Your final information to the most effective Lamington Nationwide Park walks in one of the lovely parks in Queensland.
Lamington Nationwide Park is one place you can not miss in case you visit the Gold Coast. Folks come right here for its pure lush magnificence and spectacular views.
With 20,600 hectares (51,000 acres) of gorgeous rainforests, there’s a lot to see.
Whereas exploring the park, you’ll discover historical bushes which can be 1000’s of years previous, wonderful birdlife, massive flowing waterfalls, many strolling tracks, and rugged mountains with lookouts over the entire space.
Lamington Nationwide Park lies on the Queensland and New South Wales border. The park has a range of valleys and mountain ranges with peaks rising greater than 1,100m in peak.
It’s positioned on the Lamington Plateau of the McPherson Vary. To the south of the park is the Scenic Rim Area.
The park can also be a part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Space.
The principle Lamington Nationwide Park highway is simple to entry as it is just 85 km from the Gold Coast and 110 km from Brisbane.
It’s solely a brief drive from the massive cities, however if you step into the park you’ll really feel like you might be in one other world.
Learn Subsequent: Try our information for the best things to do in Brisbane!
Lamington Nationwide Park
Lamington Nationwide Park is split up into two sections; Inexperienced Mountains and Binna Burra.
The Inexperienced Mountains part is the higher space of the Lamington Nationwide Park and is positioned on the western facet of the Lamington Plateau, McPherson Vary.
The Binna Burra part is the decrease part of the Lamington Nationwide Park. It’s the Scenic Rim Area and is positioned on the border of NSW.
Earlier than you go strolling, be sure to obtain the maps for each sections right here:
Lamington Nationwide Park Walks
There are such a lot of wonderful strolling tracks in Lamington Nationwide Park the place you may see the most effective sights of the park.
From the blue pool to the wishing tree to the Antarctic beech forest, and extra. Yow will discover all these mysterious sights on the walks listed on this article.
We’ve made an inventory so you may select the most effective ones to your go to to this lovely park.
READ MORE: See our full complete information to the best Gold Coast hikes!
Inexperienced Mountains Sections
This part will checklist all of the walks within the Inexperienced Mountains sections which may be executed in someday.
Centenary Observe
- Distance – 1.8km return
- Length – 30 minutes – 1 hour
- Problem – straightforward
- Begin / End Factors – O’Reilly’s carpark, Inexperienced Mountains part
That is the right, straightforward strolling path to get you began within the park. The usual out-and-back path is fast and flat and is appropriate for folks of all ages and talent ranges, together with these in wheelchairs.
There are benches scattered alongside the path that are good for birdwatching, as there are many colourful birds that make their residence within the rainforest cover.
Take all of the little facet trails (about 200m in every case) and lose your self within the tropical rainforest earlier than heading again to the automobile park.
The observe passes via tall hoop pine on the entrance and slowly descends via the subtropical rainforest for 900 m to hitch the trailhead of the Python Rock and Morans Falls tracks.
This can be a nice place to begin for different hikes, and it’s a pleasant introduction to the forest.
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Rainforest Return
Just like the Centenary Observe, this strolling observe is simple and quick, so it’s appropriate for folks of all ages.
Along with the same old birdlife and spectacular tree forests that you simply’ll discover all through the park, this observe is thought for its fascinating geological historical past.
Alongside this strolling path, you may see boulders and rocks which can be thousands and thousands of years previous, some which have survived the Ice Age and thru lava flows of volcanic eras.
Wishing Tree Observe
- Distance – 2.4 km return
- Length – 1 hour
- Problem – straightforward
- Begin / End Factors – O’Reilly’s carpark
This quick and straightforward strolling observe is a bit hidden out of the best way, nevertheless it’s value discovering.
The path begins up the hill from the carpark, previous the chook feeding space, and down the facet highway.
There are indicators on the path so you shouldn’t have any downside. Should you go within the early morning the birdwatching is incredible.
Observe the observe and cross over a small suspension bridge, via the open forest, previous glow worm gully, and over to the Wishing Tree.
The tree is gigantic, and its roots are raised above the bottom and unfold out so you may stroll beneath it.
Python Rock Observe
- Distance – 3.4 km
- Length – 1.5 – 2 hours
- Problem – straightforward
- Begin / End Factors – O’Reilly’s automobile park, Inexperienced Mountains part
Step into the inexperienced wonderland of the World Heritage rainforest on this wonderful path.
The views from Python Rock lookout will take your breath away—Morans Falls, Fortress Crag, and the Misplaced World stretch out earlier than you.
Marvel at the results of thousands and thousands of years of abrasion that created the valley and complicated escarpments, and take a look at your hand at capturing a photograph that does it justice.
Come ready for a post-walk nosh-up because the Inexperienced Mountains picnic space boasts electrical barbecues and tables the place you may simply laze away the remainder of the day
The sealed observe to Python Rock has even grades, appropriate for older folks and people confined to wheelchairs. Attain the trailhead through the Centenary Observe.
For extra concepts within the space, take a look at these wonderful day trips from Brisbane.
Morans Falls Observe
- Distance – 4.5 km return
- Length – 1.5 hours
- Problem – Reasonable
- Begin / End Factors – O’Reilly’s automobile park, Inexperienced Mountains part
This gorgeous observe branches off from the Python Rock Trailhead, so mix the tracks into one epic journey if you want.
Head via subtropical rainforest to the highly effective Morans Falls for a spectacular view of the falls and Morans Clearing lookout for views over the Albert River.
The observe descends 140 metres via a sub-tropical rainforest of booyongs, figs, and brush field to Morans Falls Lookout.
From the highest of Morans Falls, you may look out over all the valley. It’s the right spot for dawn or sundown because the pure colours gentle up the panorama.
Field Forest Circuit
- Distance – 10.9km circuit
- Length – 4 hours
- Problem – average/arduous
- Begin / End Factors – Inexperienced Mountains Carpark, the trailhead begins on the Border Observe
Branching off from the enduring Border Observe (which we’ll point out within the longer walks part of this text), the Field Forest Circuit is a difficult however pleasurable hike within the park.
This path weaves via the temperate forest, passing brush field bushes and historical Antarctic beech bushes. These bushes are a number of the oldest on Australia’s mainland.
One other spotlight of the path is the waterfalls! There are some attractive waterfalls on this observe, together with Tullerigumai Falls (Additionally known as Field Log Falls) and Elabana Falls.
Many individuals select to simply stroll to Elabana Falls, have a picnic at Picnic Rock, after which return the best way they got here.
If you wish to full all the Field Forest Circuit, you’ll additionally cross Darragumai Falls and Yanbacoochie Falls.
West Canungra Creek Circuit
- Distance – 13.9km circuit
- Length – 5.5 hours
- Problem – average/arduous
- Begin / End Factors – Inexperienced Mountains day automobile park
This stroll additionally branches off from the Border Observe, so comply with the path about 600m earlier than turning off for the West Canungra Creek Circuit.
When you make it onto the circuit, get pleasure from mountaineering alongside the calm, crystal clear waters of West Canungra Creek.
You’ll cross waterfalls like Darraboola Falls, and the gorgeous and serene Yerralahla (blue pool).
The path includes a couple of creek crossings, the place you’ll must do some rock hopping to get throughout.
Keep away from this path after heavy rain, because the creek can get too excessive and the creek crossings may be tougher.
However the creek is fairly shallow and mellow so the river crossings shouldn’t be an excessive amount of hassle in dry climate.
Simply put on good mountaineering sneakers and perhaps carry an additional pair of socks simply in case you lose your footing!
Additionally maintain an eye fixed out for the orange directional arrows so that you don’t lose your approach.
Toolona Creek Circuit
- Distance – 17.4km circuit
- Length – 6 hours
- Problem – Reasonable
- Begin / End Factors – Inexperienced Mountain Automobile Park
This can be a nice hike to attempt if you wish to see some waterfalls, get a great exercise, and spend all the day in nature. It’s fairly a protracted hike, nevertheless it’s value it.
As with a couple of different hikes within the Inexperienced Mountains part, you must hike alongside the Border Observe to entry the trailhead.
After 1.7km on the Border Observe, close to Picnic Rock you’ll attain the trailhead for Toolona Creek Circuit.
The path snakes via Toolona Gorge, and also you’ll cross wonderful waterfalls like Toolona Falls and Chalahn Falls.
Since you’re mountaineering via a deep gorge and close to a creek, the atmosphere could be very moist and shady.
This enables the luxurious rainforest to flourish, so maintain an eye fixed out for cool vegetation, flowers, and wildlife.
Ultimately rising from the gorge, you’ll end up at Wanungara Lookout the place you may see all the best way to the Limpinwood Valley and Mount Warning.
Heading north subsequent? Try this Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary!
Binna Burra Sections
Listed here are a number of the finest day walks within the Binna Burra part of Lamington Nationwide Park.
Rainforest Circuit
- Distance – 1.2km circuit
- Length – half-hour
- Problem – straightforward
- Begin / End Factors – Binna Burra trailhead on the Binna Burra day-use space
This quick, straightforward stroll via the rainforest is the right stroll to start your exploration of this facet of the nationwide park.
The path is overflowing with songbirds and gigantic bushes like strangler figs. Take the youngsters, the grandparents, and all the household right here to wander alongside the light strolling path and take up the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.
The Rainforest Circuit begins simply 500m down the Border Observe.
Tullawallal Circuit
- Distance – 5km circuit
- Length – 1.5 hours
- Problem – Simple/Reasonable
- Begin / End Factors – Binna Burra day use space
Observe the Border Observe for 1.9km then department onto the Tullawallal Circuit and step right into a cool world of filtered inexperienced gentle.
You’ll really feel as if you’ve travelled again in time as you uncover the remnants of historical Gondwanan forests that when lined the continent.
This pocket of historical Antarctic beech bushes is the northernmost location of those bushes in Australia, and one of the accessible!
This can be a comparatively straightforward path, so it’s nice for the entire household. Settle in with a picnic in one of many Binna Burra day-use areas to finish an ideal day within the hills.
Caves Circuit
- Distance – 7km return
- Length – 2 hours
- Problem – Reasonable/Onerous
- Begin / End Factors – Binna Burra decrease day use space on Binna Burra highway
One other fascinating hike on this part of Lamington Nationwide Park is the Caves Circuit.
Stroll alongside the winding path via towering Eucalyptus bushes crammed with wildlife like birds, lizards, and koalas.
Get pleasure from panoramic views of the Coomera Valley looking out factors alongside the observe.
The path is known as “Caves Circuit” after the Kweebani Cave, the spotlight of the path. Kweebani Cave is known as after the Yugambeh individuals who used to reside within the space and prepare dinner their meals within the cave.
There are a couple of steep steps on the observe, and there are many rocks and cliff faces. All the time be cautious of your environment and watch out of any unfastened rocks on the path, or any shock rock fallings from the cliffs.
Gwongoorool Observe
- Distance – 6km return
- Length – 2 hours
- Problem – Reasonable
- Begin / End Factors – Binna Burra decrease day-use space
This observe begins with a steep descent down stone steps and ends at Gwongoorool Pool.
If it’s a scorching summer season day, a dip within the pure rainforest pool can really feel like heaven. The water is kind of chilly, though you’re in sunny Queensland.
Should you do swim within the pool, simply respect the wildlife round you. There are a lot of tree frogs, fish, lizards, and eels within the water.
Most of those animals will maintain to themselves and keep away from folks in the event that they select to swim within the water, however simply watch out anyhow.
Even in case you don’t wish to courageous the chilly, recent water and go for a dip, you may nonetheless get pleasure from a picnic or a pleasant stress-free nap within the shade subsequent to this lovely, magical forest pool. Return again the best way you got here.
Coomera Circuit
- Distance – 17.4 km circuit
- Length – 7 hours
- Problem – Reasonable/Onerous
- Begin / End Factors – Binna Burra day use space
Begin mountaineering alongside the Border Observe for 1.9km after which flip off for the Coomera Circuit.
This prolonged hike has all of the pure great thing about the opposite Lamington Nationwide Park walks, however the spotlight of this one is the spectacular waterfall and lookout.
Coomera Falls is a strong waterfall, shaped by the Coomera River tumbling over the cliffs and plunging down 64 meters into the Coomera Gorge.
The Coomera Falls Lookout has the most effective views of the waterfall and the encircling valleys.
This observe has a couple of river crossings, so keep away from doing this hike after heavy rainfall when it’s slippery and muddy.
Mount Merino
- Distance – 21.6km return
- Length – 8 hours
- Problem – Reasonable
- Begin / End Factors – Binna Burra day use space
For a full-day epic journey on this part of the park, hike Mount Merino. With a summit at 1,160 meters above sea stage, the mountain peak affords unbelievable views of the encircling mountain ranges, hills, and valleys of Queensland and New South Wales.
The path shouldn’t be really helpful in any kind of unhealthy climate, nonetheless. Heavy clouds and fog make the views on the high arduous to see, and any rain could cause the observe to turn into muddy, slippery, and troublesome.
But when the climate agrees with you, this can be a enjoyable and pleasurable stroll. It’s a lengthy observe, nevertheless it isn’t too steep so most individuals with average health ranges ought to be capable to do it.
Many individuals full this hike along with the Coomera Circuit as a result of the paths intersect.
There are a lot of waterfalls and lookouts alongside the path, however the Chakoonya Lookout is likely one of the most praised spots.
Ships Stern Circuit
- Distance – 21km circuit
- Length – 8 hours
- Problem – Reasonable/Onerous
- Begin / End Factors – Saddle Trailhead reverse the highway to Binna Burra Lodge
Simply probably the greatest walks within the park, this full-day trek passes all of the goodness of Lamington Nationwide Park.
Waterfalls, streams, gigantic bushes, unbelievable lookouts, cliffs, mountains, valleys, this circuit has all of it.
Frequent bushes to see listed below are flooded gums, scribbly gums, purple cedars, and eucalyptus, piccabeen palms.
You’ll cross over Nixon Creek and hike via Hidden Valley, passing waterfalls and lookout spots alongside the best way.
There are quite a few different trails you may add on to this one in case you like. Go to Higher Ballunjui Falls through a 2.6km return facet path, or intersect with the Daves Creek Circuit and proceed mountaineering that approach.
Should you’re coming from the south, take a look at this Sydney to Brisbane road trip itinerary!
Bellbird Observe
- Distance – 10km return
- Length – 4 hours
- Problem – Reasonable
- Begin / End Factors – Saddle Trailhead reverse the highway to Binna Burra Lodge
The Bellbird Observe branches off from the Ships Stern Circuit. Should you’re not up for tackling all the 21km Ships Stern Circuit, head off on the Bellbird Observe for a shorter, extra leisurely stroll via the rainforest.
Nevertheless, at 10km lengthy, this stroll continues to be a problem and also you’ll get a great dose of wilderness.
The Koolanbilba Lookout, Bellbird Lookout, and Yangahla Lookouts provide wonderful views, and there are many rugged cliff faces and fields of wildflowers to admire.
The scenic vistas overlooking the Numinbah Valley are plentiful alongside this path, so it’s a fantastic possibility for a half-day hike within the park.
Longer Walks in Lamington Nationwide Park
There are two important treks in and across the space which can be nice for skilled hikers who wish to actually see all the fantastic thing about the park in a single epic stroll.
The Border Observe is an extended stroll, however it may well nonetheless be accomplished in someday. The Gold Coast Hinterland Stroll is the longest stroll which may take as much as 3 days to finish.
The Border Observe
- Distance – 21.4 km
- Length – 8 hours
- Problem – average/arduous
- Begin / End Factors – Both the Inexperienced Mountains carpark or the Binna Burra day-use space
The Border Observe connects the Inexperienced Mountains and Binna Burra sections of Lamington Nationwide Park. It’s the true coronary heart of the park and if there’s one trail you wish to deal with so you may see all the pieces, it’s this one.
You will have observed that most of the shorter hikes on this article department off of the Border Observe. That is the principle mountaineering tail within the nationwide park, so you may select to hike it nonetheless you need.
Hike all of it in someday and persist with the principle path, or take a couple of days and head down all of the smaller trails that department off from the Border Observe.
Both approach, the Border Observe is the epitome of pure magnificence in Lamington Nationwide Park.
Common bus transfers run each Saturday departing at 7:45 am ($33 per grownup) from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat to Binna Burra so that you stroll the 21.4km observe again to O’Reilly’s at your personal tempo (self-guided).
Learn our final Australia journey information here!
Gold Coast Hinterland Nice Stroll
- Distance – As much as 54 km a method
- Length – As much as 3 days
- Problem – Medium
- Begin / End Factors – O’Reilly’s, Lamington Nationwide Park to Settlement Campground, Springbrook Nationwide Park.
For the final word problem, the Gold Coast Hinterland Nice Stroll is the stroll for you.
Beginning close to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, this stroll is calmly trafficked as most individuals go for one of many shorter day hikes within the park.
This unbelievable, multi-day hike begins within the Inexperienced Mountains part of Lamington Nationwide Park and finishes at Springbrook National Park. You’ll get to discover a number of the finest nationwide parks in southeast Queensland whereas admiring many wonderful views on the best way.
You’ll hike Mount Merino, descend all the way down to the Nerang River, and cross into the Numimbah Valley.
You then’ll climb into the Springbrook Vary and into Little Nerang Creek Valley.
If you’d like, there’s a camp known as The Settlement which you’ll be able to e-book on the finish of the hike if you would like.
Be sure you take water purification tablets as there’s non-treated water on the camps. There are creeks to refill on the best way additionally.
Lodging in Lamington Nationwide Park
Whether or not you’re doing a Lamington Nationwide Park highway journey, you’re taking up a multi-day trek, otherwise you’re simply right here for the day chasing waterfalls, the park has some good facilities to swimsuit any traveler.
There are campgrounds and guesthouses accessible for lodging. E-book lodging forward of time so there is no such thing as a disappointment because it will get busy, particularly in summer season. Listed here are our high suggestions!
Campgrounds
O’Reilly’s Campground: Has all of the facilities you could possibly want, together with a communal kitchen, powered and unpowered websites, safari tents, and a fireplace pit. Charges vary from $27 for a mid-week campsite to $160 for a peak-season safari tent, and you’ll book online.
Bush Tenting: These on the lookout for the final word journey can go bush tenting at one of many distant, designated areas. Visit the national park site for all the information about places and security for bush tenting.
Lodges and Guesthouses
Binna Burra Lodges: For an opulent and comfy keep, take a look at these eco-friendly residences up within the hills of the rainforest. Get pleasure from gorgeous views and scrumptious meals from the cafe which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You possibly can keep on the spectacular Binna Burra Sky Lodges which has gorgeous views. There are a number of bedrooms accessible and all the pieces you want.
Or you may keep in one among their tiny properties that are proper on the sting of the attractive Bellbird cliffs and have essentially the most gorgeous views of the close by mountains. The sunrises right here had been so lovely. What an incredible strategy to greet the day, with a espresso in hand. Undoubtedly value waking up for. The whole lot you want is within the tiny residence lodging.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat: At O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, there are some wonderful lodging choices. Sleep in cozy cabins overlooking the mountains, and benefit from the pool, scorching tub, fire, kitchen, library, youngsters room, and extra.
Canungra Valley Cottage: This can be a beautiful place to remain for a non-public getaway within the park. Canungra Valley Cottage is a bit expensive, however you may get pleasure from your personal one-bedroom villa on an enthralling property with a terrace and a backyard.
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