Currumbin Valley

Hidden away, out of sight of the Gold Coast's hustle and bustle, is one of the area's most beautiful natural gems - Currumbin Valley. Encompassed by steeply rising peaks and shrouded in lush protected rainforest, Currumbin Valley is just 10 minutes' drive from the tourist strip but a world away in attitude.

The drive to the valley takes you along picturesque Currumbin Creek and past velvety green pastures, dairy farms, plant nurseries, quaint craft shops and roadside vegetable stalls.

The beautiful Currumbin Rock Pools provide a cool, refreshing rainforest retreat during the hot summer months. The pristine spring water cascading down from the mountains over rocks and boulders makes it a delightfully refreshing place to take a dip. The bubbling waters create a natural-spa like effect and there are plenty of nooks and crannies for the kids to explore. Pack a picnic, fire up the barbecue or grab a delicious lunch at a nearby cafe.

Past the rock pools, the creek is a great place for a relaxed afternoon of fishing. Explore the scenic waterway by canoe - the eco-friendly way to get back to nature. Currumbin Valley is also home to an award-winning ecovillage, recognised as one of the world's best examples of an environmentally sustainable urban development.

Just 10 minutes up the road is the Mt Cougal section of the Springbrook National Park. At this mountainous section of the Park you can enjoy the beauty of cascades and rock pools as you wander under the rainforest canopy.

Currumbin Valley is home to a number of retreats, health resorts and bed-and-breakfast style accommodation and is just 30 minutes' drive from Coolangatta airport.