Although it's just an hour away from Brisbane, Tamborine Mountain feels like a different universe altogether, thanks to its picturesque surroundings and staggering natural beauty. Home to some of Australia's finest rainforests and iconic national parks, the mountain is also associated with the country's wine industry. From taking a walk across a rainforest canopy to heading to the skies, here's how to explore the majesty of the Tamborine Mountain and its main attributes.

Those who are heading to Tamborine Mountain in the wee hours of the morning can take in the views of the mountain from a vaulted vantage point with Hot Air Balloon Scenic Rim. Watching the sunrise over the mountain from the clouds can be the perfect start to a day trip to Tamborine Mountain as most of these hot-air balloon tours also include a champagne breakfast at a homestead in the mountain's vineyards.

Often compared to walking on top of the world, the joy and exhilaration of tackling the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is difficult to describe in words but is a must-have experience for all nature lovers. This path, which crisscrosses towering tree tops, gradually leads to the canopy at 30m above the valley past scenic rock pools and other natural wonders. It takes roughly an hour to complete the walk as it also includes a stopover at the Rainforest Eco Gallery, which delves into the rich history of the mountain's aboriginal ancestry.

The Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves are one of the most fascinating geological highlights in this part of the country and those who are curious about glow worms will hardly find another location where entire colonies are visible, even during the light of day. The magical sight of witnessing thousands of glow worms illuminating the inside of a dark cave is one of the best reasons to head up Tamborine Mountain in the first place as it is otherworldly in every sense.

Those who check the Tamborine Mountain Scenic Rim Eat Local Week website's event calendar will find some of the best food and drink festivals in the area during their period of travel. Avid picnickers, however, can always grab a Picnic Real Food Bar picnic box and head up the mountain to enjoy panoramic views whenever the mood strikes.

Travellers based at Avani Broadbeach Residences and other rests near Tamborine Mountain will find that touring the Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation is one of the top things to do in Broadbeach and its immediate vicinity. After exploring the estate with a whopping 600 coffee trees, visitors can pop by the Splice of Life Café Deli or the Curtis Falls Café to dig into coffee cakes and coffee beverages made using the homegrown beans from the Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation.

Shopaholics, on the other hand, must venture over to the Gallery Walk, located on Tamborine Mountain's Long Road to enjoy a shopping spree at local souvenir and gift shops. Vintage Crafts, Bygone Days and the Chocolates on Gallery Walk are three pit stops that all shoppers must make before grabbing a beer at the Fortitude Brewing Co.

Occupying an impressive 11ha, the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens is another must-visit point of interest. The venue's tropical rainforest walk and exquisite Japanese garden are not the only highlights as there's also a lakeside area perfect for family picnics.

With a 20-year history, the Tamborine Mountain Distillery is one of the main attractions for those who love their gin and schnapps. This local distillery has been producing liquors from native produce and flowers that grow on Tamborine Mountain to create signature beverages such as "eucalyptus gum leaf vodka" and "lilly pilly gin".