Guide to choosing your next Lamington National Park walks

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Lamington National Park is one of my favourite places to hike in Queensland. Each Lamington National Park walk takes you through lush rainforest with giant trees and ferns, to panoramic lookouts, and often to waterfalls. With more than 25 walking tracks to choose from, it can be tricky to decide which one to do next.

Here’s my personal guide, based on my own hikes and research, to help you plan your next walk in Lamington National Park. I’ve clearly marked the ones I’ve done (hint: they have photos!) and those still on my wish list.

Tracks can be closed due to weather events, so always check the latest park updates before heading out.

Responsible travel tip: Use the boot cleaning station at the park entrance before starting your hike. It only takes a moment, and it’s essential for protecting the park’s delicate ecosystem. Cleaning off dirt and seeds helps stop invasive species and diseases from harming local plants and animals.

The different sections of Lamington National Park

There are three main access points for a Lamington National Park walk, and it takes at least 1.5 hours to drive between them. So be careful when choosing your walks!

• Binna Burra in the north – the closest to Brisbane, about 1.5 to 2 hours away, depending on how you handle winding mountain roads.
• Green Mountain (O’Reilly’s) in the middle – around 2 hours from Brisbane.
• Christmas Creek in the south – less popular, about 1h45 from Brisbane. This western access point is in the Scenic Rim region.

I’ve grouped my favourite Lamington National Park walks by section below. Some trails connect two sections; they’re at the end of the article.

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.

Lamington National Park walks – Binna Burra section

If you want to explore this area in depth, staying at Binna Burra Lodge or their campground (here on Hipcamp) makes it easy, especially if you wish to start early for the longer hikes.

If you’re new to Hipcamp, here’s a coupon code that will give you (and me!) $10 credit for your first stay: ELOISET668EFD.

Most tracks start from either the upper or lower day-use area. While they’re close, it’s not recommended to walk along the road between them as traffic can be dangerous.

The café at the very end of Binna Burra Road is perfect for topping up your water, using the toilets, grabbing a snack or meal, or enjoying a hot or cold drink after your Lamington National Park walk.

I’ve listed these hikes roughly from shortest to longest. I recommend having a look at this map when planning your hikes. If you’re interested in a self-guided tour of the shorter hikes (Rainforest circuit, Tullawallal circuit, Caves track, and Daves Creek circuit), you can get brochures at the café, information centre, or lodge.

Rainforest circuit

Hike distance/time:  1.2km (30 minutes)

Difficulty: very easy

A short, gentle Lamington National Park walk that’s ideal if you’ve just arrived, are about to leave, or want something light. It’s flat enough for kids and those with mild mobility issues, though not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Tullawallal circuit

Hike distance/time: 5km (1.5hrs)

Difficulty: easy

This peaceful walk in Lamington National Park takes you into rainforest with Antarctic beech trees. There’s no lookout – it’s all about soaking up the forest atmosphere. One of the few easy options in Binna Burra with almost no elevation gain.

Caves track

Hike distance/time: 5-7.5km (1.5-2hrs)

Difficulty: easy

My favourite short walk in the Binna Burra section. It has gorgeous views of the Coomera Valley, a cave, and rock overhangs. The rainforest is less dramatic than on other tracks, but the varied vegetation makes it stand out. It’s an easy hike if you don’t mind going up and down stairs. The path is well-maintained but can be exposed.

Gwongoorool Pool track

Hike distance/time: 7.5km (2.5hrs)

Difficulty: easy

This Lamington National Park walk descends to a clear river, with cliffs and small waterfalls after rain. You’ll see different levels of the forest, and those interested in geology will appreciate the rock formations and the explanations on the signs. It’s an easy walk to follow on a well-maintained trail, as long as stairs aren’t an issue for you.

Responsible travel tip: Take care along the water edge and do not enter the water to protect this fragile ecosystem and the critters that depend on it. A frog-friendly tip from the national park: don’t disturb or remove rocks!

Many hikers prefer to park near the information centre and walk down the road at the start of the trail, instead of on the way back. Note that the park’s website suggests avoiding walking on the bitumen road.

My top half-day pick in Binna Burra. You get rainforest, varied landscapes, and impressive lookouts over Numinbah Valley – all in a compact loop. The only thing that’s missing is a waterfall. So if you’re keen to hike for the full day, you may prefer to choose Ships Stern Circuit instead.

Lower Ballanjui Falls

Hike distance/time: 11km (4 hrs)

Difficulty: moderate

The Lower Ballanjui Falls look stunning after the rain. But if you go hiking in Lamington National Park during winter, the dry season, you may only see a small amount of water going down the rocks. It’s a very short detour from the Ships Stern Circuit.

Araucaria lookout track

Hike distance/time: 19km (5hrs)

Difficulty: moderate

The Araucaria Lookout Track took us just under 5 hours return although the national park website indicates 7 hours. The first half follows the easy Border Track, before branching off onto a path that clearly doesn’t see many visitors – it felt very wild in places. Despite that, we found the walk itself straightforward, with almost no elevation compared to many other hikes in Lamington National Park. Unfortunately, we only spotted a couple of orchids in bloom, which is what this walk is famous for in Spring with the Orchid Bower lookout. But the beautiful trees with moss, the rocks and the sweeping 270-degree views from the lookout at the end made it absolutely worth it if you want to feel disconnected.

One of my favourites – waterfalls, rainforest, and impressive lookouts. While it’s one of the longest hikes, the extra effort and early start pay off. Add part of Daves Creek Circuit for a 23 km big day out.

The circuit winds through the rainforest to the summit of Mount Hobwee (1180m) and then rejoins the Border Track for the return. This is one of the less frequented walks in Lamington National Park as there aren’t many views to enjoy, and don’t expect to see much from the top, apart from the lovely rainforest.

This challenging circuit requires a high level of fitness and hiking experience. The route descends and climbs steeply, with 12 river crossings that involve rock-hopping or wading through swirling waters – expect to get wet (which isn’t something I enjoy, so I’m not sure I’ll do this one!).

This track takes you to Garragoolba lookout for views of Springbrook National Park, the Tweed Valley and Wollumbin (Mount Warning) if you’re not in the clouds! Otherwise, walking through mist-cloaked mountains can also feel special. You can push to the summit of Wagawn (960m), but views may be obstructed. This might be my next long hike.

Lamington National Park walks – Green Mountain section

If you’ve ever heard of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, that’s in the Green Mountain section. It’s a great base if you want to do multiple walks here. The roads are steep and winding, so take your time driving in. The trailhead for most hikes is just behind the national park information centre. There’s also a café, picnic area, and bathrooms, which make it easy to refuel after a walk in Lamington National Park.

Tree Top Walk

The Tree Top Walk might just be the best 800-metre walk you’ll ever do. It’s not often you get the chance to see the rainforest from this high up and this close, so make the most of the nine suspension bridges strung 15 metres above the forest floor. And if you’re up for it, you can even climb the enclosed ladders to the very top of a giant fig tree for an incredible view.

The first 700 m of this circuit is wheelchair-accessible with assistance. It’s a short, easy walk that’s great for birdwatching and a good introduction to the beautiful rainforest for those who prefer a gentle stroll.

While it’s not in the heart of the rainforest like the circuit above, this wheelchair-accessible forest track is stunning. I loved all the different shades of green, which shifted with the changing light filtering through the trees. Birdsong accompanied us the whole way – including a lyrebird that we couldn’t see but could hear very close by.

If you’re planning to hike Python Rock or Morans Falls, you might add Centenary track to your plans as it’s where the main car park is located.

A short Lamington National Park walk that rewards you with a stunning view over the gorge (with Morans Falls from afar) and out to the Scenic Rim mounts. The path is easy, with some uneven ground and a bit of incline but not many steps, so it’s suitable for most fitness levels.

One of my favourites short walks in Lamington National Park. The walk leads you through lush rainforest to a lookout above Morans Falls and then sweeping views of the Scenic Rim from Morans Clearing. The trail is well-formed with a gentle incline and a few sets of steps. It pairs perfectly with Python Rock track, and sometimes you’ll need to add Centenary track too – the small car park at the start of Morans Falls track often fills up quickly.

Box Forest circuit

Hike distance/time:  11km (4hrs)

Difficulty: moderate

This one is all about waterfalls, and I absolutely love it. The track takes you past several, including Elabana Falls and Box Log Falls, and through some of the most beautiful sections of rainforest in the park. The trail features massive trees, birdlife, and a few creek crossings that add a bit of challenge (especially after rain). You can also do shorter options, such as a return walk to Elabana Falls (7 km) if you prefer.

I am yet to hike this one, but it’s on my wish list! The track first descends through rainforest past Darraboola Falls to West Canungra Creek and Yerralahla. The trail follows the creek with several rock-hopping crossings and plenty of wildlife, including eels, fish, and Lamington spiny crayfish. It eventually joins the Box Forest Circuit to return to the day-use area.

My personal pick for a big day in Green Mountain. If you’re a fan of waterfalls, you absolutely can’t miss out on the Toolona Creek Circuit. This breathtaking hike takes you through a stunning series of picturesque waterfalls, all surrounded by lush rainforest. While the hike itself isn’t too challenging, it is quite long, so be sure to come prepared. You may encounter some slippery sections of the trail if it has rained recently, and there are also a few creek crossings to navigate.

This is one of the hardest hikes in Lamington National Park due to the elevation gain and multiple creek crossings. Walking anti-clockwise, as recommended, leads past several waterfalls along the creek before finishing at Echo Point lookout, where you can enjoy uninterrupted views of Wollumbin (Mount Warning) and the Tweed River coast. I’d love to go to this lookout one day.

Lamington National Park walks – Christmas Creek section

This is the quietest access point, so you might not see many other walkers here. There are no cafés or facilities, so come prepared with everything you need.

It’s worth noting that this area of the park is best suited for more experienced hikers as the paths aren’t well defined, and some navigation skills are required while being careful with the uninviting vegetation. You’ll find out right away if it’s not for you as you’ll need to cross a river by walking on a log or doing some rock hopping.

Westray’s Grave

Hike distance/time: 7.5 km (3hrs)

Difficulty: moderate

A short Lamington National Park walk with a poignant history. It follows Christmas Creek to the grave of Bernard O’Reilly’s friend who died in the Stinson plane crash rescue attempt.

Larapinta Falls

Hike distance/time: 15km return

Difficulty: hard

An extension of the Westray’s Grave hike along Christmas Creek, Larapinta Falls is said to be spectacular. I didn’t reach them myself – the path after Westray’s Grave is hard to find with only sporadic tape and no clear markings, and I had to turn back due to time. Expect some rock and log hopping along the way.

Multi-section and long Lamington National Park walks

This full-day hike links the Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections of Lamington National Park. The track offers stunning scenery and panoramic views, and is the backbone of the park’s walking system, with many shorter walks branching off from it. Start early to catch the sunrise, and plan to be picked up at the end (check if your accommodation offers it) or stay overnight at your destination. I’d love to do it as a trail run as part of the Lamington Classic.

This walk retraces the route taken by the rescue party for the Stinson plane crash survivors. I haven’t done it myself and don’t plan to. The trail is not maintained by the national park and becomes extremely overgrown on the plateau, with very limited visibility. It’s a serious bushwalk, and you’ll need solid navigation skills (in addition to a compass and a topographical map) and good fitness. It’s remote and best tackled with an experienced group.

What are your favourite walks in Lamington National Park? Share your experience in the comments below!

When is the best time to go hiking in Lamington National Park?

You can walk in Lamington National Park year-round, but conditions vary:

• Autumn (March–May) – my favourite time. Comfortable temperatures and it’s after the rainy season so waterfalls are often flowing.
• Winter (June–August) – Cool temperatures make longer walks easier, and the air is crisp for clear views. However, it gets cold quickly if it’s windy and at night, and it’s not a nice time to get wet!
• Spring (September–November) – warm but not too hot, with wildflowers in bloom. Waterfalls may be a bit dry.
• Summer (December–February) – hot and humid, with leeches and afternoon storms. Start early, avoid the highest heat, and carry extra water. Higher risks of closed tracks due to bushfires or rain.

If you’re chasing waterfalls, go after rain – but check track closures and river levels first for safety.