After almost 6 months, I was travelling in Australia again. By a lucky coincidence, I ended up back in the Brisbane area of Queensland, more precisely back on the Gold Coast. My first visit was to the hinterland in Lamington National Park, which is situated at an altitude of almost 1000 metres and has the typical rainforest vegetation of the area.
High in the hinterland of Queensland’s Gold Coast, where ancient rainforests cloak volcanic plateaus and waterfalls tumble through hidden valleys, lies Lamington National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasure, Lamington is one of Australia’s most extraordinary natural destinations — a place where time slows down, the air feels alive with birdsong, and every trail reveals another secret of the rainforest. In this video, we explore the magic of Lamington National Park, from its towering trees and lush canopies to its breathtaking lookouts and cascading waterfalls.
Lamington is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, one of the oldest and most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Walking its trails is like stepping back in time. Giant strangler figs twist around towering booyongs, while ancient Antarctic beech trees stand as living relics of a prehistoric world. Moss carpets fallen logs, orchids cling to branches, and every turn seems to reveal something new — a flash of color from a bird, the shimmer of water through the foliage, or the whisper of wind high in the canopy.
The park is divided into two main sections: Binna Burra and Green Mountains (O’Reilly’s), each offering its own character and network of trails. At Binna Burra, rugged escarpments and sweeping lookouts give you endless views across the valleys of the Scenic Rim. Trails here lead to places like Coombabah Lookout and Ballunjui Falls, where the rainforest opens suddenly to reveal vast horizons. At Green Mountains, near O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, the atmosphere is more enclosed — lush gullies, dense undergrowth, and waterfalls hidden deep in the forest. Here you’ll also find the famous Tree Top Walk, a series of suspension bridges that let you wander high among the rainforest canopy.
One of the park’s greatest joys is its wildlife. Lamington is home to more than 160 species of birds, including the dazzling Regent Bowerbird, the crimson Rosella, and the curious Eastern Whipbird, whose call echoes sharply through the forest. If you’re lucky, you may spot a pademelon grazing quietly on the forest floor or a glow worm lighting up a cave at night. This is a place where life thrives in all its forms, often just a few steps off the trail.
Waterfalls are another highlight of Lamington. The park boasts dozens, from thundering cascades to delicate veils of water slipping over mossy cliffs. Elabana Falls is perhaps the most famous — a picture-perfect cascade framed by ferns and rocks, reached after a rewarding hike through the rainforest. The Box Forest Circuit offers one waterfall after another, each more enchanting than the last. Standing in these places, surrounded by the sound of rushing water and the cool spray of mist, you feel completely immersed in nature.
Lamington is also a paradise for hikers. Trails range from short, easy walks to full-day treks and even multi-day adventures. The Border Track is one of the park’s iconic routes, linking Binna Burra and Green Mountains along a 21-kilometer ridge-top path. Along the way, it passes lookouts, ancient trees, and countless opportunities to pause and simply absorb the beauty of the rainforest. For those who prefer something gentler, the shorter walks near O’Reilly’s or Binna Burra still provide unforgettable rainforest experiences.
Practical tips: Lamington National Park is about a 90-minute drive from the Gold Coast or two hours from Brisbane. Roads are narrow and winding, but the journey is part of the adventure, climbing into the misty mountains. Accommodation ranges from campgrounds to eco-lodges like O’Reilly’s and Binna Burra Lodge. Be prepared for changing weather — the rainforest can be warm and humid one moment, misty and cool the next. Good footwear, water, and a camera are essential.
Lamington is not just a national park — it’s a living museum of nature, a sanctuary where ancient forests, vibrant wildlife, and cascading waterfalls come together to create a world of wonder. Whether you come for a day hike, a weekend getaway, or a deeper immersion into its trails, Lamington leaves you with memories of a place both timeless and alive. It’s a reminder of the natural treasures that make Australia so unique — and a destination every adventurer should experience.
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