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Lamington National Park (Woonoongoora) is on Yugambeh Country. I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this area and their deep and ongoing connection to Country, and pay my respects to their Elders past and present.
Located in the stunning Scenic Rim region and some two hours south of Brisbane, Lamington National Park is one of the oldest and most spectacular national parks in Queensland.
We return here at least once a year, and even after dozens of visits, there are still some trails left to explore (or just to hike again and again 😊).
It is a lush sub-tropical wonderland, full of waterfalls, ancient trees and delightful birds. My all-time favourite, the Eastern Whipbird, seems to be cracking his whip at every corner.
Press play to hear a male whipbird cracking his whip. It really does sound like that. Amazing.
Parts of the national park were terribly impacted in the 2019 bushfires. You can hardly tell when you’re out here now but if you remember the historic buildings that burnt down, it’s a different world now. Places like the iconic tea house at Binna Burra have been completely rebuilt since then.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO LAMINGTON: NEED TO KNOW
Like Gibraltar Range National Park, Main Range National Park and Springbrook National Park, Lamington is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
GREEN MOUNTAINS & BINNA BURRA: UNDERSTANDING THE TWO SECTIONS
The park has two main sections: Green Mountains and Binna Burra. They are accessed via completely different roads, and there is no vehicle access between them.
The sections are on parallel plateaus and are only connected on foot via the Border Track (part of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk).
Driving between the two trailheads is time-consuming and takes around 1.5 hours. You have to wind all the way down one mountain plateau into the valley, and then climb back up the next valley.
O’Reilly’s (Green Mountains) offers a one-way transfer option on Saturdays if you feel like walking from one section to the other in a day.
Otherwise, choose one section and stick to it for the weekend rather than waste time driving back and forth.
Rainforest Realities & Gear
HOW TO GET TO LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK
Neither section is difficult to find.
If you’re coming off the Pacific Motorway (M1), head to Nerang and follow the signs towards Canungra.
To get to Binna Burra, turn onto Binna Burra Road just before hitting Canungra. The road to Green Mountains (Lamington National Park Road) starts right in Canungra. Both are well-signed.
It feels like you’re almost there once you reach Canungra, but it takes another 30-40 minutes to climb up to the mountain plateaus. The road up to Green Mountains is 36km and very windy—I tend to get quite car-sick here. It is also unsuitable for caravans and large camper trailers.
WHEN TO GO: BEST TIME TO VISIT LAMINGTON
Lamington is a year-round destination due to the altitude but seasons seriously change track conditions.
The summer months (roughly from October to March) are wet and humid. But because you’re in the rainforest, it can still be pleasant for hiking even on hot days. Just make sure you get a very early start. In summer, we try and be on the track no later 6:30 am.
The real downside to visiting in the wet season is the abundance of leeches. I’ve had plenty on me and I’m still no fan. Stick to the drier months (May to August) if you want to avoid them.
Winter brings crisp, lovely days around 20°C, though overnight temperatures can drop to 0°C. The tracks are far less muddy but that also means that waterfalls aren’t gushing as much and may even slow to a trickle by late winter.
WHERE TO STAY IN LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK
There is no longer a Queensland National Parks (QPWS) managed camping area in either section of Lamington National Park.
We camped at the old Green Mountains national park site years ago but it has since been handed over to O’Reilly’s and converted into a private campground. This came with a noticeable price increase, much to my dismay.
If you want to camp near the trailheads, you first need to decide which section you want to see. A long weekend is ideal for exploring either plateau properly.
GREEN MOUNTAINS SECTION
At Green Mountains, your main option is O’Reilly’s Campground or their much fancier O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat villas.
Unpowered campsites start around $30 per night, which includes camp kitchen facilities and hot showers for up to four people. Powered sites are also available, starting from $50, but remember that the road up here is narrow and windy; you can only tow very small, compact camper trailers up the mountain.
BINNA BURRA SECTION
The situation is similar at Binna Burra, where you can book a site at the Binna Burra Rainforest Campsite.
Prices start around $25 per night for a small unpowered tent site. They also offer a few powered sites—towing a caravan here is more much feasible than the road to Green Mountains as the road is wider and only the final two kilometres get a bit windy.
There are only six or seven dedicated tent sites at Binna Burra and they aren’t the most inviting spots I have ever seen. But camping so close to the trailheads here is hard to beat!
SAFARI TENT OPTION
We have stayed in the Binna Burra safari tents before. While they’re very basic (and slightly overpriced in my view), the valley views and the ease of getting to the trails are fantastic.
I paid extra to select a specific safari tent, and I’m glad I chose one further down the hill. The noise from the teahouse dinner crowds could be heard far and wide up there but somehow didn’t reach our tent.
If you prefer not to traipse 100 metres to the toilet block in the middle of the night, you can book the Binna Burra Sky Lodges or the newer adults-only tiny houses. Most of the original heritage accommodation was destroyed in the 2019/20 bushfires.
CANUNGRA
The alternative is staying down in the valley around Canungra and driving up to either plateau for day hikes.
On one of our trips, we stayed at Greenlee Cottages near the base of the mountain. Robyn and Paul were lovely hosts and gave us a tour when they were still running their macadamia farm. We now know 100% more about macadamias than we did before. 🙂
We stayed in Silky Oak Cottage but next time I would choose Casuarina for more privacy. The stay was not sponsored; we just really enjoyed the farm setting.
There are several other accommodation options in Canungra, or if you want to be slightly closer to the Binna Burra side, look for places around Lower or Upper Beechmont.
THE BEST HIKING TRACKS IN LAMINGTON
Lamington National Park has a multitude of amazing hiking trails. There are walks for everyone, from short 700m toddler-friendly strolls, full-day 20km hikes to the 3-day Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk.
| Hiking Track | Distance | Highlights & Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| ⛰️ Binna Burra Trails | ||
| Cave Circuit | 7km return | 🪨 Large kurnalpi caves & valley lookouts |
| Daves Creek Circuit | 12km loop | 🌿 Sweeping valley views, changing ecosystems & volcanic rock formations |
| Upper Ballunjui Falls | 12km return | 💦 Cascade views through lush rainforest |
| Coomera Circuit | 17km loop | 💦 An iconic Lamington walk featuring deep gorges, stunning waterfalls & creek crossings |
| Ship Stern Circuit | 21km loop | 🌿 Escarpment views, eucalypt forest & massive day walk |
| 🌴 Green Mountains (O’Reilly’s) Trails | ||
| Morans Falls Lookout | 4km return | 💦 A classic waterfall drop & great sunset views |
| Box Forest Circuit | 11km loop | 🌿 Ancient brush box trees & rainforest waterfalls |
| West Canungra Circuit | 14km loop | 💦 Multiple rugged creek crossings & the tranquil Blue Pool |
| Toolona Creek Circuit | 17km loop | 💦 Waterfall-heavy canyon track & ancient Antarctic beech trees |
Use the table above for more info on each walk or jump ahead to the sections:
BINNA BURRA WALKS
Binna Burra has such an abundance of half-day/full-day walks that it takes a few visits to do them all. Most of them are fairly long hikes (i.e. 16+km) but there are a few shorter ones as well.
Here are my favourites, from shortest to longest:
1. CAVES TRACK
Cave Circuit At a Glance
The Caves Circuit takes you through forest down the slope of the plateau to Kweebani Cave with some stunning views into the valley along the way.
It’s one of my favourite short walks at Binna Burra (not that there are a lot).
You can technically turn the walk into a loop (about 5km) and return via the road but this isn’t recommended. The road leading to Binna Burra gets very busy on weekends, and it’s much safer (and more interesting) to just return the same way.
But if you’re intent on doing the Caves Track as a loop, definitely do the hike anti-clockwise and start with the road section. It’s much easier and safer to walk down the road and watch out for cars than walking up.
2. DAVES CREEK CIRCUIT
Daves Creek Circuit At a Glance
Surprisingly, Daves Creek Circuit is not along Daves Creek but you do come across Picnic Creek and some fantastic viewpoints.
The first 2km are along the Border Track but then the trail branches off towards the Ship Stern Circuit. Initially, the track goes through relatively dense rainforest, and then opens up into dry eucalypt and woodland before revealing some stunning views into the Numinbah Valley.
You may even glimpse the high-rise towers of the Gold Coast in the far distance!
Once you’ve dropped to the cliff section of the hike, the trail is suddenly surrounded by heath and scrub vegetation, which feels very coastal to me. This is my favourite part of the walk.
Make sure you climb up Surprise Rock, the views from there are stunning!
Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) recommends doing the walk clockwise but we usually do it anti-clockwise. To be honest, I’m not sure there’s much in it either way.
3. UPPER BALLUNJUI FALLS
Upper Ballunjui Falls At a Glance
The Upper Ballunjui Falls is a side trip as part of the much longer Ship Stern hike (see below). Just the side trip alone is 2.6km return.
The entire Ship Stern circuit is a pretty big walk (21km), so hiking just to Upper Ballunjui Falls is a really nice standalone hike.
Once you’re off the Border Track, you hike past Nagarigoon Falls. Then it’s down and down to reach a spectacular lookout that opens up into a lush valley with the Upper Ballunjui Falls tumbling down behind you.
For this standalone hike, you need to do Ship Stern anti-clockwise. So follow the Border Track initially, then the Ship Stern track and finally take the side trip to Upper Ballunjui Falls. Return the same way.
4. COOMERA CIRCUIT
Coomera Circuit At a Glance
We first did this hike many years ago when we still lived in Victoria, and ended up running part of it as we had a plane to catch that night.
Coomera Circuit is probably the most popular hike at Binna Burra, at least to Coomera Falls Lookout (about 7km return). Past Coomera Falls, you hit one waterfall after another, and quite possibly get over seeing waterfalls at some stage, especially if you’re doing this hike in the wetter months.
Hiking this track at the end of the dry season (August/September) is nowhere near as spectacular as when there’s been recent rain but you will be saved from being covered in leeches.
Since you’re chasing waterfalls on this track, there are a fair few creek crossings, most of them with big boulders to hop across.
Some people find hiking poles helpful to navigate their path across, especially when there’s been a bit of rain.
If you’re doing this hike after heavy rain (or while it’s raining), expect leeches. For most people, it’s a full-day walk so plan plenty of time and rest breaks.
5. SHIP STERN CIRCUIT
Ship Stern Circuit At a Glance
The Ship Stern Circuit is definitely one of the best Lamington National Park hikes but it is a long one. You’ll find waterfalls, lookouts and plenty of side tracks to turn this already long walk into an even longer one.
I love how varied the Ship Stern Circuit is: You’ll get everything from lush rainforest in Nixon Valley (with strands of gorgeous piccabeen palms), dry eucalypt forest, steep cliffs, sprawling valley views, waterfalls and more.
One word of caution, this track is notorious for being leech-central. I think I stopped counting when I hit 50 leeches on our most recent experience.
MORE WALKS AT BINNA BURRA
There are plenty of other hikes at Binna Burra. Here are a few options:
- Tullawallal Circuit—Grade 3 (easy), 5km loop: A quick walk through the rainforest with a rather unspectacular end – definitely not my favourite
- Araucaria Lookout—Grade 4 (moderate), 17.8km return: Half of it is along the Border Track but you’ll get a couple of lookouts towards the Springbrook plateau with Mount Warning in the distance along the Araucaria leg
- Mount Hobwee Circuit—Grade 4 (moderate), 18.2km return: Not the most spectacular hike in Lamington National Park since there are no real views (especially at Mount Hobwee summit) but if you need some exercise and don’t want to meet anyone else, it’ll probably be all yours; tends to see less track maintenance and be quite overgrown
GREEN MOUNTAINS WALKS
Of the two sections, Green Mountains has more family-friendly hikes compared to the longer Binna Burra walks.
Most of the walks involve some level of elevation change as you drop down to the creeks and hike up to the plateau and the Border Track again.
Except for the Albert River Circuit, we’ve done every walk at Green Mountains, most of them more than once. Here are my faves:
6. MORANS FALLS LOOKOUT
Morans Falls Lookout At a Glance
If you want a relatively short hike to a waterfall lookout, Morans Falls is great.
Starting in the rainforest and following a gentle downhill, you’ll end up at a lookout with more or less clear views of Morans Falls.
From there you can hike across the creek, a great spot for scrambling towards the edge of the falls (but obviously be careful), and then get to the somewhat less exciting Morans Clearing Lookout.
It’s been upgraded and now has a much nicer viewing area.
You can make the hike a bit longer by adding the Centenary Track leg (900m one-way) from O’Reilly’s, or adding the Python Rock Track, an extra 3km.
7. BOX FOREST CIRCUIT
Box Forest Circuit At a Glance
We’ve done half of the Box Forest Circuit but it’s the pretty half with the impressive Box Log Falls and Elabana Falls.
The walk is through rainforest and ancient Antarctic beech trees so it’s a great choice on a warmer day.
The trail descends down to West Canungra Creek where you’ll find Elabana Falls (yes, climb over those massive boulders in the creek bed as otherwise you won’t see Elabana Falls) and Box Log Falls so expect some drop in elevation (but it’s not massive).
8. WEST CANUNGRA CIRCUIT
West Canungra Circuit At a Glance
The West Canungra Circuit is a gorgeous hike through rainforest, past Yerralahla, the Blue Pool, and along West Canungra Creek and plenty of waterfalls.
The trail descends some 450m initially but it’s a slow downhill rather than a steep descent and neither of us find it particularly challenging. But obviously, you’ll also have to climb up again at some point.
Like Box Forest Circuit, this trail is great for warmer weather as well as it’s pretty much in the forest the whole time.
My favourite part is from hitting the pool and then following the creek for a few kilometres. It’s very pretty and relaxing as you hike past the gurgling waters.
Just be prepared for plenty of creek crossings, one of which we had to take our shoes off as there was just no rock hopping possible. A light quick-drying towel comes in handy here.
9. TOOLONA CREEK CIRCUIT
Toolona Creek Circuit At a Glance
The Toolona Creek Circuit delivers one waterfall after another so if you want to do some waterfall chasing at Green Mountains, this is your hike.
Initially, the track is the same as for the Box Forest Circuit but then branches off to follow Toolona Creek.
After a few more waterfalls, you hit the Border Track again (about 9.5km later) and turn south.
From here, you actually walk along the Queensland-NSW border with a couple of lookouts south along the way. Most of them are overgrown now and the views aren’t as exciting as they could be.
MORE WALKS AT GREEN MOUNTAINS
Green Mountains is particularly popular for the O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk, which is more fun than amazing but it’s a great activity to do with kids.
Here are a few other hiking options:
- Rainforest Walk—Grade 2 (very easy), 1.4km return: A quick interpretative stroll along a paved track through the rainforest close to O’Reilly’s
- Centenary Track—Grade 1 (very easy), 1.8km return: A paved track from O’Reilly’s to the trailhead of Morans Falls Track; I think it’s best combined with the Python Rock Track or Morans Falls Track
- Python Rock Track—Grade 3 (easy), 3.1km return: Starting at Morans Falls trailhead, the trail takes you down into the rainforest to Python Rock Lookout; great views over the surrounding mountain ranges with sunset basking the mountains in a deep red glow
- Albert River Circuit—Grade 4 (moderate-hard), 21.8km loop: Still on my to-hike list but sounds great with lookouts into New South Wales and a couple of waterfalls along the way
BEST LOOKOUTS IN LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK
Most of the lookouts are along the many Lamington National Park hikes, either back towards the coast or into the Numinbah Valley (Binna Burra) or towards New South Wales.
For shorter lookout hikes, try the Moran Falls or Python Rock walks at Green Mountains, or the Kweebani Caves walk at Binna Burra.
You can also drive to Kamarun Lookout, which is just off Lamington National Park Road and some 10km before you hit Green Mountains. It’s a great spot for watching the sunset!
READY TO EXPLORE LAMINGTON?
Across the two sections in Lamington National Park, there are a ton of walks to choose from. Most hikes at Binna Burra are at least half-day walks, though you’ll find a couple of shorter ones at Green Mountains.
With so many waterfalls, creeks, rainforest, giant strangler figs and lookouts, finding to impressive spots is easily accomplished.
Lamington National Park is definitely one of our favourite spots in southeast Queensland—and as the packed carparks can attest, a favourite for plenty of others, too!
So hit the trail early!
Happy hiking,
Lamington Resources
Note: Check the park alerts for track closures before you head off.
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4 Comments
Spophy
29 October 2020 at 11:31 PMHihihi, der Whipbird ist ja super! Und am schönsten sieht’s am Python Rock aus <3
Kati
4 November 2020 at 3:02 PMJa, der Whipbird ist total super und kann so richtig peitschen – voll verrueckt! 😀
Spophy
4 November 2020 at 11:53 PMAber der macht das nur über den Sound oder? Oder hat der auch eine “Peitschfeder”? xD
Kati
6 November 2020 at 9:39 PMJa genau, das ist sein Vogelgesang!