• You'll never know peace like camping at this remote bush camp site. Photo credit: Lightcapturer © Queensland Government
• Set up camp surrounded by dry rainforest on the Darlington Range. Photo credit: Lightcapturer © Queensland Government

You need to be an experienced off-track walker with the right hiking equipment and top-notch navigational skills to walk to this remote camp site. Head off from the Binna Burra lower day-use area and past the deep and clear Gwongoorool Pool—the headwaters of this mountain stream are near the border with New South Wales.

From Gwongoorool Pool, zig-zag up a steep ridge and along a cliff line before arriving at the top of the Darlington Range (700m). The rough and unmarked camp site is surrounded by thick rainforest on a narrow crest of the range.

This park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, famed for its ongoing geological processes, evolutionary history, and diversity (especially of rare, threatened and endemic species).

Getting there and getting around

The Darlington remote bush camp site is in the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park, 110km south of Brisbane.

• Map sheet—Beechmont 9541-42. Grid reference—163 803.
• The bush camp site is on an unmarked trail that leaves the Gwongoorool track just upstream from Gwongoorool Pool.
• The unmarked trail zigzags up a steep ridge and around a cliff line before reaching the top of the Darlington Range (700m).
• Allow 3hrs walking time to reach the camp.

Getting to Lamington

The park has two sections—Green Mountains and Binna Burra. The Green Mountains section is on the western side of the Lamington Plateau in an area called O'Reilly. The Binna Burra section encompasses the rest of the park to the east. There is no public transport to the park and getting taxis and ride share operators to pick up from the park can be difficult.

Binna Burra section

Allow 70min from Broadbeach. Drive 38km to Beechmont via Nerang. From the north, take Pacific Motorway exit 69 and follow the signs west to Lamington National Park—Binna Burra.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Darlington remote bush camp site (off-track) is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Seasonal closures

The bush camp site is only open from 1 February to 30 November each year.

Camping area features: A rough bush camp site located on the crest of the Darlington Range that divides Binna Burra and Green Mountains sections of the park. The site offers intermittent views.
Location: Map sheet: Beechmont 9541-42, Grid reference: 163 803
Access: Remote site off the graded walking track system on an unmarked trail and a 3hr walk from the Gwongoorool track entrance.
Number of sites: No defined sites. Maximum of 8 people per night.
Camp sites are suitable for: fit, experienced, self-sufficient hikers.
Camp site surface: Dirt.
Facilities: None. Campers must be self-sufficient. Water collected from creeks should be treated before drinking. All rubbish (including food scraps) must be carried out.
Open fires: Prohibited. Fuel stoves only.
Generators: Not allowed.
Essentials to bring: Fuel stove, drinking water, extra food, rubbish bags, first-aid kit, topographic map, compass, torch, warm clothing, wet weather gear and a small trowel for burying faecal waste. GPS, EPIRB (or PLB) are highly recommended. Read more about before you visit.
Bookings: Advance bookings are essential and must be booked online or learn about our camping booking options.
Mobile phone coverage: Poor.

Upcoming campsite availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Lamington safely and camp with care.