Nestled 800 metres above sea level amidst the beautiful trees, Binna Burra Lodge offers a perfect getaway! If you’re looking for a serene experience, the Rainforest Campsite and Safari Tents are just what you need. For those who crave a little luxury, don’t miss the Sky Lodges, where you can unwind by a cosy fireplace while soaking in the spa bath and admiring the stunning mountain views.

Things to do in Lamington National Park
When you visit Lamington National Park, you’ll discover many delightful ways to connect more deeply with the enchanting rainforest around you.

1. Lamington National Park waterfalls
If you’re looking for that waterfall photo opportunity, you’re in luck, as this national park has over 500 accessible by marked bushwalking tracks. The Morans Falls track through the subtropical rainforest leads you to the stunning Morans Falls, tumbling 80 metres into Morans Creek gorge.

Elabana Falls is another iconic waterfall in Lamington National Park, and if you’re up for a challenge, Chalahn Falls along the Toolona Creek Circuit is worth the muddy trek.

Walk to Elabana Falls for stunning scenery.

2. Lamington National Park Tree Top Walk
Or, bringing you back to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat — thirty years ago, owner Peter O’Reilly realised his dream of creating Australia’s first tree top walk, where visitors could venture 15 metres above the forest floor to observe rainforest flowers, fruits, and birdlife.

Today, you can still explore the rainforest canopy from this free, 180-metre-long Treetop Walk, part of an easy 800-metre return walk from O’Reilly’s. If you want to test your nerves, you can climb 15 metres from the elevated walkway to an observatory platform, where the views are even more sublime.

These activities are just the beginning, though. For recommended bushwalks, guided tours, and wildlife experiences, keep reading.

a woman passing through O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk, Lamington National Park

Navigate the elevated forest walkway at O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk.

Lamington National Park walks and hikes.
If you’re itching to stretch your legs in the wild, Lamington National Park has over 160 kilometres of walking trails to discover, ranging from grade 1-5, depending on your fitness level.

To keep it simple, the 1.8-kilometre Centenary Track return leaves from the Green Mountains car park and connects with the Python Rock Track — or if you want to keep going, follow onto the Morans Falls Track. Or there’s the five-kilometre return Tullawallal Circuit, which departs from Binna Burra and leads to a 2000 – 5000-year-old patch of beech forest. Surrounded and cradled by ancient natural energy, you may find this a profoundly peaceful place to rest and reflect.

O’Reileys Rainforest Retreat View of Lamington National Park
There’s a whole lot of nature to explore in Lamington National Park.

For a half-day hike, take on the 10.9-kilometre Box Forest Circuit, or if you’re ready to commit an entire day, the 21.4-kilometre Border Track (which connects the Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections of the park) is the hike for you. O’Reilly’s operates a Saturday shuttle to Binna Burra; from here, you can walk the entire Border Track back to your accommodation, climbing towards the McPherson Range’s misty, temperate rainforests and passing multiple overlooks en route.

Want to take on the ultimate backpacking adventure? The 54-kilometre Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk takes three days to complete and links Lamington National Park to Springbrook National Park via the scenic Numinbah Valley, where you can walk through the ancient volcanic landscape of the Tweed Volcano.

a guy riding an electric scooter at Lamington National Park
Explore the park on an electric scooter. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Birdwatching and wildlife in Lamington National Park
As you wander the park’s trails, listen for the 230 species of birds that live there: for example, kookaburras, eastern whip birds, catbirds, and the seldom-seen, ground-dwelling Albert’s lyrebird, which mimics several calls, including whip birds, bowerbirds, and rosellas.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is a particularly enticing place for birdwatching. Join the retreat’s daily early morning birdwatching walk (free for guests) and spot regent and satin bowerbirds, eastern yellow robins, blue fairy wrens, Wonga pigeons, and more. Later, purchase birdseed, which will probably inspire crimson rosellas and king parrots to perch on your head and shoulders as they await a snack. O’Reilly’s also hosts an annual bird week, where bird enthusiasts attend presentations and workshops and scout for as many species as possible.

Albert’s lyrebird in Queensland
Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the iconic Albert’s lyrebird.

At dusk, red-necked pademelons – small marsupials with a reddish neck and shoulders – forage in front of Grooms Cottage at Binna Burra Lodge, as well as in the grassy area behind O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Observing this adorable nocturnal species is an excellent excuse for spending the night, and you’ll also likely spot them if you go for a short bushwalk in the late afternoon or early morning.

You may also be lucky to spot a platypus in Lamington National Park. These notoriously shy creatures try to keep a low profile as they weave through the waterway, so spotting them can be difficult but glorious if you do! One of the most popular locations to spot them is among a cluster of swimming holes dubbed Platypus Pools and Stairway Falls, which forms part of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk.

pademelons in Tasmania
Spot adorable pademelons.

Join a local tour of Lamington National Park.
Explore the majestic beauty of Lamington National Park on a private tour with knowledgeable and experienced guides. Go back in time and get to know the area’s history, learn about the local flora and fauna, discover unique and ancient rock formations, or soak up the views of rainforest, waterfalls, and mountain lookouts.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Binna Burra Lodge (via Park Tours) run various guided walks and tours throughout the week. There are so many to love, but here are a few of our favourites:

1. Stinson Hike
In 1937, Stinson airliner VH-UHH crashed in the McPherson Ranges with two pilots and five passengers aboard. Although initial rescue efforts were focused elsewhere, 33-year-old Bernard O’Reilly, a dairy farmer who also worked at his family’s Green Mountains guesthouse, heeded local reports and set out on a solo search nine days after the crash. After a 30-kilometre journey on foot, he found the wreck and its two suffering survivors and quickly raced off to organise a rescue party.

Today, you can walk in this hero’s footsteps by signing up for one of O’Reilly’s guided Stinson walks. Both options are challenging: the 37-kilometre Bernard’s Footsteps route travels much of Bernard’s arduous course and requires a swift pace, while the 14-kilometre return Rescue Route, which begins and ends at Christmas Creek, entails a steep, 700-metre climb to the wreck.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Bernard’s journey and the rainforest’s unforgiving terrain. Remember that extensive bushwalking experience and a high fitness level are essential –review the fitness requirements before signing up. View O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat events page to sign up for the next hike.

Sunset over McPherson Ranges
Hike through the McPherson Ranges.

2. Billy Tea History Tour
Join a legendary O’Reilly guide for a relaxing 4WD tour to an incredible lookout point. Over the fire, they’ll prepare Billy Tea and Damper and share their enthusiasm and stories from the early years on the mountain. This unique adventure is fun for the whole family.

3. Coomera Falls Lookout
Australian Geographic rated the Coomera Falls Lookout Walk as one of Australia’s best hikes. The walk takes you through dense forests and spectacular lookouts over waterfalls and gorges, just a few of the stunning features.

an overhead shot of Coomera Falls Lookout
Witness Coomera Falls from above.

4. Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s & Vineyard Tour
This popular guided tour with Southern Cross Tours includes all the best highlights packed beautifully into one fantastic day.

Visiting the Gondwana Rainforest, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, and Canungra Valley Vineyard is a Lamington crash course that includes a canopy treetop walk, wild bird feeding, and more.

aerial view of Purling Brook Falls
See the Purling Brook Falls with Southern Cross Tours.

How to get to Lamington National Park
Ready to drive? From the Gold Coast town of Broadbeach, allow 50 minutes to drive to the Green Mountains section and 70 minutes to get to the Binna Burra section. Along the way, you’ll navigate a winding and sometimes narrow road suitable for 2WD vehicles.

No public transportation to the park exists, but you can take a shuttle bus between the two sections. Alternatively, many commercial tour operators, such as Southern Cross Tours, offer tours to Lamington National Park.

the fertile vineyards at Canungra Valley
Drive along the vineyards at Canungra Valley.