I’m usually not attracted by boardwalks: I prefer the more adventurous and challenging hikes. But after hearing great feedback about it, I had to try the Booyong Boardwalk to check out Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk. And I am glad I did: it may be the best 800-meter walk I’ll ever do.

Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk Entrance - boardwalk with a sign
Entrance of the Tree Top Walk in Lamington National Park

If you don’t have a car, you can join a tour from the Gold Coast to visit the Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk. Click here for more information*

Why you should visit Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk

1. Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk is Australia’s #1 Tree Top Walk

The Lamington National Park Tree Top walk was the first-ever treetop walk in Australia. O’Reilly’s constructed the high environmentally-friendly structure in 1987 to give visitors a unique way to experience the rainforest.

2. Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk is an adventure

Sure, it’s only 800 metres return, and you’ll be back at the carpark in less than 15 minutes. But you’ll remember your walk for much longer. Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk is not just a boardwalk. You’ll go across nine suspension bridges at 15 metres above the rainforest floor! You rarely get the opportunity to see trees from this close and this high while hiking. And if you’re scared of heights, the moving bridges will give you some sensations!

And a bonus on the Booyong Walk just before you start the Tree Top Walk: you can look inside a fig tree to see up to the sky.

3. You may not get another chance to climb a 30-metre high fig tree

They installed enclosed ladders so you can safely climb to the top of a fig tree. It’s a fantastic opportunity to view the rainforest from above. The bridges move with every step you take. It will surely bring those who are scared of heights out of their comfort zone. But the views of the beautiful forest all around, and of its inhabitants if you’re lucky, are worth it.

The grid around the ladder makes it feel a lot safer than the other tree climb we experienced in Western Australia.

Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk Ladder

4. It’s free!

I could not believe such an activity close to major cities in Australia (Brisbane and the Gold Coast) was free. If you wish, you can leave a donation to help maintain the site. In comparison, although it’s worth noting it’s a much longer walk, the Mount Tamborine Skywalk costs $19.50.

5. It’s accessible to anyone

It makes a moment out in nature for families or groups with people who have difficulties walking. The boardwalk is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Things to know about Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk

The road to Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk winds through rainforest tunnels and offers stunning views. Those who aren’t used to driving in the mountains may find it impressive, and those who get easily sick while travelling may get uncomfortable. So take it easy and allow enough time to reach the park.

As it’s 1,000m in altitude, temperatures in Lamington National Park are often 5 to 8 degrees cooler than in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast. The weather can change quickly, so pack a jumper and a rain jacket just in case.

The Booyong boardwalk that leads to Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk starts at the opposite side of the entrance to O’Reilly’s Reception. The Tree Top Walk is a one-way walk so respect the sign No Entry.

Other things to do near Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk

Lamington National Park - Box Forest Circuit - Elabana Falls 01
Lamington National Park – Elabana Falls

It’s a long drive to Lamington National Park if it’s only to walk 800 metres. There are a few other things in the region to make it worth the trip.

The best activity in Lamington National Park is hiking. I highly recommend the stunning Box Forest Circuit via Elabana Falls (11km), and the Toolona Creek Circuit which is even better (20km).

If the forest wasn’t enough to make you relax, you can enjoy a massage at The Lost World Spa.

Maybe your walk will make you hungry. There are public barbecues, picnic tables and a cafe between the car park and the start of the walks if you want to have a bite.

Between the car park and the start of the walk, you can access for free a bird feeding area. It’s an opportunity to view beautiful parrots from as close as it can get: they will land on your arm if you offer them seeds. The shop sells the appropriate seeds for the birds, or you can get them directly in the plates left at the bird feeding area. The bird-feeding area is strictly limited, and there are signs outside (at the cafe and the picnic area) to ask people not to feed wildlife. It raises some questions about the impacts of feeding the wildlife in the limited area. Let’s hope O’Reilly’s researched the risks before allowing this activity. It certainly provides good photo opportunities and is a good way to raise interest from kids and some less nature-oriented visitors.

Responsible travel tip: It is tempting but for their safety, it is better not to feed wildlife. It can change their behaviour, make them sick and also unbalance the entire ecosystem. New South Wales Parks even write, “feeding native animals is the worst thing you can do”. Click here to know why.

The drive to Lamington National Park can also be an opportunity to visit wineries. The Canungra Valley Vineyards is the closest to Lamington National Park, but you’ll also have wineries from Mt Tamborine on the way if you’re driving from Brisbane.

If you’re visiting in summer during a hot and humid day, you can drive 45 minutes at night to see the glow worms at Natural Bridge Cave in Springbrook National Park. It’s quite a unique experience, and it’s free!

Where to stay in Lamington National Park

The O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (click here to check availabilities and book*) is the best accommodation available in Lamington National Park. With its spa bath, its fireplace and its balcony with stunning views, the One-Bedroom Canopy Suite looks lovely for a romantic getaway.

If you’re on a budget, the Green Mountains campground next door will cost you only $12.70 for two people.

Alternatively, you can look for accommodation in Canungra (click here to book*).

Have you visited the Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk? Did you like it? Share your experience below!

Where is Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk

Lamington National Park is in Queensland. It takes approximately two hours to drive there from Brisbane and 1.5 hours from the Gold Coast. There are two sections in Lamington National Park: Binna Burra and Green Mountains. The Tree Top Walk is in the Green Mountain section (aim for Canungra, or put O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in your GPS).

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Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk - See the rainforest from above
Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk - Climb a tree
Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk Boardwalk

Eloise

Eloise is the creator and writer of MyFavouriteEscapes.com. She writes about her experiences exploring exotic destinations and finding hidden gems closer to home. Her goal is to share tips and stories to inspire and encourage others to go on their own adventures. She loves outdoor and nature-based activities like scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, and sailing. She grew up in France and has lived in England and Turkey before calling Australia home for the past decade. So let's get ready for another adventure!

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Patricia Pagenel

    A tree top walk has been on my wish list for a while, and it seems that Lamington National Park is the place for that! I agree wholeheartedly with you about not feeding wild animals. It might be cute and nice to see them up close but is by far not worth the damages it creates for the animals.

  2. Thelittlelai

    Wow, this is the kind of adventure I always love to embrace. Walking on the hanging bridge, which is high enough would give me some nerves. I like how they maintain the innate state of this place, which makes it amazing and extraordinary. Traipsing my feet here and amble around this park tree would make me really happy. Hopefully someday I can go here. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

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