Mudgeeraba

Skirting the fringes of the Gold Coast, and cradled at the foot of the majestic Gold Coast Hinterland, lies the quaint, historic village of Mudgeeraba.

Once a small settlement of timber-cutters situated on a railway siding, this tiny hamlet remained largely untouched until the Gold Coast tourism boom of recent years. Still retaining many of its original buildings and much of its old-world charm, Mudgeeraba is the gateway to the spectacular World-Heritage listed Springbrook National Park, just 15 minutes' drive west. There you'll enjoy breathtaking views, thundering waterfalls, and rare and ancient flora found nowhere else in the world.

The Mudgeeraba area is home to the Gold Coast's oldest original farmers' market where you can indulge in fresh local produce, coffee, jams, preserves, cheese, wine and baked goods. Tucked away in hidden nooks you'll find delightful restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts and cafes along with art and craft galleries brimming with the work of local artisans.

Just outside of Mudgeeraba you can play golf in the rainforest, or take a ride in a hot air balloon. There are a number of museums and points of historical interest including an old pub made famous in the paintings of one-time local artist d'Arcy Doyle. Enjoy a cold one at the bar and ask a local about the old stories of bunyips in the billabong.

From various vantage points in the hills surrounding Mudgeeraba, you can soak up the region's most spectacular views of the Gold Coast, then find a picturesque park along Mudgeeraba Creek and enjoy a picnic under a rainforest canopy.

Mudgeeraba is just 20 minutes from both the Coolangatta airport and the heart of the Gold Coast. Accommodation in the area includes country bed-and-breakfasts, and rooms at the local hotel. Motel and resort accommodation can be found in nearby Robina and Carrara.