Walking tracks summary

Before walking in Lamington National Park we recommend you please have a copy of the Lamington National Park Discovery Guide (PDF, 5.3MB) from the either of the park's information centre.

Key to track standards

Tracks are classified according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System which is based on Australian Standards. Please note that while each track is classified according to its most difficult section, other sections may be of an easier level.

Grade 1 walking track

• Flat, even surface with no steps. Clearly sign-posted.
• Suitable for wheelchairs with assistance.

Grade 2 walking track

• Formed track. May have gentle hills and some steps.
• All junctions sign-posted and may include interpretive signs.
• No previous bushwalking experience required.

Grade 3 walking track

• Formed track. May have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
• Reasonable level of fitness required and some bushwalking experience recommended.

Grade 4 walking track

• Rough track. May be long and very steep with few directional signs.
• May be overgrown, expect hazards such as fallen trees and slippery rocks.
• Moderate fitness level with previous experience and ankle-supporting footwear is strongly recommended.

Grade 5 walking track

• Unformed track. Very rough and steep.
• No signs or markers provided, except where necessary to reduce environmental damage.
• High level of fitness, extensive bushwalking experience, first-aid skills, good navigational skills, ankle-supporting footwear, relevant topographic maps and compass are essential.

Where necessary additional advice regarding any track classification variations will be provided on this webpage.

Walking tracks at a glance

Choose from the many short walks or full day walks available, ensure you pick the walk that best suits the fitness and experience of your group—it will make the world of difference.

Allow 15 to 20min to walk 1km. This time is calculated for people of average fitness and bushwalking experience and who are wearing correct footwear. Walking times are calculated on the time it takes to walk to the destination and return. Please allow longer when walking with children or those less fit. Allow extra time to rest and soak in the landscape and spectacular views.

• Platform lookout: this indicates a lookout with a built platform and handrails.
• Natural lookout: this indicates a lookout with no built structure or handrails. Please keep away from the edge and supervise children at all times. Take extra care when using binoculars or cameras at these sites!

Short walks from Green Mountains at a glance

Accessed from	Track name	Classification	Distance return (time)	Platform lookout	Natural lookout
Python Rock and Morans Falls trailhead	Centenary track	Grade 1	1.8km (30min)	-	-
Green Mountains trailhead	Rainforest return	Grade 2	1.4km (30min)	-	-
Python Rock and Morans Falls trailhead	Python Rock track	Grade 3	3.1km (1hr)	Yes	-
Python Rock and Morans Falls trailhead	Morans Falls track	Grade 4	4.4km (1.5hr)	Yes	-

Full-day walks from Green Mountains at a glance

Accessed from	Track name	Classification	Distance return (time)	Platform lookout	Natural lookout
Green Mountains trailhead	Box Forest circuit	Grade 4	10.9km (4hr)	-	-
Green Mountains trailhead	West Canungra Creek circuit	Grade 4	13.9km (5.5hr)	-	-
Green Mountains trailhead	Toolona Creek circuit	Grade 4	17.4km (6hr)	-	-
Green Mountains trailhead	Albert River circuit	Grade 4	21.8km (7hr)	-	Yes
Green Mountains trailhead to Binna Burra trailhead	Border Track	Grade 4	21.4km one way (add 600m for the Mount Merino track) (7hr)	-	Yes

Short walks from Binna Burra at a glance

Accessed from	Track name	Classification	Distance return (time)	Platform lookout	Natural lookout
Binna Burra trailhead	Rainforest circuit	Grade 2	1.2km (30min)	-	-
Binna Burra trailhead	Tullawallal circuit	Grade 3	5km (1.5hr)	-	-
Binna Burra trailhead	Caves circuit	Grade 4	5km (1.5hr)	-	Yes
Lower picnic area trailhead	Gwongoorool track	Grade 4	6km (2hr)	-	-

Full-day walks from Binna Burra at a glance

Accessed from	Track name	Classification	Distance return (time)	Platform lookout	Natural lookout
Binna Burra trailhead	Daves Creek circuit	Grade 4	12km (4hr)	-	Yes
Saddle trailhead	Lower Bellbird circuit	Grade 4	12km (4hr)	-	Yes
Binna Burra trailhead	Coomera circuit	Grade 4	17.4km (7hr)	Yes	-
Binna Burra trailhead	Araucaria lookout track	Grade 4	17.8km (7hr)	-	Yes
Binna Burra trailhead	Wagawn track	Grade 4	18km (8hr)	-	Yes
Binna Burra trailhead	Mount Hobwee circuit	Grade 4	18.2km (8hr)	-	Yes
Saddle trailhead	Ships Stern circuit	Grade 4	21km (8hr)	-	Yes
Lower picnic area trailhead	Illinbah circuit	Grade 5	16.6km (8hr)	-	-
Binna Burra trailhead to Green Mountains trailhead	Border Track	Grade 4	21.4km one way (add 600m for the Mount Merino track) (7hr)	-	Yes

Short walks in Green Mountains

(Distances and walking times are measured from the trailhead and return.)

Centenary track (Grade 1)

Distance: 1.8km return

Time: Allow about 30min walking time

Details: This track leaves from the Python Rock and Morans Falls trailhead. Slowly ascend through an aromatic subtropical rainforest and tall hoop pine forest to the northern end of the Green Mountains car park. This track is often scattered with the bright-red fruit of the southern satinash and yellow citrus-smelling lemon aspen fruit. Bench seating spaced along the track offers excellent opportunities to sit and watch the vibrant birdlife. Look for regent and satin bowerbirds darting through the branches, logrunners foraging on fallen tree trunks and Albert’s lyrebirds scratching in the leaf litter.

Rainforest return (Grade 2)

Distance: 1.4km return

Time: Allow about 30min walking time

Details: From the Green Mountains trailhead, follow the Border Track through rainforest for 700m. The large boulders just past the entrance are a good example of how exposed basalt eventually decomposes by a weathering process (exfoliation) into spherical boulder shapes. ‘Walk back in time’ signs along the track take you on a journey through 23 million years of Lamington’s geological history. This walk offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Watch for yellow-throated scrubwrens and logrunners among the leaf litter.

Python Rock track (Grade 3)

Distance: 3.1km return

Time: Allow about 1hr walking time

Details: From the Python Rocks and Morans Falls trailhead, wander through a closed rainforest community where curved buttress roots rise from the ground and booyong and fig trees tower overhead. Then pass into an open eucalypt forest where fire-adapted species such as grass trees, hakeas and various wildflowers grow. Python Rock lookout provides views of Morans Falls, Castle Crag and Mount Razorback. Views from the lookout highlight the geological processes of erosion, including valley widening and escarpment formation.

The guttural 'popping' of the masked mountain frog Kyarranus loveridgei can be heard on wet or moist days in late spring and summer. These ancient frogs are members of the Gondwanan family commonly known as southern frogs.

Morans Falls track (Grade 4)

Distance: 4.4km return

Time: Allow about 1.5hr walking time

Details: From the Python Rock and Morans Falls trailhead, walk through subtropical rainforest featuring twisted vines and bird’s nest ferns to Morans Falls lookout. From the constructed lookout, enjoy spectacular views of Morans Falls tumbling 80m into Morans Creek gorge. Follow the track over a crystal-clear creek to Morans Clearing lookout and take in sweeping vistas over the Albert River valley towards Mount Lindsey and Mount Barney in the distance.

Layers of ancient volcanic lava flows are also visible, the more resistant have formed small cliff-lines along the valley.

Full-day walks in Green Mountains

(Distances and walking times are measured from the trailhead and return.)

Box Forest circuit (Grade 4)

Distance: 10.9km return

Time: Allow about 4hr walking time

Details: From the Green Mountain trailhead, follow the Border Track for 3.2km and then branch off onto the Toolona Creek circuit and finally onto the Box Forest circuit track. Head anticlockwise through rainforest and past impressive stands of smooth, pink-barked brush box Lophostemon confertus and a few Antarctic beech trees. Similar brush box in other parts of the World Heritage area have been radiocarbon-dated at 1,500 years, making these giants the oldest ever carbon-dated trees on Australia's mainland.

Stop at Picnic Rock to listen to the cascading creek before reaching the photo-worthy Elabana Falls. Return the way you came or walk the whole circuit and be rewarded with views of many other picturesque waterfalls. If you intend walking this entire circuit, walk in a clockwise direction and exit via Elabana Falls and Picnic Rock.

West Canungra Creek circuit (Grade 4)

Due to gradient, we recommend you walk this circuit clockwise.

Distance: 13.9km return

Time: Allow about 5.5hr walking time

Details: From the Green Mountains trailhead, follow the Border Track for about 600m before branching off onto the West Canungra Creek circuit track. Descend past Darraboola Falls, through lush rainforest dotted with red cedar Toona ciliate, to the tranquil waters of 'Yerralahla' (blue pool) and West Canungra Creek. Follow the creek for most of its length, crossing it several times. The circuit exits via the Box Forest circuit.

You might be surprised by the hissing and snapping of bright blue Lamington spiny crayfish. Lookout for snakes basking on the sun-dappled track or rocks near the creek. On overcast summer days, leaf-tailed geckos may be seen along this circuit. This gecko is endemic to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Fossilised ancestors of this species from over 20 million years ago have been found in the World Heritage-listed Australian Fossil Mammal sites (Riversleigh).

Warning: take care at creek crossing as they may be difficult to navigate, especially after rain, and the track might not be obvious in places. Look for orange directional arrows at the creek crossings to navigate the circuit. Check track conditions with a ranger before you leave. Also, eels inhabit the West Canungra Creek. They bite when threatened and injuries have occurred.

Toolona Creek circuit (Grade 4)

We recommend walking this circuit clockwise.

Distance: 17.4km return

Time: Allow about 6hr walking time

Details: From the Green Mountain trailhead, walk along the Border Track for 3.2km and then branch off onto the Toolona Creek circuit. Follow the circuit beside Toolona Creek and enjoy the cool spray from the many waterfalls—such as Chalahn and Toolona falls—as you journey up through Toolona Gorge to emerge on the Border Track near Wanungara lookout. The narrow Toolona Gorge creates a protected, moist and shady refuge for many ancient flowering rainforest plants. The giant king fern Todea barbara is a relict of one of the oldest fern families, Osmundaceae, evolving even before Gondwana formed.

The return trip via the Border Track passes Mount Bithongabel. Many large clumps of Antarctic beech Nothofagus moorei trees are found in the area.

Albert River circuit (Grade 4)

We recommend walking this circuit anticlockwise.

Distance: 21.8km return

Time: Allow about 7hr walking time

Details: From the Green Mountains trailhead, walk the Border Track for 5km before branching off onto the Albert River circuit track. Wind down through forests of Antarctic beech to a lush rainforest gully featuring Echo Falls. Follow a branch of the Albert River upstream to Echo Point lookout to enjoy panoramic views of Mount Wupawn to Mount Durigan on the McPherson Range and south to the Tweed Range. These peaks are all part of the erosion caldera that surrounds Mount Warning, once a central volcanic plug. Traditional owners of the Bundjalang language group call this mighty plug 'Wollumbin' (Cloud-catcher).

The circuit continues east along the Queensland—New South Wales border to Cominan lookout and then turns north-west to connect back up with the Border Track. In September when the beech orchids Dendrobium falcorostrum are flowering, this circuit takes on a particular charm, with the delicate orchids contrasting with the massive trunks to which they cling.

Full-day walks accessible from both Binna Burra and Green Mountains

Border Track (Grade 4)

Distance: 21.4km return one way only

Time: Allow about 7hr walking time

Details: The Border Track is the backbone of the Lamington walking track system, with most walks radiating from it. The track is also a section of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. This track connects the Binna Burra and Green Mountains sections of Lamington National Park, passing through warm and cool subtropical, and warm and cool temperate rainforest. These varied rainforest communities contain many ancient families of flowering plants—the bolwarra family Eupomatiacea, pepperbush Winteraceae, laurels Lauraceae, lillypillies Myrtaceae, and the southern beech Fagaceae.

On a clear day, lookouts provide spectacular views of the Limpinwood Valley, 'Wollumbin' (Mount Warning) and the Tweed Range. During winter months, walkers are likely to hear the loud ringing call of the Albert's lyrebird.

There is a short (600m return), steep side track that leads to two lookouts—Beereenbano and Merino—with views over the Tweed and Limpinwood valleys. The track passes through areas of forest damaged during a severe storm in 1983.

Warning: there is no shorter way to walk from either trailhead in the park. Stay on the Border Track. Other routes may appear to reduce the distance, but end up being longer. Whichever end you begin, leave as the sun rises and organise to be picked up at the end of your walk or stay overnight at your destination.

Short walks in Binna Burra

(Distances and walking times are measured from the trailhead and return.)

Rainforest circuit (Grade 2)

Distance: 1.2km return

Time: Allow about 30min walking time

Details: For a quick introduction to the 'typical' warm subtropical rainforest of Lamington, follow the Border Track for 500m from the Binna Burra trailhead, then branch right on to the Rainforest circuit. Wander under the thick, green canopy and listen for the distinctive calls of bowerbirds and catbirds. These are members of the oldest lineage of songbirds.

Tullawallal circuit (Grade 3)

We recommend walking this circuit clockwise.

Distance: 5km return

Time: Allow about 1.5hr walking time

Details: Visit the most accessible cool temperate rainforest in Lamington and the closest patch of this forest type to Binna Burra. From the Binna Burra trailhead follow the Border Track for 1.9km, then branch right at the track junction onto Tullawallal circuit and follow a short sidetrack to Tullawallal.

The pocket of Antarctic beech Nothofagus moorei on the summit is the northernmost patch of this species in Australia and is one of our remaining links with the ancient forests of Gondwana. Nothofagus forests that were once widespread across Australia and provided a habitat for many animals that have long since disappeared from our landscape.

From Tullawallal, return to the track junction, turn right and continue along the Loop track back to Binna Burra trailhead.

Caves circuit (Grade 4)

We recommend walking this anticlockwise and returning via the same track.

Distance: 5km return

Time: Allow about 1.5hr walking time

Details: From the park's information centre, this interesting walk winds up through open forest, where koalas are often seen, and into rainforest before emerging at the Saddle trailhead on the road near the Binna Burra Mountain Lodge road entrance. White-throated treecreepers, members of one of the oldest groups of songbirds, are frequently seen on this track.

Pass Kweebani Cave, a large red cedar and fine specimens of other rainforest tree species. Stop at Collins chair to take in excellent views into the Coomera Valley. The major cliff line opposite is of a flow of rhyolite and deposits of boulders and ash (tuff) can be seen in overhanging caves. Possibly the largest intact stand of hoop pine Araucaria cunninghamii in Australia can be seen along the Darlington Range.

Warning: this circuit contains unstable surfaces. Rockfalls may occur on the track and in Kweebani Cave. For your safety, avoid lingering near the cave—move along the circuit and view the cave from a safe distance. Please return to the start of the track via the same path to avoid walking beside the bitumen road to complete the circuit. Traffic can be busy, especially on weekends.

Gwongoorool track (Grade 4)

Distance: 6km return

Time: Allow about 2hr walking time

Details: Start at the Lower picnic area trailhead and descend a series of steep rock steps (approximately 200 in total) to the Coomera River, passing cliffs of volcanic ash (tuff). At the valley floor, follow the Coomera River to picturesque Gwongoorool Pool. The river, along with all of Lamington’s waterways, is important habitat for hylid frogs (tree frog family), freshwater crayfish, eels and eastern water dragons. Return on the same track.

Warning: eels inhabit the Coomera River. They bite when threatened and injuries have occurred.

Full-day walks in Binna Burra

(Distances and walking times are measured from the trailhead and return.)

Lower Bellbird circuit (Grade 4)

We recommend walking this anticlockwise and returning via the same track.

Distance: 12km return

Time: Allow about 4hr walking time

Details: The Lower Bellbird circuit track branches off the Ships Stern circuit 3.7km from the Saddle trailhead. Admire spectacular views across Ships Stern, Turtle Rock, 'Kurraragin' (Egg Rock), and down into Numinbah Valley from Koolaninilba and Yangahla lookouts. Wind past cliff faces adorned with orchids and ferns, cross mountain streams and pass through a patch of dry rainforest dominated by hoop pine—regarded as an example of the rise of the 'dry adapted' flora now widespread in Australia. Follow the track below Bellbird lookout and emerge at a clearing, once a dairy farm. From here, return back along the same path to the Saddle trailhead to avoid walking beside the bitumen road to complete the circuit.

This track forms part of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, arrow markers indicate the route. If you are walking the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk please ensure you have a copy of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk Topographic Map.

Warning: take care if walking beside the bitumen road to complete the circuit, or if accessing the Caves circuit, especially on weekends when traffic is busy. If you choose to return via the Caves circuit it adds 2km to the walk.

Daves Creek circuit (Grade 4)

We recommend walking this circuit clockwise.

Distance: 12km return

Time: Allow about 4hr walking time

Details: To see a fascinating variety of forest and heath, head off from the Binna Burra trailhead along the Border Track for 2.3km before branching onto the Daves Creek circuit track. Descend through the head of Kurraragin Valley out into Daves Creek country. Keep an eye out for Surprise Rock—a volcanic dyke made of hardy trachyte and enjoy magnificent views from Numinbah lookout. Be sure to stop and enjoy the cool surrounds of Picnic Creek.

The circuit passes through several distinctive vegetation types: warm and cool subtropical rainforest along the Border Track; warm temperate rainforest, containing many examples of ancient angiosperms such as coachwood Ceratopetalum apetalum, in Nixon Creek's headwaters; and wet sclerophyll forest with giant New England ash Eucalyptus campanulata, around the track intersection to the Ships Stern circuit.

Coomera circuit (Grade 4)

Distance: 17.4km return

Time: Allow about 7hr walking time

Details: The scenic Coomera circuit leaves the Border Track 1.9km from the Binna Burra trailhead and passes through subtropical and warm temperate rainforest communities, and giant brush box Lophostemon confertusforest. Walk up to Coomera Falls lookout (5.5km from the trailhead) and witness the power of the Coomera River as it cascades over the magnificent Coomera and Yarrabilgong falls down into the 160m deep gorge.

Continue to ascend, along the edge of Coomera Gorge, following the Coomera River past a series of other lovely cascades and waterfalls and look for Lamington spiny crayfish along the way. Cross the river several times before rejoining the Border Track and returning to the Binna Burra trailhead.

Warning: this circuit has several river crossings which involve stepping from rock to rock. This can be hazardous after heavy rain and should not be attempted when the river is in flood—you may get caught between creek crossings.

Araucaria lookout track (Grade 4)

Distance: 17.8km return

Time: Allow about 7hr walking time

Details: From the Binna Burra trailhead, follow the Border Track for 5.4km before branching off onto the Araucaria lookout track. This 2.6km track passes Orchid Bower lookout and ends at Araucaria lookout—named after the hoop pines Araucaria cunninghamii, which can be viewed from the lookout. These hoop pine communities are a living representative of the Jurassic Age (the age of the conifers) about 180 million years ago. Both lookouts offer impressive views towards the Springbrook plateau.

Wagawn track (Grade 4)

Distance: 18km return

Time: Allow about 8hr walking time

Details: This track splits from the Araucaria lookout track 900m from the Border Track junction. Hike up, often through misty clouds, to Garragoolba lookout for uninterrupted views of Springbrook, the Tweed Valley and 'Wollumbin' (Mount Warning).

Only after naturally occurring events such as severe wildfires or storms are there uninterrupted views of Springbrook, the Tweed Valley and 'Wollumbin' (Mount Warning) from Wagawn. In the interim years the view may be interrupted by natural regrowth. Please do not damage or remove vegetation as many of these plants are significant species in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Remember, all plants are protected by legislation.

Mount Hobwee circuit (Grade 4)

We recommend walking this circuit clockwise.

Distance: 18.2km return

Time: Allow about 8hr walking time

Details: The Mount Hobwee circuit branches off the Wagawn track 2km after the Border Track junction. Wind up through rainforest filled with ferns, stream lillies, fungi and epiphytes, to the Antarctic beech-clad summit of Mount Hobwee (1164m). Look for clusters of beech oranges—the fruiting body of a fungus species only found on Antarctic beech trees in Australia and South America.

The Nothofagus forest and associated communities found here and on Mount Merino provide strong evidence of the Gondwana connection.

The circuit rejoins the Border Track for the return to the Binna Burra trailhead.

Ships Stern circuit (Grade 4)

We recommend walking this circuit clockwise.

Distance: 21km return

Time: Allow about 8hr walking time

Details: Commencing at the Saddle trailhead, descend along the Lower Bellbird circuit track past Koolanbilba and Yangahla lookouts before branching off onto the Ships Stern circuit track. Pass through a fine stand of piccabeen palm Archontophoenix cunninghamii to the floor of Nixon Valley where red cedar Toona ciliatae and the majestic flooded gum Eucalyptus grandis thrive. Take the short Lower Ballunji Falls side track (an additional 1.2km return) to the bottom of Ballunjui Falls.

Continuing on the circuit, cross Nixon Creek and ascend through Hidden Valley past Charraboomba Rock to the top of Ships Stern range and into open eucalypt forest. This is one of the few places within the park where scribbly gum Eucalyptus racemosa can be seen.

Enjoy impressive views from a number of lookouts as the circuit continues through rainforest and open forest. The Upper Ballunjui side track (an additional 2.6km return) leads to Guraigumai Rock and Upper Ballunjui falls.

Continue past Nagarigoon Falls to the junction with Daves Creek circuit, turn right to head along the Border Track and complete the circuit back to the Saddle trailhead.

For the very energetic, Daves Creek circuit can be added to this walk, making it a total of 23km.

Illinbah circuit (Grade 5)

This circuit requires a high degree of fitness and experience.

Distance: 16.6km return

Time: Allow about 8hr walking time

Details: To walk the Illinbah circuit clockwise, start at the Lower picnic area trailhead and descend steeply along the Gwongoorool track through rainforest and open forest to the Coomera River. The dry rainforest on the river's western side provides habitat for the black-breasted button-quail, a member of an ancient order of birds.

Rock-hop or wade through the swirling river waters as you navigate the many crossing following the 'Old Cedar Road', once used by timber-getters in the early 1900s. The circuit then leaves the river and climbs the Beechmont Range to return to Binna Burra.

Warning: in hot weather it may be less strenuous to walk this circuit in an anticlockwise direction. Always carry enough drinking water. River crossings can be hazardous after heavy rain and should not be attempted when the river is in flood.

Remote bushwalking

Lamington National Park offers some of the most spectacular remote area bushwalking opportunities in the Gold Coast hinterland. The extremely rugged mountain terrain can be hazardous for inexperienced or poorly prepared walkers. A high level of physical fitness and navigational skills are essential.

Walkers should familiarise themselves with the area before attempting an extended or remote walk.

Contact us for assistance with route advice and other detailed information. Established bushwalking clubs with experienced off-track walkers regularly organise trips to Lamington National Park. Guidebooks covering most walks are available from specialist camping stores and some bookshops.

Remote area walking is only advised in the cooler weather, usually April to September. Walking during summer can be very hazardous due to high temperatures and lack of surface water.

All remote bushwalkers are expected to follow the minimal impact bushwalking and bush camping practices, such as observing proper sanitation and hygiene methods and avoiding polluting water in any way.