Gwongoorool Rock Pools

GPS Tracks

Gwongoorool Pools (GPX)

This track branches off the Illinbah circuit and descends through open forest and rainforest to Gwongoorool Pool on the Coomera River. Return via same track. (Illinbah circuit commences at the car park near the information centre).

700m

Maximum Elevation

200m

Total Climb

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Getting there
From Brisbane follow the M1 highway to Nerang. From Nerang head out towards Advancetown before you reach Advancetown turn right follow signs to Lower Beechmont the onto Beechmont from the round-a-bout turn left following signs to Binna Burra.
Then approx 4kms the Ranger Station on the right with Information centre. The carpark is there and toilets.

How do you get to the start of the walk?

100m down from the Information Centre and toilets is the walk entry point

Maps

Available from Information Centre or Binna Burra Lodge or Campground. Suitable maps would be -Beechmont, -Great Walk Gold Coast, - Lamington National Park

Which maps cover the area?

Route/Trail notes

The walk is well worn. And easy to follow. However there are a few wet spots along the way. And particularly after rain this track can be very difficult.

A detailed description of the walk!

Permits/Costs

Do you need any permits? What's the cost?

Only permits required if you are remote bushcamping at Illimbah clearing.

Other References

How can I find more info? Any guide books?

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheKendo72

GPS Tracks

Gwongoorool Pools (GPX)

Comments

Track a bit boggy in sections. Interesting rock features and waterfalls along the way. Birdlife, butterflies, spiders and leeches. A bit of a slog on the return/ascent. One of the shorter walks at Lamington but not a stroll.
BalticAussie on 25 Apr, 2024

Very hot day, but lots of running waterfalls and trickles to cool off in after rain earlier in the week.
WildflowerBell on 29 Dec, 2023

Amazing pool at the bottom, just a beautiful colour. The walk is quite easy, though I did it in dry conditions. The stairs/incline on the way back up gets the heart rate up but still very manageable.
Lauren T on 1 Jul, 2023

Nice easy walk down to the pools. Glad I took a jacket as it was quite cool at the rock pools. Not much light down there as you get closer to the creek. Nice spot for a rest and food. Not to hard going back up as the steps are pretty well spread out.
ian parker on 20 May, 2023

Best walked in wet weather for some extra waterfalls along the trail particularly one on Barrabareen Creek.
Lahs on 3 Jan, 2022

Amazing hike! Got to see the spiny crayfish and a few eels along the way. Beautiful to do in the rain, although rock pools were gushing so no swimming. Quite a few leeches. If hiking in the rain be prepared to trek across multiple puddles/pools of water :D

As other comments mention, you hike back where you came down from so the hike back up is quite steep.
PocketRocket on 24 Nov, 2021

This walk begins near the Information Centre before you reach the main Binna Burra accommodation/cafe area. This is a pleasant track with quite a few sightings of yellow-tailed black cockatoos, swooping and screeching in the early part of the hike. This is an out and back hike with the main point of interest being the pretty rock pool/s at the bottom. It's not a difficult or steep incline on the walk back up, but, it is a constant ascent back to the top.
Sunnygirl on 21 Oct, 2021

Tough but worth it
Suzanne on 18 Aug, 2019

Really nice walk. Quite steep on the way back up. Worth it though.
Mkos on 12 Jul, 2019

One of the best swimming holes Ive been to loved it
Jamie Johnston on 23 Feb, 2019

Nice walk rewarded by rock pools at the bottom... But you need to walk back up the way you came down... will get the un fit puffing but really not all that bad just a few stairs towards the top to make you feel alive... some good info on the rock formations on the way down... worth the walk... the cafe is only a few kms by car further on 👍
David S on 27 Jan, 2019

Beautiful Rock Pools lovely to swim in.
Logan M. on 2 Oct, 2018

The Illindah track is still closed (since Cyclone Debbie) as at 9 Sept 18.
Check with QPWS on 137468 or their website qpws.gov.au before going
Tassie on 9 Sep, 2018

We had initially planned to do the Caves Circuit, but unfortunately the track was closed for maintenance. The Gwongoorool Track was the next closest track, and it was only 1km longer than the Caves Circuit, so we decided to give it a go. We weren't disappointed!

It's a beautiful walk down through the bush to the Coomera River, and it was interesting to see how the vegetation changed as we descended down into the valley. Lots of ferns and moss and lush greenery in the cool, damp shade of the trees.

The Gwongoorool Pool is an absolutely magical place. Again, like the waterfalls we have recently visited, it is impossible to capture the true beauty of the place in a photo. We could've spent the whole afternoon at the river, jumping rocks and exploring further up the river, and just sitting and soaking in all the beautiful sights and sounds, and watching the cute little birds flit around here and there chasing insects.

Alas, we did have to turn around and head back up the cliff. It was perhaps a slightly easier climb than Purling Brook and Twin Falls in that it was a steadier climb upwards, with a few steep sections and enough of a gentle climb between that you could catch your breath before the next set of steps. It was still not an easy climb however, with many a rest stop on the way back and plenty of encouraging words to keep the kids going.
Sarah on 14 Jul, 2018

This walk is currently closed for repairs. (as of 19 Feb 2018). Check with The Binna Burra information office for more info.
David Pollak on 18 Feb, 2018

such a beautiful place that is easy to take great pics
Gary on 26 Mar, 2017

It's a steady, graded walk though what goes down, must go up. I have bad knees and managed this track fine using one hiking stick.
Anonymous on 19 Feb, 2017

Well managed track. Go a couple days after the rain to see the waterfall across a couple sections of the track. The pools are a nice place for lunch.
rob.bushman on 4 Sep, 2016

Very pretty walk.
Riggergirl on 10 Aug, 2016

Great little walk with a nice reward at the bottom, but be prepared to climb back up! Some of the stairs carved into the rocks are brilliant and make a great photo opportunity!
CamronDixon on Jun, 2016