in
Numinbah Valley, 2016 , 1994 This elevated area is part of the
Great Dividing Range and contains the headwaters for a number of rivers and creeks including the
Coomera River,
Nerang River,
Pimpama River,
Tallebudgera Creek and
Currumbin Creek. Some of the highest
mountains in the hinterland are
Mount Nimmel (),
Tamborine Mountain (),
Mount Cougal (),
Tallebudgera Mountain () and
Springbrook Mountain (). In New South Wales to the south are the
Tweed Valley and
Border Ranges, while the
Scenic Rim overlaps and extends westwards from the hinterland.
Suburbs and townships Land use in the hinterland is divided between protected areas and rural residential living. On the eastern foothills of the hinterland lie the Gold Coast suburbs of
Mudgeeraba,
Tallebudgera, Guanaba, Cedar Creek, Wongawallan, Mt Nathan, Maudsland and
Nerang. There are a number of small villages like
Advancetown,
Beechmont,
Lower Beechmont and
Canungra that are considered part of the hinterland. At the foot of
Mount Nimmel lies
Austinville and beyond, the towering plateau of
Springbrook Mountain, on top of which lies a small township by the same name.
Protected areas on the Springbrook Plateau The region has significant natural heritage that is preserved in national parks and has been a major tourist drawcard. Remnants of early
forestry history remain; there are several waterfalls, including the famous
Purlingbrook Falls, and also many gorges and much rainforest.
Lamington National Park covers of rainforest, consisting mainly of two sections, the Green Mountains and Binna Burra. The longest available walk is , about 8 hours walking time.
Tamborine National Park covers of the Tamborine Mountain, a remnant of the once giant
Tweed Volcano. Closer to the coast, although not technically part of the hinterland, is the
Currumbin Valley Reserve. ==See also==