Lamington National Park, in Queensland’s Gold Coast Hinterland, protects part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Its two main sections, Green Mountains and Binna Burra, have more than 160 kilometres of walking tracks through subtropical rainforest, past waterfalls and lookouts. Choose a short circuit or set aside a day for a longer hike. Look for ancient Antarctic beech trees and native birds, including Albert’s lyrebird and the regent bowerbird. The drive from the coast is winding, so allow time for the road as well as your walk.
Two sections, many walking routes
Lamington National Park is in the McPherson Range of Queensland’s Gold Coast Hinterland and forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The park is divided into Green Mountains, also known as O’Reilly, and Binna Burra. Each has its own access road and network of walks, so check which section your chosen trail starts from before setting out.
More than 160 kilometres of tracks cross the park. Options range from brief walks to routes that take much of a day. At Green Mountains, the Rainforest Return walk is a short introduction near the start of the Border Track. The longer Border Track connects the Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections. Binna Burra has routes including the Caves Circuit and Coomera Circuit.
Rainforest, waterfalls and wildlife
The park’s subtropical rainforest shelters old trees, streams, waterfalls and mountain pools. Antarctic beech trees here date back more than 3,000 years. Tracks also pass through changing vegetation, including open eucalypt forest, and lead to lookouts over valleys and ranges.
Birdwatching is one reason to take your time on the trails. More than 160 native bird species are recorded in the World Heritage area, with Albert’s lyrebird and the regent bowerbird among the species to look for. Other wildlife includes parrots and red-necked pademelons. Early morning is a useful time to watch and listen for birds; sightings are not guaranteed.
Walks in the Binna Burra section
The Caves Circuit is a five-kilometre return walk through open eucalypt forest, with views towards Coomera Valley and the Darlington Range. It passes Kweebani Caves, which were used by Yugambeh people for shelter and cooking. Treat the caves and their cultural history with respect as you pass through.
For a longer outing, the Coomera Circuit is a 17.4-kilometre hike described as a full-day walk. The route passes waterfalls, creeks and rainforest vegetation. Choose a walk that fits your experience and available daylight, and plan your route before leaving.
Planning your visit from the coast
The park is a popular hinterland trip from the Gold Coast, but the drive is not a quick coastal run. Access roads are winding, and the two park sections have separate approaches. Factor the road journey into your day and confirm your starting point before you set off.
Bring footwear suited to uneven trails, particularly if your route goes down to a waterfall and back uphill. Staying overnight at accommodation in or near the park can give you more time to explore. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is in the Green Mountains section and has accommodation as well as activities for day visitors.
FAQ
How many walking tracks are in Lamington National Park?
The park has more than 160 kilometres of walking tracks, from short walks to routes suited to a full day.
What are the two sections of Lamington National Park?
The main sections are Green Mountains, also known as O’Reilly, and Binna Burra. They have separate access roads and walking routes.
When is a good time to visit for birdwatching?
Early morning is recommended for wildlife viewing. The park is home to native birds including Albert’s lyrebird and the regent bowerbird.
What should I wear for a walk in the park?
Wear good walking shoes or runners. Some routes include downhill sections to waterfalls followed by a steep climb back.
