Lamington National Park | Gold Coast

Lamington National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park located in the Gold Coast Hinterland of Queensland, Australia. The park is known for its spectacular landscapes, ancient rainforests, diverse wildlife, and a range of outdoor activities. It is part of the Great Dividing Range and is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and birdwatchers.

1. Location and Overview

Location: Lamington National Park is located about 90 km south of Brisbane and 40 km west of the Gold Coast.

Size: The park spans around 20,000 hectares of protected land, primarily consisting of rainforest and eucalypt forests.

Access: The park is accessible via Canungra to the north or O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat to the south, both offering access to different sections of the park. The Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections are two of the main areas within the park, each offering distinct experiences.

2. Natural Features

Lamington National Park is renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty, including waterfalls, deep gorges, and lush rainforests. Some of the standout natural features include:

1. Rainforests

Lamington is home to some of the most well-preserved subtropical rainforests in Australia, which are part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.

The park showcases a range of habitats, from tropical lowland rainforests to cool temperate rainforests found at higher elevations. These forests are rich in both plant and animal species, many of which are rare and endangered.

2. Waterfalls

Elabana Falls: A picturesque waterfall located in the Green Mountains area. The falls cascade into a tranquil pool, making it a popular stop for visitors.

Morans Falls: Located near the Binna Burra section of the park, these falls drop about 80 meters into a valley below and are particularly stunning after rainfall.

Box Forest Falls: This collection of small waterfalls can be seen along the Box Forest Circuit, which takes you through lush rainforest and alongside several crystal-clear streams.

3. Scenic Views

Binna Burra Lookout: Offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, ridges, and mountains, this lookout provides an excellent vantage point for visitors to enjoy the expansive vistas of the park.

Mount Merino Lookout: From this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy views stretching over the Gold Coast, the Pacific Ocean, and the hinterland.

3. Wildlife and Biodiversity

Lamington National Park is rich in biodiversity, with a diverse range of species living within the park's different ecosystems. The park is home to numerous bird species, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

1. Birdlife

Lamington is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the park. It is especially famous for its population of rare and endemic bird species.

Some notable species include:

Albert’s Lyrebird: Known for its complex and beautiful song, this bird is a highlight of the park.

Eastern Whipbird: Another native bird that is often heard singing its distinct call in the rainforest.

Wedge-tailed Eagle: The largest bird of prey in Australia, often seen soaring above the park.

2. Mammals

Pademelons and Red-necked Wallabies are commonly seen in the park, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

The Common Brushtail Possum and Sugar Glider can be spotted in the trees, particularly at night.

3. Reptiles and Amphibians

The park is home to a variety of frogs, lizards, and snakes. One of the most well-known species is the Lamington Leaf-tailed Gecko, which blends perfectly with the tree bark for camouflage.

Green Tree Frogs are often seen near the park’s streams and waterfalls.

4. Insects

Glow worms are a fascinating feature of Lamington National Park, particularly in certain caves and crevices along some of the walking trails. Their bioluminescent glow creates an otherworldly atmosphere at night.

4. Walking Trails and Hikes

Lamington National Park offers a wide variety of walking tracks and hiking trails for all levels of fitness. From short, easy strolls to more challenging multi-day hikes, there’s something for everyone. Some of the most popular trails include:

1. Box Forest Circuit

This 10 km loop is one of the park’s most popular walking tracks, taking visitors through rainforest and alongside streams and waterfalls, including Box Forest Falls. The track is suitable for all fitness levels but includes some uneven terrain.

2. Albert River Circuit

A 21 km loop track that passes through dense rainforest, offering stunning views over the Albert River and the surrounding valleys. This hike is moderate to challenging in difficulty and takes about 6-7 hours to complete.

3. Rainforest Circuit

This 2 km easy walk offers an introduction to the park’s lush rainforest environment. It is perfect for families and those with limited time. The walk takes visitors through tropical and subtropical rainforests, showcasing the park’s incredible biodiversity.

4. Lamington Plateau Track

This 7.2 km circuit trail offers spectacular views over the plateau and takes hikers through different forest types. The trail offers a more strenuous walk but rewards with scenic viewpoints.

5. The Border Track

One of the longer trails, the Border Track spans 21 km and connects both the Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections of the park. The track provides access to dramatic ridges, valleys, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

6. Overnight Hikes

For those wanting to experience more of the park, there are several multi-day hikes, including the Border Track, which can be completed over two days, with campsites located along the route.

5. Camping and Accommodation

Lamington National Park offers several camping options, as well as more comfortable accommodation at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat.

1. Camping

Green Mountains Campground: This is the main campground within the park and is located near the Green Mountains section. It has basic facilities, including toilets, picnic tables, and BBQs. It’s ideal for those wanting to experience the park’s wilderness up close.

Binna Burra Campsite: Another great option for campers, this site is located in the Binna Burra section of the park and has similar basic amenities.

2. O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat

For a more comfortable stay, O'Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat offers a range of accommodation options, including cabins, luxury lodges, and glamping tents. The retreat is set in the heart of the park and offers guided walks, birdwatching tours, and other nature-based activities.

6. Best Time to Visit

Seasons: The best time to visit Lamington National Park is during the autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) months when the weather is mild and the forest is lush. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be quite cool, especially at higher altitudes.

Weather: Due to its elevation, Lamington experiences cooler temperatures than the coastal areas. It can get chilly, especially at night, so it’s important to bring warm clothing if visiting during the cooler months.

7. Conclusion

Lamington National Park is a true gem of natural beauty, offering some of the most pristine rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife in Australia. Whether you're looking to explore on foot, enjoy a peaceful day in the forest, or experience the park’s exceptional biodiversity, Lamington is a perfect destination. Its variety of trails, accessible accommodations, and rich history make it one of the Gold Coast's top natural attractions, and it is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of Queensland's hinterland.