking views await. 

If you're looking for a holiday where you can switch off and relax - something that two-thirds of Australians (including myself!) are desperate for - you'll be hard-pressed to find a better destination. 

Despite only spending one night in the hinterland, it felt like pressing a reset button, a true escape from the daily go-go-go hustle I've become accustomed to. 

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Gold Coast hinterland accommodation

I stayed at Verandah House Country Estate, and couldn't have found a better place for a night's stay.

The eight-suite property, nestled among trees on the edge of a cliff, perfectly toes the line between luxury accommodation and a homey, welcoming vibe - something that can be hard to nail. 

Rather than a high-end hotel, it feels like you're staying at the country home of your poshest friends.

And while the nightly rate is a little higher than average for the region, it's the kind of place that's worth the splurge.

The rooms are exquisite, with thoughtful touches throughout from pillow spray and loose leaf tea to luxurious bath products and the comfiest mattress I've slept on in a while.

We stayed in the Estate Suite, which is worth it alone for the view from the tub or the covered verandah, not to mention the fireplace in the living room and the dreamy rain shower.

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The accommodation is a destination in itself, with a rope swing, fire pit, and welcoming chairs positioned perfectly to offer sweeping views of the Scenic Rim, all the way down to the ocean off in the distance. 

The sauna and hot tub offer equally breath-taking vistas - set yourself up with a bottle of wine and some snacks and you'll want to spend hours there.

Yoga, meditation, and sound bath sessions can also be booked, which are done outdoors surrounded by the noises of rustling gums and local birdsong.

A communal cozy living room, complete with a fireplace and vaguely Yellowstone-esque décor is the perfect place to spend a drizzly afternoon with a book and a glass of wine from the self-serve bar.

Too comfy to drag yourself out for dinner? Peruse the guest fridge where a variety of pizzas and chef-made meals are waiting. 

And speaking of food, don't miss breakfast, where you'll be greeted with barista coffee, fresh fruit, and the best danish I've ever had, made by a local French baker.

What to do in the hinterland of the Gold Coast?

Many travellers opt to just see the hinterland on a day trip, but there's so much to see and do that it's worth spending at least one night.

Of course, the national parks of the region (namely Springbrook and Lamington) offer walks, hikes, viewpoints, waterfalls, and swimming holes.

There are some great towns in the hinterland to check out too, specifically Mount Tamborine, with an Italian spot called Trattoria MKIII serving up seriously good pasta dishes. "Who knew that we'd have such a good dinner on a Monday night at a random town in the hinterland?" was uttered more than once on our trip.

For the ultimate relaxation activity, head to Sol Elements, a bathhouse and spa on Tamborine Mountain. You can keep it simple and soak in the onsen, or book in for a float session, a cold plunge, or a remedial massage for a true reset.

I recommend splashing out for a secluded suite, where you can kick back in your own hot tub, alternating hops in the infrared sauna and ice bath.

How far is the hinterland from Surfers Paradise?

The Gold Coast hinterland is about a 45-minute drive from Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads, depending on where you're headed.

Heading to the national parks? Springbrook National Park is a 55-minute drive from Surfers Paradise, while Lamington National Park (O'Reilly's or Binna Burra) takes about 90 minutes.

If you're coming from the airport, allow yourself an hour in the car to get to the hinterland.

Gold Coast hinterland waterfalls

The hinterland is filled with waterfalls, some easily accessible from a parking lot, others reached at the end of a hike through the rainforest.

Some of the top waterfalls to add to your itinerary include:

• Natural Bridge Waterfall - a waterfall in a cave dotted with glow worms. Accessible by a 10-15 minute walk.
• Twin Falls - beautiful falls that cascade into a rock pool where you can swim. Takes about 20 minutes to walk there.
• Elabana Falls - secluded falls an hour's hike through rainforest in Lamington National Park.
• Purlingbrook Falls - an epic 120-metre drop which can be viewed from the top and the bottom. At the bottom, you can swim.

How long is the Gold Coast Hinterland walk?

The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk covers 54 kilometres, linking Lamington and Springbrook national parks via the Numinbah Valley. Most people take three days to complete the hike, staying at campsites along the way.

If you're not keen on such a trek but still want to get out and explore the national parks, there are plenty of other hikes of all lengths you can take advantage of.

• Warrie Circuit - a 14km circuit trail that descends into the canyon base near Springbrook.
• Purlingbrook Falls Circuit - a moderate 4km loop trail through subtropical rainforest to the base of a 100-metre waterfall, crossing over a suspension bridge.
• Coomera Circuit - a 4 to 5-hour walk through Lamington National Park with spectacular views of dramatic cliffs and Coomera Falls.

The writer visited as a guest of Experience Gold Coast.