Frequently asked questions

Why does Lamington National Park have two other names—‘Binna Burra’ and 'O'Reilly'?

• ‘Binna Burra’ and ‘O’Reilly’ are placenames that coincide with the Lamington National Park boundary. The name 'O'Reilly' is a placename for the western side of the Lamington Plateau, while the placename for the eastern side is 'Binna Burra'.
• A placename is given to a feature or area of land, whether natural or artificial, and is registered under the Place Names Act 1994.
• 'Green Mountains' is the park section name for the western side of Lamington National Park and 'Binna Burra' is the park section name for the eastern side of the park. These are park names assigned by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

Bushwalking

Where can I get a map of the walking tracks?

Before walking in Lamington National Park we recommend to download maps before you visit as not all mobile networks have coverage in the park.

• Print or download a walking track map.
• There are online topographic maps that can be downloaded from websites such as QTopo. Go to walking tracks summary for more information. Purchase a copy of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk topographic map from one of these Great Walks topographic map sales outlets.

While visiting the park, you can:

• download a copy of the walking track maps via the QR code signs located at the trailheads and information centres.
• take a photo of walking track maps on the display panels in the information centres and at the start of the Border Track. These panels also provide walking track descriptions.

When does the rainforest open?

The rainforest is always open. For your safety, it is recommended that you only walk during daylight hours. Choose walks that you can complete before it gets dark. Make sure you finish your walk an hour before sunset—remember that a rainforest can get dark very quickly towards the end of the day and earlier in the afternoon during winter.

Are there guided ranger walks?

No regular Queensland Park and Wildlife Service ranger guided walks are provided. Rangers do conduct walks for schools, universities and interest groups on a prearranged basis. Natural History Association volunteers conduct walks on special occasions. For more information, please contact the Green Mountains Natural History Association and the Lamington Natural History Association.

Can I drink the water?

Water from taps and water taken from creeks within the national park should be treated before drinking.

How do I organise a remote bush camping permit?

Lamington National Park has a small number of designated remote camp sites to choose from. Each site has a limit on the number of campers permitted to camp at these sites. This is necessary to ensure sites are not degraded and are managed sustainably.

To book a remote bush camp site, book online or learn about our camping booking options.

Your bush camping permit number is your permit to camp in these remote bush camp sites. If sites are fully booked, you will have to reschedule your camping nights.

Nature

How high is Lamington?

The park's information centre at Green Mountains section is approximately 935m above sea level, while the information centre at Binna Burra is approximately 650m above sea level. The highest point in Lamington is Mount Bithongabel at 1,199m above sea level.

Can I feed the birds and animals?

National park visitors must not feed the wildlife. There is an abundance of natural food for wildlife and it is more suitable. Find out more about the detrimental effects of feeding birds and animals by reading the posters on display in the camping area and at the park's information centre. Ensure all foodstuffs are secured, especially at night.

Should I be concerned about snakes?

Snakes tend to be observed more in the warmer spring and summer months. Always take extreme caution and never attempt to pick up any type of reptile. The rule to remember is that snakes have right of way!

The two most commonly seen reptiles are carpet pythons and land mullets. Carpet pythons are non-venomous but can give a painful bite that may get infected unless given appropriate first-aid treatment. Land mullets are often mistaken for snakes because of their shiny black appearance. They are a non-venomous lizard and reputed to be the largest skink in the world.

In the unlikely event of being bitten by a snake, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Carry elastic bandages in case of snakebite and know the correct first-aid procedure.

What can I do to prevent leeches?

Leeches are common in rainforest particularly after rain. They are not dangerous and can be pulled or flicked off with few effects other than severe itching and sometimes local irritation of the skin. The bite will bleed for some time due to an anticoagulant that the leech injects. An analgesic cream will ease the itch. To prevent leech bites, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, a hat and apply insect repellent to exposed skin before walking. Another good idea is to rub repellent on feet (and even shoes) before putting on footwear.

Will I get ticks?

Ticks tend to live in dry, forested areas with a grassy understorey. Although during very dry weather periods, people have reported the occasional tick while walking on some of the rainforest walking tracks. Please use the recommended method for tick removal. If the person becomes ill, seek medical attention promptly. Avoid ticks by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, hats and shoes. Apply insect repellent on exposed skin.

Can I swim in the park?

Lamington National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and the park’s sensitive waterways are not suitable for swimming. They are pristine aquatic ecosystems that are habitat for several endangered and vulnerable frog species and other aquatic wildlife. Please read how to be frog friendly. Please read staying safe for more information on visiting Lamington National Park.

Where is Binna Burra in relation to Green Mountains?

Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park is located to the east of Green Mountains section. Allow 80min to drive between the two sections.

The Border Track (21.4km one way) connects the Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections of Lamington National Park.