Home to over 160 kilometers of walking trails and more than 500 waterfalls, Lamington National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area—a living museum of ancient plant and animal species that predates the Amazon rainforest by millions of years. This spectacular wilderness, nestled in the Gold Coast hinterland, offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Lamington National Park is located in the Gold Coast hinterland of Queensland, approximately 110 kilometers south of Brisbane. The park is divided into two main sections: the Green Mountains (O’Reilly’s) section to the west and the Binna Burra section to the east.
From Brisbane
The drive from Brisbane to Lamington National Park takes approximately 90 minutes to reach the Binna Burra section or 2 hours to reach the Green Mountains section. Follow the Pacific Motorway (M1) south toward the Gold Coast, then take the appropriate exit depending on which section you’re visiting.
From Gold Coast
From Surfers Paradise, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Binna Burra through Nerang and Beechmont. To reach the Green Mountains section, allow approximately 1 hour via Canungra.
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Road Conditions
The roads to both sections of the park are sealed but narrow and winding, especially the final stretches. Drive cautiously, particularly in wet weather or foggy conditions which are common in the mountains. While 2WD vehicles can access both sections, take it slow on the steep, winding roads.
Explore at Your Own Pace
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Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Lamington National Park can be visited year-round, but each season offers a different experience. The park’s elevation (ranging from 300 to 1,100 meters) means temperatures are typically 5-10°C cooler than coastal areas.
Spring (September-November)
Spring brings mild temperatures (15-25°C) and blooming wildflowers. It’s an excellent time for birdwatching as many species are nesting. Rainfall is moderate, and trails are less crowded than summer.
Summer (December-February)
Summer is the warmest and wettest season, with temperatures ranging from 18-28°C. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but mornings are usually clear. The rainforest is at its most vibrant, and waterfalls are flowing strongly.
Autumn (March-May)
Autumn offers stable weather with comfortable temperatures (14-24°C) and less rainfall. The park is less crowded, making it ideal for peaceful hikes and wildlife spotting.
Winter (June-August)
Winter brings cool, crisp days (10-18°C) with cold nights that can drop to near freezing at higher elevations. The air is clear, offering spectacular views, and rainfall is at its lowest. Pack warm clothing for early mornings and evenings.
Weather Tip
The mountain weather can change rapidly regardless of season. Always pack a light raincoat, warm layer, and sun protection. Check the latest weather forecast before setting out, as trails can become dangerous during heavy rain.
Getting Around Locally
Once you arrive at either the Green Mountains or Binna Burra section, the best way to explore Lamington National Park is on foot. Both sections have car parks near the trailheads, visitor centers, and accommodation facilities.
Between Park Sections
The Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections are only about 6 kilometers apart as the crow flies but require a 60-kilometer drive that takes approximately 1.5 hours by road. Alternatively, experienced hikers can walk between the two sections via the 21.4-kilometer Border Track, which takes 6-8 hours one-way.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat operates a shuttle service on Saturdays from Green Mountains to Binna Burra, allowing hikers to walk the Border Track one-way back to O’Reilly’s.
Guided Tours
If you prefer not to drive or want an expert guide, several tour operators offer day trips to Lamington National Park from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
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Where to Stay
Staying overnight in or near Lamington National Park allows you to experience the magic of the rainforest at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. There are accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Located in the Green Mountains section, this historic retreat has been welcoming guests for nearly 100 years. Choose from hotel-style rooms, self-contained villas, or glamping tents. Facilities include a 25-meter infinity pool, day spa, and restaurant.
Perfect for: Luxury seekers and families
Binna Burra Lodge
In the eastern section of the park, Binna Burra offers Sky Lodges with breathtaking views, fireplaces, and spa baths. For budget travelers, there are safari tents and a campground. The historic Groom’s Cottage houses a restaurant and bar.
Perfect for: Couples and nature lovers
Camping Options
The Binna Burra section has a rainforest campground with facilities including hot showers, toilets, and communal fire pits. Camping permits are required and should be booked in advance, especially during peak periods.
Perfect for: Budget travelers and outdoor enthusiasts
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Nearby Options
If the in-park accommodation is fully booked or beyond your budget, consider staying in nearby towns like Canungra, Beechmont, or Mount Tamborine, all within a 30-minute drive of the park entrances.
Dining & Local Cuisine
Dining options within Lamington National Park are limited to the restaurants at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Binna Burra Lodge, but both offer quality meals featuring local produce.
At O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
The Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu changes regularly but often features Australian favorites like kangaroo, barramundi, and native herbs. The Rainforest Bar offers casual dining and drinks with spectacular sunset views.
At Binna Burra Lodge
The Binna Burra Tea House serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on hearty, comforting meals perfect after a day of hiking. Groom’s Cottage offers a relaxed atmosphere for evening drinks and light meals.
Self-Catering Options
If you’re staying in self-contained accommodation or camping, stock up on supplies in Canungra or Nerang before heading up to the park. Both O’Reilly’s and Binna Burra have small general stores for basic supplies, but prices are higher than in town.
Picnic Tip
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the many scenic spots throughout the park. Both sections have designated picnic areas with tables, and there’s nothing quite like dining with a waterfall or mountain view as your backdrop.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Lamington National Park offers a wealth of natural attractions and activities, from leisurely walks to challenging hikes, wildlife watching, and educational experiences.
O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk
This free 180-meter-long elevated walkway takes you 15 meters above the forest floor, offering a unique perspective of the rainforest canopy. For the adventurous, climb an additional 15 meters up to a special observation deck in a fig tree for panoramic views. Located near O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Green Mountains section.
Waterfalls
With over 500 waterfalls in the park, you’re never far from the soothing sound of cascading water. Some of the most accessible and spectacular include:
Lookouts
The park’s elevated position offers spectacular viewpoints across the Gold Coast hinterland and beyond:
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Hiking Trails & Walking Tracks
With over 160 kilometers of walking tracks, Lamington National Park offers trails for every fitness level and time frame. Trails are well-marked and maintained, but always check conditions before setting out.
Short Walks (1-2 hours)
| Trail Name | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Starting Point | Highlights |
| Rainforest Circuit | 1.2km loop | 30 mins | Easy | Binna Burra | Introductory walk through subtropical rainforest |
| Centenary Track | 1.8km return | 45 mins | Easy | Green Mountains | Ancient trees, connects to Python Rock Track |
| Python Rock Track | 3.4km return | 1.5 hours | Easy-Moderate | Green Mountains | Panoramic views of Numinbah Valley |
| Caves Circuit | 3.5km one-way | 1.5 hours | Moderate | Binna Burra | Dramatic caves, valley views, possible koala sightings |
Half-Day Walks (3-4 hours)
| Trail Name | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Starting Point | Highlights |
| Box Forest Circuit | 10.9km loop | 4 hours | Moderate | Green Mountains | Elabana Falls, Box Log Falls, ancient trees |
| Tullawallal Circuit | 5km loop | 2 hours | Moderate | Binna Burra | Ancient Antarctic beech forest |
| Ships Stern Circuit (partial) | 8km return | 3 hours | Moderate | Binna Burra | Panoramic coastal views |
Full-Day Walks (6+ hours)
| Trail Name | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Starting Point | Highlights |
| Coomera Circuit | 17.4km loop | 6-7 hours | Challenging | Binna Burra | Coomera Falls, multiple creek crossings |
| Ships Stern Circuit (full) | 21km loop | 6-8 hours | Challenging | Binna Burra | Varied ecosystems, waterfalls, coastal views |
| Border Track | 21.4km one-way | 7-8 hours | Challenging | Either end | Ancient rainforest, connects park sections |
Hiking Safety Tips
Always carry plenty of water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a map. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing, including sun protection. Let someone know your plans before setting out, and start early for longer walks. Mobile phone coverage is limited in the park.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
Lamington National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 160 bird species, 70 mammal species, and countless reptiles, amphibians, and insects. The park’s varied habitats support many rare and endangered species.
Birds
Birdwatching is exceptional in Lamington, with species ranging from tiny wrens to large predatory birds. Some notable species include:
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat offers a free guided bird walk each morning for guests, and you can purchase bird seed to attract parrots and rosellas.
Mammals
Many of the park’s mammals are nocturnal, but you may spot:
Reptiles and Amphibians
The park’s moist environment supports numerous frog species, including the endangered Fleay’s Barred Frog. You might also encounter eastern water dragons, land mullets (Australia’s largest skink), and various snake species.
Wildlife Viewing Tips
Dawn and dusk are the best times for wildlife watching. Move quietly, scan the trees for movement, and listen for calls. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and a headlamp for spotting nocturnal creatures. Never feed wildlife except at designated feeding areas.
Cultural Heritage & History
Lamington National Park has a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years of Aboriginal history and over a century of European settlement and conservation efforts.
Aboriginal Heritage
The Yugambeh Aboriginal people are the traditional custodians of the Lamington Plateau, which they call “Woonoongoora.” The area was an important meeting place for different groups, and the rainforest provided food, medicine, and materials for tools and weapons. Look for interpretive signs throughout the park that explain traditional uses of various plants.
European History
European settlers arrived in the area in the 1860s, primarily for timber harvesting. By the early 1900s, concerns about deforestation led to conservation efforts. In 1915, Lamington was declared a national park, largely due to the advocacy of Robert Collins and Romeo Lahey.
The O’Reilly Story
The O’Reilly family has been associated with the Green Mountains section since 1911, when they established a dairy farm. In 1926, they began accommodating visitors, eventually developing O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. The family gained national attention in 1937 when Bernard O’Reilly heroically located the survivors of a Stinson airplane crash in the remote rainforest.
Binna Burra Lodge
Founded in 1933 by Arthur Groom and Romeo Lahey, Binna Burra Lodge was established to promote appreciation of the natural environment. The original lodge was tragically destroyed in the 2019 bushfires, but Groom’s Cottage survived and the Sky Lodges continue to welcome visitors.
Both O’Reilly’s and Binna Burra offer displays about the park’s history, and guided tours often include stories about the area’s cultural heritage.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Park Safety
While Lamington National Park is generally safe, the remote location and variable weather conditions require preparation:
Park Etiquette
Help preserve this precious environment for future generations:
Emergency Information
In case of emergency, call 000. If you have no phone service, try to reach high ground or return to visitor facilities. Let someone know your hiking plans before setting out, including expected return time.
Practical Travel Tips
What to Pack
Be prepared for your Lamington National Park adventure with these essentials:
For Day Hikes
For Overnight Stays
Park Facilities
Both the Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections have visitor information centers, toilets, picnic areas, and barbecue facilities. Drinking water is available at the main visitor areas but not along most trails.
Fees and Permits
There is no entrance fee for Lamington National Park. Camping permits are required for the Binna Burra campground and must be booked in advance through the Queensland Parks website.
Connectivity
Mobile phone coverage is limited within the park, especially on trails. Both O’Reilly’s and Binna Burra offer Wi-Fi for guests, though it may be slow due to the remote location.
Insider Tip
The park can get busy on weekends and during school holidays. Visit on weekdays if possible for a more peaceful experience. Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing and photography opportunities, with fewer visitors on the trails.
Experience the Magic of Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park is more than just a destination—it’s a journey through time, where ancient forests whisper stories of a world long past. Whether you’re standing beneath a 2,000-year-old Antarctic beech tree, watching the sunrise from a misty mountain lookout, or encountering a curious pademelon at dusk, the park offers moments of connection with nature that stay with you long after you leave.
From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, luxury eco-retreats to simple camping, Lamington National Park accommodates all types of travelers seeking to experience this World Heritage wilderness. The park’s accessibility from Brisbane and the Gold Coast makes it perfect for both day trips and extended stays, allowing you to immerse yourself in its natural wonders at your own pace.
As you plan your visit to this remarkable corner of Queensland, remember that the true magic of Lamington lies not just in its spectacular scenery but in the small moments of discovery—the chorus of birdsong at dawn, the feeling of mist on your face as you stand beside a waterfall, or the simple joy of walking beneath a canopy of trees that have stood for centuries.
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