A Tranquil Retreat on Mt Tamborine: Our Time with a Cute Long-Haired Chihuahua

“My fashion philosophy is, if you’re not covered in dog hair, your life is empty.” – Elayne Boosler

Nestled in the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland, Mt Tamborine is known for its breathtaking views, lush rainforests, and charming small-town atmosphere.

Recently, we had the chance to experience this beautiful corner of the world while house-sitting, and our companion for the stay? An adorable, long-haired Chihuahua called Poppy who quickly stole our hearts.

From the moment we arrived, this little ball of fluff welcomed us as if we were old friends. With big, soulful eyes and a personality far larger than her tiny frame, she was the perfect host.

Together, we explored the mountain, taking peaceful morning walks, where she proudly trotted along, ears perked and tail wagging. Well she trotted for a bit, then put the anchors on. She's not used to the big wide world and so when she's had enough, she simply lies down on her side and stops.

One of my favorite moments was sitting on the veranda, soaking up the serene mountain views as she curled up on my lap, content with the world around her. It was the perfect way to relax after a day spent wandering through Mt Tamborine and visiting the local markets.

We didn't realise that there are no dogs allowed at the markets. We'd actually gone to the markets first by ourselves, and then when we saw quite a few other dogs there, we went back with Poppy, as her home is just around the corner.

We thought it'd be a good way for her to socialise a bit, but on the way out, we were gently told that dogs weren't allowed. Then as we walked out, then we saw the no dogs sign. Oh dear, so if you happen to be going to the markets, best leave your dog buddy at home.

Make sure you try one of the wood fired pizzas at Mt Tamborine markets, they were delightful.

Caring for Poppy was a joy. She loves her snacks and likes to hide them in the lounge or under the blankets, she has a gorgeous fluffy cushion on the couch and a cozy blanket for nap time.

She is so endearing. Her gentle nature and quiet companionship added a special touch to the peaceful atmosphere of the mountain.

Mt Tamborine itself was a dream. From the magical Curtis Falls to the artisan shops and cafes, there was no shortage of things to see and do.

But no matter where we went, our little Poppy was always the highlight of the day, reminding us that sometimes the simplest moments—like a cuddle on the couch or a playful throw of her favourite whale toy, are the ones that stay with you the longest.

One thing that was just magical, happened one evening when I walked the garbage bins out to the sidewalk. As I walked back to the house, I was aware of something overhead. When I looked up there was this amazing halo around the moon.

I've never seen one before so close and to have it directly overhead was very special. Sadly the photo just doesn't do it justice. My sister in law told me that the Indigenous people had told her that depending on how many stars you see in the centre of the halo, will tell you how many days of rain you can expect.

Here's a link to@Arianna.Busker on Instagram, we loved listening to her music at the markets.

Mt Tamborine Botanical Gardens

Between the natural beauty of Mt Tamborine and the joy of spending time with such a sweet, loyal companion, it was an unforgettable experience. If you ever get the chance to house-sit for a long-haired Chihuahua on a mountain, don’t pass it up—you’ll leave with memories (and probably more than a few photos) that will warm your heart for years to come.

For anyone considering a house-sit in the area, I can’t recommend it enough.

House Sitting - Beautiful Mt Tamborine

"Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail." – Kinky Friedman

We haven't done a lot of house sitting of late. We decided to put our house on the market this year, and have had our attention else where. With all the busyness of late, it was so nice to see an invite from the Aussie House Sitters site in our email.

We were delighted to be invited for a house sit on Mt Tamborine minding gorgeous little Poppy. She is an absolute darling and was very easy to fall in love with.

We had such a lovely evening with her owner who invited us to stay the evening before, and spoiled us rotten with a gorgeous welcome and meal, that he'd cooked himself. It was just so lovely to be in Poppy's lovely home with the fire roaring and such good company.

Poppy had a few outings with us, to our favourite Spice of Life cafe, her dad did warn us she wasn't much of a walker, and it was so funny to see her simply lie on her side when she'd had enough of the stoll along Knoll road. She was much cosier tucked inside Kevin's jacket all warm and toasty, and had a carry back to the car.

We certainly needed our winter woolies on while we were there, and had the fire going most days. It sure was very chilly, and much colder than on the coast. How's that mist in the picture above? It's so eerie too to watch it roll in, and everything gets really quiet.

But it was also gorgeous to see the mist rolling in, and to know that it was warm and cosy inside. One evening we braved the cold night air, and wandered down to the lookout where the hang gliders leave from.

The atmosphere was so lovely, with crowds of people, families and friends with their picnics. But the chill got the better of us and we high tailed it back home once the sun hit the horizon.

There are so many lovely bush walks on Tambo, and we had a lovely walk into Witches Falls, not far from our house sit.

Witches Falls was Queensland’s first national park to be declared under the new State Forests and National Park Act 1906. Declared in 1908, it is Queensland’s oldest national park.

It is graded at a 4 which means walking experience recommended. "Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signs may be limited."

It's fairly easy to find your way around the loop, but once a couple of years ago, we did turn left when leaving the falls instead of right back to the loop, and had quite a hike back. Visit Qld Govt Parks and Forests to learn more.

Witches Falls Mt Tamborine

A really gorgeous hike at Witches Falls today. The weather is so lovely right now. Crisp, clear days and cool nights, a bit of sun to warm you here and there. We learned today that Witches Falls was declared as the first National Park in Queensland in 1908. Someone was forethinking - I haven't found out who the precious soul/s was/were who thought to do this, but we all owe them a debt of thanks.

"Basalt columns, cliffs, rocky outcrops and waterfalls are a lasting legacy of volcanic eruptions 23 million years ago. Tamborine is the most northerly remnant of the flows from a volcano centred on Mount Warning (Wollumbin)."

Why Witches Falls? Imagine, night settles over the forest and nocturnal creatures start venturing out. In the darkness, twigs break with a sharp 'snap' and leaves rustle overhead - an eerie place for children. So the story tells us on the board at the falls. (Eerie? Heck I'd be terrified.)

Apparently Hilda Curtis as an 8 year old girl used to round up the cows after school. Sometimes the cows would wander down off the mountain and by the time she got them back up and along to the creek it would be dark.

And on a cloudy night pitch black. Like most children in those days, she was raised with Grimm's Fairy Tales. She was sure that the dark forest on the creek was haunted, sho she called them Witches Falls and the name has stuck.

This is an easy walk if you are used to walking on trails, we did the entire walk, and it took us about two hours with getting lost thrown in to the mix. I'm thinking of investing in walking poles, there were some narrow steep areas on this walk, and it would have been nice to have had the steadying influence of the poles.

Do take your water, let someone know where you are, there are some steep areas, and a bit of a climb, I hadn't done anything for a couple of weeks, so my heart rate got a bit of a workout.

Also I'd suggest using some insect repellent before you go, there were quite a few mozzies wanting to have a nibble.

After arriving at the Falls, we should have gone back to the circuit and followed that trail. But we took another path which lead us up to another road, far away from the carpark. So we decided to retrace our steps after chatting with a local who was going to send us even further off the track. About then, I was really regretting the choice to not take my heavy waterbottle with me.

The walk wouldn't have been an issue, had we taken our water and insect spray. The odd anxious feeling crept in when I realised we didn't have a clue where we were and I was getting hot and a bit discombobulated. After a few slow breaths I remembered seeing the circuit walk sign, and headed for that. Both of us enjoyed the walk anyway, and the views are stunning.

Witches Falls Creek - this runs into the waterfall - can you imagine an 8 year old rounding the cows up here close to the edge of a sheer drop in the dark?

Photo of base of falls by Maxine Coquard @ Queensland Govt. I'm not at all sure of how you'd get to the base of the falls unless you know some of the trails.

We finished off the walk with a lunch at St Bernards Hotel - gorgeous views and we made lunchtime by only 2 minutes.

There are three of these beauties in the hotel, they are usually sleeping happily in their room off the hotel foyer, where you can take pictures.