Summary

Lamington National Park is a 206 square kilometre park on the McPherson Range on the Queensland-New South Wales border. The park features beautiful rainforest waterfalls, amazing views and a comprehensive series of clearly marked tracks.

History

Any interesting history for the region?

Features

What are the standout bushwalking features?

Access

Green Mountains (O'Reilly's)

Exit the M1 at Nerang and follow signs to Canungra (signs also indicate Lamington National Park or O'Reilly's). Turn left into Kidston Street and follow this road up the mountain (don't miss the great views along the way!) to the carpark adjacent to the QPWS Information Centre, campground and O'Reilly's Guesthouse.

Note that the road, although sealed, is narrow and winding and has many blind corners. Take care!

Binna Burra

Exit the M1 at Nerang and follow signs to Beechmont. Follow the signs from the roundabout at Beechmont to Binna Burra.

Maps

A number of SUNMAP 1:25000 topographic maps cover Lamington National Park including Lamington (South-West of the park), Tyalgum (South-East) Hillview (North-West) and Beechmont (North-East).

Hema maps also provides a comprehensive 1:35000 map of the park.

Accommodation

Camping

A National Park campground is available in the Green Mountains section. Sites must be pre-booked on weekends and holidays, but you may self-register at other times.

Remote, walk-in camping is allowed at designated sites between February and November. These sites must be pre-booked through the QPWS (see website below).

A private campground is available at Binna Burra

Other

Resort accommodation is available at O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse and Binna Burra Mountain Lodge as well as various other options around the surrounding area.

Contact details

EPA Website - http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=97

Walks in Lamington National Park

Medium

18.2 km return

8 hrs

Mt Hobwee Circuit

A moderate difficulty walk in Lamington National Park from Binna Burra to Mt Hobwee summit with a length of 18.2 km return. After leaving the Border Track 5.4km from Binna Burra, this circuit winds through rainforest to the summit of Mount Hobwee (1180m). The circuit rejoins the Border Track for the return to the Binna Burra car park.

Medium

22 km

7 hrs

Mt Merino Lookout

The 1160m summit of Mt Merino is halfway between Binna Burra and Green Mountains and can be visited on a day walk.

Very Hard

15 km return

8 hrs

Mt Razorback

A full days walk to the summit of Mt Razorback will test your fitness and scrambling abilities. It starts as a steep uphill walk then as you join the ridgeline you will carefully traverse a razor sharp ridge with drop offs on either side followed by some precarious scrambling up loose cliffs. Not one for beginners but with enough care it is very achievable.

Medium

18 km return

7 hrs

Mt Wagawn

This track also branches off the Mount Hobwee circuit, 2km from the Border Track junction. Garragoolba lookout features uninterrupted views of Springbrook, the Tweed Valley and Mount Warning.

If you approach from the bushrangers caves it is approximately 8km to Mt Wagawn.

Only after naturally occurring events such as severe wildfires or storms are there uninterrupted views of Springbrook, the Tweed Valley and Mount Warning from Wagawn. In the interim years the view may be interrupted by natural regrowth. Please do not damage or remove vegetation as many of these plants are significant species in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Remember, all plants are protected by legislation.

Medium

10 km return

5 hrs

Neglected Mountain

Neglected Mountain lives up to it's name which is a shame because the walk provides excellent views from the top.

Very Hard

14 km

10 hrs

Noowongbill Lookout

x

Very Hard

40 km one-way

3 days

Numinbah Gap to Christmas Creek

A challenging 2-day or 3-day hike along the QLD/NSW border.

2-day option: camp at Echo Point
3-day option: camp at Bithongabel and Point Lookout

A good challenge for experienced walkers with good experience and navigation skills. Points of interest along the way include Bushranger's Cave, Mt Wagawn, Mt Hobwee, Dacelo Lookout, Merino Lookout, Bithongabel Lookout, Echo Point Lookout, Point Lookout, and the Stinson Crash.

This walk can be done in either direction. In any case, you will either have to do a car shuffle or very nicely ask friends or family to do a drop-off and pick-up.

Make sure that you take a PLB and proper emergency provisions (first aid kit, shelter, wet weather gear, warm clothes, extra food rations etc.).

Easy

5.4 km return

2 hrs

Pats Bluff

The West Cliff Track branches to the right from the Python Rock Track and then immediately sharp left past a Black Booyong with extensive buttressing and a tall Hoop Pine 30 metres further down the track.

Pat’s Bluff affords a view over the Albert and Logan River valleys to the Great Dividing Range. Follow the cliff line down past a view of Raining Cliff to the picnic area. Pat O’Reilly’s log cabin is 70 metres in from this spot. Peregrine Falcons nest in caves in these cliffs and often rest in the dead trees above the cliff line

Easy

3.4 km return

1 hr

Python Rock

The track to Python Rock has even grades, suitable for older people and young children. The booyongs and figs near the West Cliff turn off are impressive as are the large New England Blackbutt as you enter the open forest for the first time. The view from Python Rock overlooks Castle Crag to the Lost World with Mount Throakban on the left and Moran's Falls. You can proceed up the hill from the lookout on a tough track and turn left for West Cliff.

Very Easy

1.2 km return

30 mins

Rainforest Circuit

For a quick introduction to the rainforest, follow the Border Track for 500m, then branch right and return to the picnic area. A self-guiding brochure, produced by the Lamington Natural History Association is available at the Information Centre, the Lamington Teahouse and at Binna Burra Lodge.