Lamington National Park: Green Mountains and Binna Burra Trails

Lamington National Park is the green heart of the Gold Coast hinterland, a place where ancient rainforest cloaks volcanic plateaus, waterfalls tumble through ferny gullies, and classic Aussie trails weave toward jaw-dropping lookouts. If you are planning a walking holiday in Queensland, lock in Lamington’s two iconic trailheads, Green Mountains and Binna Burra. Together they pack a lifetime’s worth of hikes, wildlife encounters, and misty mountain moments into one World Heritage wonderland.

This guide gives you everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip. You will discover the best walks for every fitness level, the standout viewpoints and waterfalls, how to choose a base, when to visit, what to pack, and where to stay. Ready to lace up your boots and breathe rainforest air you can almost drink? Let’s go.

Why Lamington Belongs on Your Itinerary

• A World Heritage treasure. Lamington National Park forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. Think ancient Antarctic beech trees, dinosaur-era flora, rare birds, glow worms, and cool, pure mountain streams.
• Trails to suit every walker. From family-friendly boardwalks and short lookouts to full-day loops and remote multi-day routes, the park’s network is one of Australia’s best.
• Two distinct hubs. Green Mountains and Binna Burra sit on opposite sides of the same plateau. Each offers its own lineup of waterfalls, lookouts, and rainforest types, so spending time at both delivers the full experience.
• Easy access from city and beach. Allow about 75 to 120 minutes’ drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast and you are suddenly in a different world of moss, birdsong, and cloud forests.

Orientation: Green Mountains vs Binna Burra

Lamington’s plateau is the spine of the McPherson Range, with trailheads perched high on its rim.

• Green Mountains (O’Reilly area)

  • Character: Deep subtropical rainforest, ferny creeks, and a feeling of being immersed in the canopy.
  • Signature experiences: O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk, Morans Falls, Elabana Falls, Toolona Creek Circuit, Antarctic beech at Tullawallal.
  • Good for: Waterfall-chasers, bird lovers, and walkers who want lush, shaded tracks and classic rainforest loops.

• Binna Burra

  • Character: Cliff-edge lookouts, open forest and heath country on the rim, as well as river gorges and big waterfall vistas.
  • Signature experiences: Coomera Circuit, Ship’s Stern Circuit, Caves Circuit and Kweebani Cave, Daves Creek Circuit.
  • Good for: Panoramic views, varied terrain, and big day hikes with dramatic scenery.

The two hubs are linked by the famous Border Track. Do them both and you will understand why locals call Lamington the state’s best bushwalking destination.

Getting There and Around

• By car
  • Green Mountains: Drive via Canungra, then follow Lamington National Park Road to O’Reilly. The final stretch is narrow and winding with one-lane sections. Allow 1 hour 45 minutes from Brisbane CBD or 1.5 hours from Surfers Paradise.
  • Binna Burra: From the M1 at Nerang, head through Advancetown and Beechmont to Binna Burra Road. Allow about 90 minutes from Brisbane or 1 hour from Surfers Paradise.
• Road tips
  • Roads are sealed, no 4WD needed. Drive slowly and watch for wildlife, cyclists, and fallen branches after storms.
  • Heavy rain can trigger landslips or closures. Always check current park alerts before you go.
• Parking
  • Car parks at both trailheads fill early on weekends and holidays. Arrive before 9 am or come late in the day for sunset walks.
• Public transport and shuttles
  • There is no regular public bus service to either trailhead. Some tour operators and accommodation providers offer transfers. Book ahead if you are planning one-way hikes like the Border Track.

Know Before You Go

• Park entry is free. Camping fees and accommodation costs apply.
• No dogs, cats, or drones in the national park. Drones require permits and are generally not allowed.
• Mobile reception is patchy to non-existent on the tracks. Save offline maps and carry a paper map.
• Leeches are common in wet conditions. Wear long socks and treat them as part of the rainforest story.
• Stay on marked tracks. The terrain is rugged and cliff edges are real. Respect all barriers and warning signs.

Top Trails at Green Mountains

Green Mountains is synonymous with O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and an intricate web of tracks unfurling from the main trailhead. If you want running water, mossy boulders, and the soft hush of ancient forest, start here.

O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk

• Distance and time: Short and family friendly
• Highlights: A series of suspension bridges threaded through the canopy with optional viewing towers.
• Why go: It is a unique perspective on the rainforest and a perfect warm-up before a longer walk.
• Tip: Go early morning for birdsong, or at last light for golden views and fewer people.

Morans Falls Track

• Distance and time: About 4.4 km return, 1.5 to 2 hours, Grade 3
• Highlights: A rainforest wander to Morans Falls lookout with views across the gorge to the escarpment. After rain, the falls put on a spectacular show.
• Why go: It is the classic O’Reilly’s sunset walk. Time your return with the late glow over the valley.

Python Rock Lookout

• Distance and time: About 3.4 km return, 1 to 1.5 hours, Grade 3
• Highlights: A gentle trail to a cliff-edge platform with sweeping views toward Mount Warning and the Tweed caldera on clear days.
• Why go: Big reward for modest effort. Great with kids or as a pre-breakfast stroll.

Elabana Falls via Box Forest

• Distance and time: To Elabana Falls and back about 7.6 km, 3 to 4 hours. Full Box Forest Circuit about 10.9 km, 4 to 5.5 hours, Grade 4.
• Highlights: One of Lamington’s most photogenic cascades framed by mossy rocks, with a series of falls including Box Log Falls if you complete the loop.
• Why go: If you want the quintessential rainforest-and-waterfall experience, this is it.
• Tip: Rocks are slippery. Enjoy the view from safe dry footing and protect delicate creek life by avoiding rock hopping.

Toolona Creek Circuit

• Distance and time: About 17.4 km loop, 6 to 8 hours, Grade 4
• Highlights: A marathon of waterfalls on Toolona and Chalahn Creeks, cathedral-like groves of tree ferns, and lofty lookouts near the plateau rim such as Wanungara and Merino.
• Why go: This is a contender for the best day walk in Queensland if you love rainforest immersion with big scenery at the top.
• Tip: Walk clockwise to tackle the waterfall section first and finish with lookouts on the Border Track. Carry layers. It can be cool and misty even in summer.

West Canungra Creek Circuit

• Distance and time: About 14 km loop, 5 to 7 hours, Grade 4
• Highlights: Lush creek crossings, cascades, and picnic-perfect pools under a canopy of strangler figs and brush box.
• Why go: A quieter alternative to Toolona that still delivers that deep-forest magic.
• Important: Sections occasionally close for repairs after storms. Check current conditions before attempting.

Tullawallal Circuit

• Distance and time: About 5 km loop, 1.5 to 2.5 hours, Grade 3
• Highlights: A gentle ascent into a remnant of Antarctic beech forest that traces back to Gondwana.
• Why go: It is a living time capsule. Visit on a cool, misty morning for an otherworldly feel.

Border Track Taster from O’Reilly

• Distance and time: Choose your own length. Short out-and-back to beech groves or push on to high lookouts.
• Highlights: The Border Track is the spine between the two trailheads. From the O’Reilly end you can reach viewpoints like Wanungara with persistence, or simply enjoy the high rainforest ambience without committing to the full traverse.
• Why go: Even a few kilometres on the Border Track offers classic Lamington atmosphere.

Top Trails at Binna Burra

Binna Burra blends cliff-edge drama, open forest, and deep river gorges. It is the place for vast views and big circuits.

Caves Circuit and Kweebani Cave

• Distance and time: About 5 km loop, 1.5 to 2 hours, Grade 3
• Highlights: Rhyolite caves and a track that clings to the hillside with views over Numinbah Valley. Kweebani Cave is a culturally significant rock shelter used by Aboriginal people.
• Why go: A compact walk that packs in geology, culture, and lookouts without demanding a full day.
• Respect: Treat cultural sites with care. Look, learn, and leave no trace.

Coomera Circuit

• Distance and time: About 17.4 km loop, 6 to 8 hours, Grade 4
• Highlights: A thrilling viewpoint over Coomera Falls, then a superb loop that threads along the Coomera River past waterfalls, rapids, and ferny side creeks.
• Why go: Many walkers call this their favourite full-day circuit in the park. It balances viewpoints and water features beautifully.
• Tip: Do it clockwise to visit the Coomera Falls lookout early, then descend into the gorge.

Ship’s Stern Circuit

• Distance and time: About 19 km loop, 6.5 to 8.5 hours, Grade 4
• Highlights: A grand tour of Lamington’s variety. Rainforest gullies, exposed heathland, seasonal waterfalls, and cliff lookouts with names like Numinbah and Nagarigoon.
• Why go: If you want panorama after panorama and a real sense of the escarpment’s scale, choose this loop.
• Tip: Start early and carry plenty of water. There are several side lookouts, so allow extra time for detours.

Daves Creek Circuit

• Distance and time: About 12 km loop, 4 to 5 hours, Grade 4
• Highlights: Open forest, heath communities, and airy viewpoints over Numinbah Valley. Wildflowers can be excellent in the cooler months.
• Why go: Moderate distance and big views make this an ideal half-day hike.

Gwongoorool Track

• Distance and time: About 6 km return, 2.5 to 3 hours, Grade 4
• Highlights: A steep descent to the Coomera River and a gorgeous swimming hole lookalike. The river here is wild and beautiful.
• Why go: A shortish hike with a deep rainforest feel and a change of perspective by the water.
• Safety: Rocks are extremely slippery and there are no lifeguards. If you choose to wade, keep it shallow and heed all warning signs.

Lower Ballanjui Falls and Beyond

• Distance and time: Variable, often 10 to 12 km return on linked tracks, Grade 4
• Highlights: Seasonal cascades plunging from the Ship’s Stern escarpment, best after rain.
• Why go: Chasing waterfalls is part of the Binna Burra fun. Time your visit for a day or two after steady rain for the best flow.

The Border Track: Linking the Icons

• Distance: About 21.4 km one way, 7 to 9 hours, Grade 4
• Route: A high traverse through cool rainforest between Green Mountains and Binna Burra.
• Why do it: It is a rite of passage for Queensland hikers. Gentle gradients, steady underfoot, and a meditative journey under giant booyongs, figs, and beech.
• Logistics:
  • Car shuffle is the simplest option. Leave one vehicle at each end.
  • Ask your accommodation about transfers. Shuttle services operate in peak seasons.
  • Walk out-and-back sections if you do not have transport arranged.
• Side highlights: Short detours to lookouts near the rim add sparkle. Build in time for a few.

Multi-day Adventures: Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk

• What it is: A multi-day route linking Lamington to Springbrook through the Numinbah Valley, showcasing volcanic landscapes and dense rainforest.
• Why go: For backpackers who want a hut-free wilderness experience close to the city, it is hard to beat.
• Planning:
  • Book remote campsites in advance. Permits are required for all remote camping.
  • Carry a detailed map, a PLB or satellite communicator, and be self-sufficient with food, shelter, and water treatment.
  • Weather can shift quickly. Be prepared for cold, wind, and rain even in summer.

Wildlife and Big Nature Moments

Lamington is a sanctuary for rare and charismatic creatures. Keep your eyes and ears open.

• Birds: Albert’s lyrebird scratching in leaf litter during winter, regent bowerbirds glowing gold and black, eastern whipbirds calling antiphonally, green catbirds mewing from the canopy, and paradise riflebirds flashing iridescent throats.
• Mammals: Red-necked pademelons grazing near dusk, possums and gliders on guided night walks, and shy short-beaked echidnas ambling along tracks.
• Invertebrates: The striking blue Lamington spiny crayfish in cool streams, luminous glow worms after dark, and jewel-toned butterflies on sunny edges.
• Plants: Strangler figs swallowing host trees, hoop pine sentinels on ridges, and ancient Antarctic beech groves where cool mist collects.

Etiquette matters. Never feed wildlife, keep a respectful distance, and let the forest’s daily rhythm unfold around you.

When to Visit: Seasons and Weather

• Best overall: April to September. Cooler, drier months mean comfortable walking, fewer storms, and clear views. Winter brings ethereal cloud inversions and crisp mornings.
• Summer: Warm and humid with afternoon storms. Waterfalls surge and the forest feels alive. Start early, carry extra water, and be rain-ready.
• After rain: Waterfalls peak one to three days after steady rain. Expect leeches and slippery tracks. Check park alerts for closures after major weather.
• Time of day: Early starts are magical. Bird activity is high, temperatures are low, and car parks have space. Golden hour at Morans Falls or a cliff lookout seals a perfect day.

Safety and Smart Planning

• Track grades: Most Lamington day walks are Grade 3 to 4. Expect roots, rocks, and occasional creek crossings. Sturdy footwear is essential.
• Navigation: Trails are signposted, yet intersections can be subtle. Carry a paper map or a reliable offline map. Do not rely solely on a phone.
• Weather: Pack a light rain jacket, warm layer, sun hat, and sunscreen in every season. Mountain weather can swing fast.
• Water and food: There is no potable water on tracks. Carry and treat creek water if needed. Pack more snacks than you think you will use.
• First aid: Include blister care, a compression bandage, and a basic kit. A small torch or headlamp is non-negotiable.
• Group safety: Tell someone your route and return time. Hike with a buddy on longer loops.
• Closures: Some tracks close after storms for good reason. Respect barriers and choose a different route if needed.
• Cultural respect: Lamington sits on Country cared for by Yugambeh-speaking peoples for thousands of years. Walk thoughtfully and leave no trace.

Where to Stay and Eat

You can go rustic, luxe, or somewhere in between.

• Green Mountains

  • O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat: Classic mountain accommodation with rooms and villas, a restaurant and bar, and guided experiences like birding and glow worm tours.
  • O’Reilly’s Campground: Serviced campsites and safari-style tents with a camp kitchen and views. Book ahead on weekends and holidays.
  • Dining: The retreat serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pack trail lunches and snacks from Canungra if you prefer flexibility.

• Binna Burra

  • Binna Burra Sky Lodges and Tiny Houses: Scenic apartments and eco-accommodation perched on the rim. The historic lodge precinct was impacted by the 2019 bushfires and continues to evolve, with new options opening over time.
  • Safari tents and campground: A comfortable base close to the trailhead for hikers who like an early start.
  • Binna Burra Tea House and Bushwalkers Bar: Fuel up pre-hike or celebrate a big loop with a hearty meal and a view.

• Nearby towns

  • Canungra, Beechmont, and Nerang offer cafes, bakeries, and grocery stops. Stock up before driving the mountain roads.

Always book accommodation in advance, especially during school holidays and winter weekends when conditions are prime.

Suggested Itineraries

Here are three flexible plans that hit the highlights.

One Perfect Day: Green Mountains

• Sunrise: Drive up early and wander O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk to wake up with the forest.
• Morning hike: Elabana Falls out-and-back via Box Forest. Aim to reach the falls before the main crowd.
• Lunch: Picnic at the day-use area or dine at O’Reilly’s.
• Afternoon short walk: Python Rock Lookout for wide views.
• Sunset: Morans Falls lookout. Bring a warm layer and a headlamp for the stroll back.
• Overnight: Stay at O’Reilly’s or camp on the mountain.

One Perfect Day: Binna Burra

• Morning: Coomera Circuit clockwise for waterfall action and that dramatic falls lookout.
• Lunch: Late lunch at the Binna Burra Tea House with valley views.
• Afternoon stretch: Caves Circuit to unwind your legs and slip in a cultural stop at Kweebani Cave.
• Sundown: Watch sunset light paint the escarpment from a nearby lookout.
• Overnight: Sleep at Binna Burra accommodation or drive down slowly to the coast.

Three-Day Classic: Both Sides + The Border

• Day 1: Arrive Green Mountains. Warm-up with Tullawallal Circuit, then Morans Falls at dusk.
• Day 2: Big day on Toolona Creek Circuit. If legs allow, add the short detours to Wanungara and Merino Lookouts on the rim.
• Day 3: Border Track traverse to Binna Burra with a car shuffle or shuttle. Celebrate with a short Caves Circuit stroll if there is time.

Alternate Day 3: Stay at Binna Burra and swap the traverse for Ship’s Stern Circuit if you want a loop rather than a one-way walk.

Photography Tips

• Waterfalls: Bring a small tripod and use slower shutter speeds to blur flow. A simple neutral density filter helps on brighter days.
• Forest detail: Look for patterns in strangler figs, fungi on logs, and the delicate fronds of tree ferns.
• Wildlife: Early morning is best. Move slowly and let birds come to you. A mid-range zoom keeps your distance respectful.
• Weather drama: Mist and low cloud create mood in winter. Embrace it. Protect your gear in a dry bag.

Responsible Travel and Trail Etiquette

• Stay on track to protect tender mosses and rare plants.
• Pack out all rubbish, including food scraps. Wildlife health depends on it.
• Keep voices low. You will see more and help others enjoy the quiet.
• Give way on narrow sections and step aside on the uphill side where possible.
• Swimming and rock hopping are risky in mountain streams. If you choose to enter the water, do so conservatively and heed any warnings or closures.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are the trails suitable for kids?
  • Yes, there are several family-friendly options such as the Tree Top Walk, Python Rock, Morans Falls, and the Caves Circuit. Pick Grade 3 tracks and keep distances short.
• Do I need a 4WD?
  • No. Roads are sealed. Drive slowly and watch for wildlife, cyclists, and debris after storms.
• Are there fees?
  • Park entry is free. Camping and accommodation fees apply. Guided tours and experiences are optional extras.
• Can I bring my dog?
  • No. Pets are not allowed in Lamington National Park.
• What about leeches and ticks?
  • Leeches are part of the rainforest in wet weather. Wear long socks and brush them off calmly. Check for ticks after walks and carry a basic first aid kit.
• Is there drinking water on the tracks?
  • No treated water. Carry enough for your hike. Treat creek water if you must refill.
• Is swimming allowed?
  • There are no patrolled areas. Rocks are slippery and hazards are real. If you enter the water, do so cautiously and follow all signs.

Bookings and Essential Resources

• Park alerts and maps: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website.
• Accommodation: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Binna Burra’s official sites.
• Remote camping: Book permits in advance. Numbers are limited to protect the environment.
• Weather: Check the forecast for Canungra, Beechmont, and the Lamington plateau. Mountain conditions differ from the coast.

The Story Behind the Trails

Lamington is not only nature. It is also history. The O’Reilly family famously aided the rescue of survivors from the 1937 Stinson air crash, forging a legacy of mountain knowledge and hospitality that still welcomes walkers today. Traditional custodians cared for and traversed these ranges long before, with routes and rock shelters like Kweebani Cave weaving culture into the landscape. When you walk here, you step into a living tapestry of memory, resilience, and care for Country.

Conclusion: Make Lamington Your Next Escape

Imagine a weekend where you swap surf for cloud forest, brunch lines for birdsong, and screens for the cool hush of a mossy gully. At Lamington National Park, you can do exactly that. Walk beneath ancient beech trees, stand over roaring gorges, and share a picnic with views that stretch to the sea. Green Mountains and Binna Burra are different faces of the same wonder. Together they deliver a complete rainforest holiday just a short drive from the city.

Book your stay, choose your trail, and plan to linger. The magic of Lamington is not just in a single waterfall or lookout. It is in the way the whole place slows you down, fills your lungs, and sends you home with a grin and muddy boots. The mountains are calling. Answer with a backpack and a sense of adventure.