A Must-Read Lamington National Park Guide

Discover part of the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world.

Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, Lamington National Park (Woonoongoora in the Yugambeh language) is known for its extensive walking tracks, spectacular views, and exceptional ecological importance, meaning a visit here absolutely needs to go on your to-do list.

Looking for your next outdoor escape? Here’s the ultimate guide to exploring this natural wonderland.

Where is Lamington National Park?

Located in South East Queensland, deep in the Gold Coast Hinterland and bordered by two country towns Canungra and Beechmont, Lamington National Park covers 21,176 hectares.

From the Green Mountains on the western side to the Binna Burra section on the east, the park is filled with subtropical and temperate rainforests, ancient trees, dramatic lookouts, and spellbinding waterfalls to explore.

Lamington National Park accommodation

Maximise your time in Lamington National Park with a stay at multi-award-winning O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Green Mountains section. Proudly operated by passionate third-generation O’Reilly family members (it’s been open for almost 100 years!), guests can choose between serviced accommodation at the retreat, or one of the 48 self-contained villas perched on the sloping hillside. On-site facilities include the 25-metre infinity lap pool, the Rainforest Bar, and the Lost World Day Spa.

O'Reileys Rainforest Retreat Pool — Get lost in the breathtaking scenery while doing some laps at O’Reileys. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Alternatively, head to the hinterland haven of Binna Burra Lodge in the Binna Burra section positioned 800 metres above sea level amongst the trees. For a secluded experience, check out the Rainforest Campsite and Safari Tents, or for a taste of luxury with breathtaking views, head over to the Sky Lodges which come with a cosy fireplace and spa bath overlooking the mountains.

the view from binna burra lodge room — Check into Binna Burra Lodge. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Things to do in Lamington National Park

On a visit to Lamington National Park, there are many ways to deepen your connection to the rainforest.

1. Lamington National Park waterfalls

If you’re looking for that waterfall photo opportunity, you’re in luck as this national park has over 500 with many of them accessible by marked bushwalking tracks. The Morans Falls track through the subtropical rainforest leads you to the stunning Morans Falls tumbling 80 metres into Morans Creek gorge.

Elabana Falls is another iconic waterfall in Lamington National Park, and if you’re up for a challenge, Chalahn Falls along the Toolona Creek Circuit is worth the muddy trek.

Walk to Elabana Falls for stunning scenery. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

2. Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk

Or, bringing you back to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat — thirty years ago, owner Peter O’Reilly realised his dream of creating Australia’s first tree top walk, where visitors could venture 15 metres above the forest floor to observe rainforest flowers, fruits, and birdlife.

Today, you can still explore the rainforest canopy from this free, 180-metre-long Tree Top Walk which is part of an easy 800-metre return walk from O’Reilly’s. And, if you really want to test your nerve, climb an additional 15 metres from the elevated walkway to an observatory platform, where the views are even more sublime.

These activities are just the tip of the iceberg though. Keep reading for recommended bushwalks, guided tours, and wildlife experiences.

a woman passing through O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk, Lamington National Park

Navigate the elevated forest walkway at O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Lamington National Park walks and hikes

If you’re itching to stretch your legs in the wild, Lamington National Park has over 160 kilometres of walking trails to discover, ranging from grade 1-5 depending on your fitness level.

To keep it simple, the 1.8-kilometre Centenary Track return leaves from the Green Mountains car park and connects with the Python Rock Track — or if you want to keep going, follow onto the Morans Falls Track. Or there’s the five-kilometre return Tullawallal Circuit, which departs from Binna Burra and leads to a 2000 – 5000-year-old patch of beech forest. Surrounded and cradled by ancient natural energy, you may find this a profoundly peaceful place to rest and reflect.

O'Reileys Rainforest Retreat View of Lamington National Park — There’s a whole lot of nature to explore in Lamington National Park. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

For a half-day hike, take on the 10.9 kilometre Box Forest Circuit , or if you’re ready to commit an entire day, the 21.4 kilometre Border Track (which connects the Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections of the park) is the hike for you. O’Reilly’s operates a Saturday shuttle to Binna Burra; from here, you can walk the entire Border Track back to your accommodation, climbing towards the McPherson Range’s misty, temperate rainforests and passing multiple overlooks en route.

Want to take on the ultimate backpacking adventure? The 54-kilometre Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk takes three days to complete and links Lamington National Park to Springbrook National Park via the scenic Numinbah Valley where you can walk through the ancient volcanic landscape of the Tweed Volcano.

a guy riding an electric scooter at Lamington National Park — Explore the park on an electric scooter. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Birdwatching and wildlife in Lamington National Park

As you wander the park’s trails, listen for the 230 species of birds that live there: for example, kookaburras, eastern whip birds, catbirds, and the seldom-seen, ground-dwelling Albert’s lyrebird, which mimics several calls, including whip birds, bowerbirds, and rosellas.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is a particularly enticing place for birdwatching. Join the retreat’s daily, early morning birdwatching walk (free for guests) and spot regent and satin bowerbirds, eastern yellow robins, blue fairy wrens, Wonga pigeons, and more. Later, purchase birdseed, which will probably inspire crimson rosellas and king parrots to perch on your head and shoulders as they await a snack. O’Reilly’s also hosts an annual bird week, where bird enthusiasts attend presentations and workshops and scout for as many species as possible.

Albert's lyrebird in queensland — Keep eyes and ears peeled for the iconic Albert’s lyrebird. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

At dusk, red-necked pademelons – small marsupials with a reddish neck and shoulders – forage in front of Grooms Cottage at Binna Burra Lodge , as well as in the grassy area behind O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat . Observing this adorable nocturnal species is a wonderful excuse for spending the night, and you’ll also likely spot them if you go for a short bushwalk in the late afternoon or early morning.

You may also be lucky enough to spot a platypus in Lamington National Park. These notoriously shy creatures try to keep a low profile as they weave their way through the waterway, so spotting them can be difficult but oh-so glorious if you do! One of the most popular locations to spot them is among a cluster of swimming holes dubbed Platypus Pools and Stairway Falls which forms part of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk.

pademelons in tasmania — Spot adorable pademelons. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Join a local tour of Lamington National Park

Explore the majestic beauty of Lamington National Park on a private tour with knowledgeable and experienced guides. Go back in time and get to know the area’s history, learn about the local flora and fauna, discover unique and ancient rock formations, or soak up the views of rainforest, waterfalls, and mountain lookouts.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Binna Burra Lodge (via Park Tours ) both run a variety of guided walks and tours throughout the week. There are so many to love but here are a few of our favourites:

1. Stinson Hike

In 1937, Stinson airliner VH-UHH crashed in the McPherson Ranges with two pilots and five passengers aboard. Although initial rescue efforts were focused elsewhere, 33-year-old Bernard O’Reilly, a dairy farmer who also worked at his family’s Green Mountains guesthouse, heeded local reports and set out on a solo search nine days after the crash. After a 30-kilometre journey on foot, he found the wreck and its two suffering survivors and quickly raced off to organise a rescue party.

Today, you can walk in this hero’s footsteps by signing up for one of O’Reilly’s guided Stinson walks . Both options are challenging: the 37-kilometre Bernard’s Footsteps route travels much of Bernard’s arduous course and requires a swift pace, while the 14-kilometre return Rescue Route, which begins and ends at Christmas Creek, entails a steep, 700-metre climb to the wreck.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Bernard’s journey and the rainforest’s unforgiving terrain. Keep in mind, though, that extensive bushwalking experience and a high level of fitness are essential – make sure to review the fitness requirements before signing up. View O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat events page to sign up for the next hike.

Sunset over McPherson Ranges — Hike through the McPherson Ranges. (Image: TETQ)

2. Billy Tea History Tour

Join a legendary O’Reilly’s guide for a relaxing 4WD tour to an incredible lookout point where they’ll prepare Billy Tea and Damper over the fire, sharing their enthusiasm and stories from the early years on the mountain. This unique adventure is fun for the whole family.

3. Coomera Falls Lookout

Rated as one of Australia’s best hikes by Australian Geographic, the Coomera Falls Lookout walk takes you through dense forests, and spectacular lookouts over waterfalls and gorges to name just a few stunning features.

an overhead shot of Coomera Falls Lookout — Witness Coomera Falls from above.

4. Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s & Vineyard Tour

This popular guided tour with Southern Cross Tours provides you with all the best highlights packed beautifully into one fantastic day.

Visiting the Gondwana Rainforest, as well as O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Canungra Valley Vineyard, it’s a Lamington crash course including a canopy treetop walk, wild bird feeding, and more.

aerial view of Purling Brook Falls — See the Purling Brook Falls with Southern Cross Tours. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

How to get to Lamington National Park

Ready to make your way? From the Gold Coast town of Broadbeach, allow 50 minutes to drive to the Green Mountains section, and 70 minutes to get to the Binna Burra section. Along the way, you’ll navigate a winding and sometimes narrow road which is suitable for 2WD vehicles.

There is no public transport to the park but you can jump aboard a shuttle bus taking you between the two sections. Alternatively, there are many commercial tour operators that conduct tours to Lamington National Park too such as Southern Cross Tours.

the fertile vineyards at Canungra Valley — Drive along the vineyards at Canungra Valley. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Feeling inspired? Here are more stunning hikes on the Gold Coast for all fitness levels.

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

Here’s how to explore the best of Lamington National Park