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If you’re visiting the Gold Coast hinterland, chances are you’re deciding between Springbrook or Lamington National Park. Both are part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area and absolutely worth a trip – but if you only have time for one, here’s how to choose based on my experience.
Distance and drive
Winner: Springbrook National Park (if you don’t like twisty roads)
Lamington National Park has two sections: Binna Burra (about 1 hour from Surfers Paradise, 1.5 hours from Brisbane) and O’Reilly’s (1.5 hours from Surfers Paradise, 2 hours from Brisbane). But the road into Lamington is winding and narrow, which can make the drive feel much longer (though it is lovely).
Springbrook National Park is just under an hour from Surfers Paradise and a little over an hour from Brisbane. The timing isn’t hugely different from Binna Burra, but most people will find the drive to Springbrook easier. We spotted wildlife in both national parks, so be extra careful while driving.
Do you want to feel remote?
Winner: Lamington National Park
Springbrook National Park has a small village and plenty of visitors. You’ll still see rainforest, waterfalls and incredible lookouts, and even pademelons if you stay at the end of the afternoon, but it doesn’t feel cut off from the world.
Lamington National Park, on the other hand, feels like a real escape. There’s no village – just rainforest and tourist accommodation (O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Binna Burra Lodge). If you want that remote, deep-in-the-bush feeling to connect with nature with no crowd, Lamington delivers.
Do you want to hike, and how far?
Not into hiking? Choose Springbrook National Park. You can see incredible views, rainforest and waterfalls just metres from the carpark.
Otherwise, both Springbrook and Lamington are fantastic for walking, but the experience is different.
- Short hikes (under 4 km): Springbrook wins again, with plenty of short rainforest circuits and waterfalls (Twin Falls Circuit, Purling Brook Falls Circuit, Natural Bridge Circuit) – though be ready for stairs. But Lamington also has the Tree Top Walk at O’Reilly’s – a fun way to see the canopy from above.
- Medium hikes: Lamington has endless hiking options, but realistically you won’t have time to do many in one visit. Springbrook doesn’t really have medium trails, but you can do multiple short walks if you’re keen to walk for a longer.
- Long hikes for experienced walkers: Lamington has more options for full-day treks. But Springbrook’s Warrie Circuit is absolutely stunning and, in my opinion, one of the best hikes in Queensland.
Waterfalls
Winner: Springbrook National Park
Both parks have beautiful waterfalls, but accessibility sets them apart.
- Springbrook: The waterfalls in Springbrook National Park are more impressive and easier to reach. Plus, they’re also a bit special: some you can walk behind, and the Natural Bridge waterfall plunges dramatically into a cave.
- Lamington: There are lovely waterfalls too, but you’ll need to hike several kilometres to reach them.
Lookouts
Winner: Lamington National Park
I personally prefer the lookouts in Lamington National Park. There are more of them if you’re keen to hike, and the dramatic cliffs, canyons and ridges really make you feel small against the landscape.
That said, Springbrook has some of the most accessible lookouts in the hinterland. They’re only a short walk from the carpark and still stunning – with views stretching all the way to the ocean and the skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise.
For me, what tips the balance towards Lamington is that its lookouts feel more natural and are often quieter, simply because they take more effort to reach.
Springbrook or Lamington National Park: my pick
If you’re wondering whether to visit Springbrook or Lamington National Park, the answer really depends on how much time you have and the kind of adventure you’re after:
- If you’re short on time and want to see it all – big views, waterfalls and rainforest without much walking – go with Springbrook National Park.
- If you’d rather take the time to connect deeply with nature, enjoy longer hikes (but not quite as long as Springbrook’s Warrie Circuit), and experience a more remote rainforest escape, Lamington National Park might be the better choice.
Either way, you can’t go wrong – both parks show off just how special the Gold Coast hinterland is.
My preference? As I’m lucky to live in Brisbane, I’ve had the chance to explore both extensively. While I think Springbrook National Park is spectacular and a must-see at least once, I personally prefer spending more time in Lamington National Park, where the remoteness and variety of hikes make it easier to fully disconnect.
Have you visited Springbrook or Lamington National Park? Share your experience in the comments below!
