How to do Lamington National Park on the Gold Coast

Wander here and you'll be exploring a landscape with geology dating back more than 225 million years. In fact, its age, beauty, flora and fauna landed Lamington National Park and its siblings (Springbrook, Mount Barney and Main Range) a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list as the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.

But it’s not just really old trees that make this national park stand out. Even though they've been thriving in this neck of the woods before even dinosaurs walked the earth.

It’s the views. The wildlife you'll find nowhere else. The opportunities to explore, from densely forested mountains to raging waterfalls and walking tracks linking them all up.

Lamington National Park hikes

Lamington National Park is split into two main sections - Green Mountains and Binna Burra - each packed with epic walks and rainforest rewards. But heads up: there’s about 60 km (or 1 .5 hours) of winding road between them, so plan accordingly.

With over 160 km of walking trails criss-crossing the park, there’s a Lamington National Park hike for every kind of explorer, from casual strollers to hard-core trekkers.

• Centenary Track (Green Mountains): Paved, easy and rainforest-wrapped. This 30‑minute walk is perfect for beginners, with optional detours to Python Rock and Morans Falls if you’re feeling fired up.
• Morans Falls Track (Green Mountains): A 4.4 km return, grade‑4 rainforest ramble ending at a lookout above the spectacular 80 m plunge of Morans Falls. Expect around 1.5hours of walking through subtropical forest, creek crossings, and sweeping gorge views.
• Box Forest Circuit (Green Mountains): Waterfall chasers, this one’s for you. A 11km loop past thundering cascades, including the much‑photographed Elabana Falls. Allow around four hours.
• Coomera Circuit (Binna Burra): A standout Lamington National Park hike, it’s a moderate 5-7 hour walk along a 17.4 km loop that threads through dense rainforest, crosses the Coomera River several times, and treats you to impressive waterfalls and gorge views.
• Border Track (Binna Burra to Green Mountains): A bucket‑list trail for seasoned hikers. This 21.4 km one‑way trek connects the two main park sections, so you'll need a lift (or a long return walk). Expect ridge‑top views and quiet moments among World‑Heritage beauty.
• Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk: Go all in with this 54 km multi‑day trail, a true wilderness adventure linking Lamington and Springbrook national parks.

The flora and fauna of Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is full of surprises when it comes to flora and fauna.

Did you know Lamington holds Australia’s largest remaining forests of ancient hoop pines? Head to the Araucaria Lookout to spot them in a cluster.

In terms of animals, it’s all about the birdlife up here, although you’re likely to hear the birds of this forest before you see them. You might spot a bowerbird with their dark, satiny feathers, but you’re likely to hear the calls of the whipbird who squark to one another (the male makes the ‘whip’ to the female’s ‘crack’).

Arguably the most famous face in the park is the Albert’s Lyrebird, who you’ll find dwelling on the ground of these subtropical rainforests. Consider yourself very lucky if you catch a rare glimpse. Even rarer, a sighting of a brush-tailed rock wallaby, now listed as a vulnerable species in Queensland and nationally. 

Best photo spots in Lamington National Park

No need to holster your point-and-shoot for a trip to Lamington National Park. This place is as photogenic as they come.

• O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk (Green Mountains): Walk along suspended bridges through the canopy of giant trees, an epic spot for birds-eye views (and actual birds).
• Morans Falls Lookout (Green Mountains): This return walk delivers you to one of the park’s most iconic views - cascading falls framed by rolling mountain ranges. Best at golden hour, but stunning any time of day.
• Chalahn Falls via Toolona Creek Circuit (Green Mountains): This 17.4 km rainforest loop is waterfall heaven, with eight stunning cascades along the way. Chalahn is the star. It’s a muddy mission, but totally worth it
• Best sunrise: Tumgun Lookout (Binna Burra). Gaze east over misty valleys and forested peaks as the sun rises over the Lamington escarpment. It’s a short 2.5 km return walk via the Rainforest Circuit, perfect for an early start.
• Best sunset: Python Rock Lookout (Green Mountains). An easy 3.1 km return walk rewards you with sweeping views over the McPherson Range and Morans Falls. Time your visit for late afternoon and watch the sky turn pink above the mountains.

Lamington National Park accommodation: where to stay

Ready to sleep under the stars, or under the rafters of a luxury lodge? Lamington National Park accommodation runs the full spectrum from rainforest campsites to five-star treehouses with mountain-view spas.

• Green Mountains campground at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is a great intro to camping, especially if you’re new to pitching a tent. With hot showers, nearby cafes and creature comforts just a stroll away, it’s camping with training wheels (in the best way).
• Over in Binna Burra, the campground is small but scenic. Be sure to book early, especially in peak season.

Prefer something a little more assembled on arrival?

• You can’t go past O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, a local icon with nearly 100 years of eco-tourism cred. Stay in cosy lodge rooms or splurge on a treetop villa with your own private spa overlooking the McPherson Range.
• Nightfall delivers luxury safari tents tucked deep in the forest. With in-tent rolltop baths and cliffs rising just outside your canvas walls, you've never experienced glamping quite like this.
• On the eastern side, Binna Burra Lodge offers everything from sleek, self-contained Sky Lodges to snug Tiny Wild Houses and laidback safari tents. All with rainforest views and fresh mountain air on tap.
• Want to cap off your park adventure with a little pampering? Just 10 minutes from Binna Burra, Beechmont Estate serves up day spa bliss, chef-hatted dining, and plush countryside vibes wrapped in signature Scenic Rim luxury.

Local tours to show you the way