The Complete Guide to Lamington National Park

There’s a moment when you step into Lamington National Park and the world seems to soften. Sunlight filters through ancient rainforest canopies, birdsong echoes across the valleys and waterfalls tumble over mossy rock ledges.

Roughly 90 minutes from the Gold Coast, Lamington forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, one of the most significant subtropical rainforest ecosystems on Earth. 

Spread across the McPherson Range on the Queensland and New South Wales border, the park is divided into two main visitor areas: Green Mountains (O’Reilly’s) and Binna Burra, both offering access to spectacular walking trails, wildlife encounters and sweeping mountain views.

This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Lamington National Park including how to get there, things to do, popular hikes and waterfall walks and accommodation options from luxury villas to campgrounds. 

Getting to Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is surprisingly accessible and the drive itself is part of the adventure. From the central Gold Coast, the drive takes around 90 minutes depending on whether you’re heading to O’Reilly’s or Binna Burra. Both routes wind through scenic hinterland towns, farmland and mountain roads before climbing into the rainforest.

- O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is typically reached via Canungra, followed by a 36-kilometre mountain road through the national park.
- Binna Burra is accessed via Nerang and the Numinbah Valley, with a winding climb up the mountain.
- While the roads are sealed, they are narrow and full of bends, so it’s best to drive carefully and allow extra time for the journey.
- Wildlife can occasionally appear on the road, especially early in the morning or at dusk.

Top Things to Do in Lamington National Park

The real magic of Lamington lies in its experiences. This is the original adventure park, designed for exploration where walking trails lead to hidden waterfalls, lookouts reveal vast green valleys and wildlife appears when you least expect it. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or staying several nights, these activities capture the very heart of Lamington National Park.

Walking Trails and Lookouts

Bushwalking is without doubt the most popular activity in Lamington National Park, and with more than 160 kilometres of tracks, there’s a trail to suit almost every level of fitness and experience.

Short walks lead to lookouts and picnic spots, while longer circuits wind deep into ancient rainforest valleys. The terrain can vary from gentle boardwalks to more challenging mountain tracks, so it’s worth checking distances and difficulty levels before setting off.

Some of the most popular walks include the Border Track, which forms part of a longer route connecting O’Reilly’s and Binna Burra, as well as the Box Forest Circuit, Coomera Circuit and shorter strolls to scenic lookouts around both visitor areas.

As a protected national park, visitors are encouraged to hike responsibly. Stay on marked tracks, carry water, wear appropriate footwear and check weather conditions before heading out. Mobile reception can be limited, so preparation is key. Find out detailed information about the many different walking tracks in the region here. 

Happitat Adventure Park

Thrill seekers will thrive at the world’s first cliff park, turning the Binna Burra escarpment into a high-altitude playground. Happitat combines via ferrata climbs, suspension bridges and soaring ziplines that send visitors gliding up to 200 metres above the valley floor. There are gentler options too, with rainforest walks and lookout platforms perched dramatically along the cliff edge delivering heart-pumping fun alongside some of Lamington’s most spectacular views.
Location: 1696 Beechmont Rd, Beechmont 

The Waterfalls of Lamington National Park

Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in South East Queensland can be found in Lamington’s rainforest valleys. After heavy rain they roar to life, while in drier months they become gentle cascades framed by lush greenery.

Elabana Falls

Perhaps the park’s most photogenic waterfall, Elabana Falls (pictured) is reached via the Box Forest Circuit. The moderate walk winds through dense rainforest before arriving at a stunning multi-tiered cascade spilling into a tranquil rock pool.

Moran’s Falls

A relatively short walk from O’Reilly’s leads to Moran’s Falls Lookout, where water plunges into the valley below. It’s particularly spectacular in the late afternoon when golden light fills the gorge.

Darraboola Falls and Coomera Falls

These falls are highlights of the longer Coomera Circuit, a rewarding day hike that offers dramatic views across Lamington’s rugged escarpments.
When visiting waterfalls, it’s important to stay cautious. Rocks can be slippery, especially after rain, and conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Stick to marked tracks, avoid swimming during or after heavy rainfall, and always carry your rubbish out with you.

Nature, Wildlife, and Cultural Heritage

Lamington lies within the traditional lands of the Yugambeh and Bundjalung peoples, who call this region Woonoogoora, and whose connection to this landscape stretches back thousands of years. Visitors are encouraged to explore respectfully and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians who have cared for this Country for generations.

These ancient rainforests are home to an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life. Pademelons (marsupials that look like wallabies) often hop quietly through the undergrowth near walking tracks, while the elusive lyrebird can be heard mimicking the sounds around them. Colourful parrots, kingfishers, bower birds (pictured) and whipbirds add to the park’s lively birdlife, and dingoes can occasionally be spotted roaming the bush. Wildlife encounters are common, but visitors are encouraged to explore respectfully and remember this remarkable landscape is their home.

Glow Worms

One of the park’s most magical nighttime experiences is seeing glow worms illuminating dark cave walls like tiny stars. O'Reilly's offers a specialised Glow Worm Experience that takes you to a secluded gully where, after sunset, thousands of glow worms light up creating a natural otherworldly display. It's one of nature's wonders that will stop you in your tracks and fill you with a sense of awe.

Where to Stay

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Perched high in the western reaches of the park, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat has been welcoming visitors since 1926 and remains one of the most iconic places to stay in Lamington National Park.
Accommodation ranges from Mountain View and Rainforest Retreat rooms near the main lodge to self-contained villas with spa baths and private balconies overlooking the valley. Nearby camping options are also available for those wanting a closer connection to nature.

Pat's Farm offers six off-grid chalets where wilderness and luxury meet. Immersed in wilderness with stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges, each chalet accommodates two people and comes with a private firepit, heated outdoor plunge pool and paddock to plate dining options. This serene, secluded eco-retreat is the perfect place for a couples weekend away from it all.  

Dining at O’Reilly’s centres around the retreat’s main restaurant and bar, where hearty meals are served with panoramic views.There’s also plenty to do without even leaving the property. Popular activities include:

- Wild bird feeding on the terrace each morning
- Guided wildlife presentations
- The famous Tree Top Walk, a suspension bridge experience through the rainforest canopy
- Lost World Spa, offering massages and treatments surrounded by nature
- An infinity pool with a truly spectacular outook
- Guided nature walks and talks including some of Lamington’s most loved hiking trails beginning here, such as the Border Track, the Box Forest Circuit and the walk to Moran’s Falls.

One important note for visitors: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards are in two completely different locations about 40 minutes drive apart, so keep this in mind when planning a trip!

Location: 3582 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra 

Binna Burra Lodge

On the eastern side of Lamington National Park sits Binna Burra, a destination steeped in heritage and history. Established in the 1930s by a group of conservation-minded adventurers, it played an important role in protecting the rainforest long before national park status was formalised.

In 2019, devastating bushfires destroyed the historic Binna Burra Lodge, a loss deeply felt by the community and generations of visitors. Since then, the belobed eco-retreat has slowly and thoughtfully rebuilt, blending its heritage with new environmentally sustainable accommodation options that honour the surrounding wilderness. There's a teahouse and restaurant on site where you can enjoy meals with a spectacular view across the landscape.

Safari Tents
Recently refurbished, these glamping-style tents offer a comfortable way to experience the rainforest with elevated decks overlooking the forest.

Tiny Wild Homes
These thoughtfully designed eco-cabins offer compact luxury immersed in nature with large windows frame sweeping hinterland views.

SkyLodge Apartments
Ideal for families or small groups, the SkyLodges feature modern apartments perched along the escarpment, offering spectacular views over the Numinbah Valley.

The New Lodge (Under Construction)
Binna Burra Lodge is currently being rebuilt and will once again become the heart of the mountain when complete (estimated mid-2026), continuing the legacy of this much-loved destination. 

Location: 1040 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont 

Nightfall Camp

Hidden on the edge of Lamington National Park in the Scenic Rim, Nightfall Camp offers an  intimate glamping retreat blending luxury with nature. Just four safari-style tents sit beside Christmas Creek, each featuring vintage furnishings, deep freestanding bathtubs and complete privacy. Days are spent exploring nearby rainforest walks or swimming in waterholes while evenings bring gourmet meals cooked over fire and long conversations beneath a canopy of stars.
Location: 3009 Christmas Creek Rd, Lamington

Keen to explore more? Check out some other nature-based stays on the Gold Coast?