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The Araucaria Lookout hike is one of those Lamington National Park walks that feels remote without being overly difficult. It’s mostly flat, although it has some uneven terrain, so it’s a great option if you want to cover some distance but don’t feel like tackling steep climbs. We did it in under five hours return.
The first 1.5 hours were on the Border Track, which is wide, well-formed and easy. You could definitely do this part faster if you wanted to, but we enjoyed taking our time with plenty of stops for birdwatching – and even to give way to a couple of snakes crossing the path!
Summary
Distance: 19 km
Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: easy/moderate
Disclaimer: The hiking time and difficulty are based on our experience. We are experienced hikers with a good level of fitness, used to hiking long distances and scrambling. But we also enjoy pausing to admire the views, check for wildlife and take photos. We possess good navigation skills and use a Garmin watch with a GPS navigation map. Always check the park alerts and notes, as trail conditions change over time, which may affect the hike’s level of difficulty.
Orchid Bower Lookout
Less than two hours into the hike (7.7 km), we reached Orchid Bower Lookout. As the name suggests, orchids grow here, though we didn’t see any flowers on our late September visit. It was quite surprising as rock orchids were in full bloom when we visited Bald Rock National Park a few days later.
The views were still lovely, with a mix of mossy rocks, tall trees and glimpses across to Springbrook National Park and Wollumbin (Mt Warning).
Araucaria Lookout
The track gets a little rougher after Orchid Bower. You’ll notice more rocks, roots and the occasional fallen tree to navigate, likely due to storm damage. We never found it difficult – just slower.
At around 2.5 hours in (9.3 km), we reached Araucaria Lookout. To get a view, you need to scramble up onto the rock itself. From there, the reward is a sweeping 270° panorama – similar to Orchid Bower, but with the bonus of seeing the other side as well. We even spotted two orchid flowers at the top. Standing there felt wonderfully remote and wild.
What to expect on the trail
This hike is ideal if you enjoy covering distance but don’t want steep elevation gains. We found it easy overall, but keep in mind:
- The length may feel challenging if you’re not used to long walks.
- The path is narrow in places, with short exposed parts that could feel intimidating if you’re unsure on your feet (but they’re not high).
When to see the orchids in bloom
If you’re hoping to see the orchids in bloom, maybe plan your hike for mid to late spring (around October–November). We went in late September, and it seemed a bit too early. Just keep in mind that flowering can vary each year depending on rainfall and conditions. Rock orchids usually bloom earlier after a wet winter, so we thought we’d have a chance in late September!
Snake season
Spring is also snake season, and we saw three red-bellied black snakes along the track. They all moved away as soon as they sensed us coming, but it’s still important to stay alert and avoid surprising them. A good rule of thumb in snake country is to stick to the path, watch where you step, and give snakes plenty of space if you spot one. We always carry a snake bite first aid kit – it’s one of those things you hope not to use, but it’s reassuring to have.
Watch out for spiky plants
Forest nightshades grow here, but the real nuisance is wait-a-while (Calamus muelleri). These climbing palms have hooked spines that easily catch on clothes or bags. If you get snagged, don’t pull forward – simply step back the way you came and you’ll usually come free without damage. The spines can scratch skin, so wearing long sleeves and pants helps.
Where is the Araucaria Lookout hike
The Araucaria Lookout hike is in the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park, about a 1.5-hour drive from Brisbane and around an hour from Surfers Paradise. There are many other hikes in Lamington National Park, and a map of all the nearby walks is available here.
