When Lamington National Park is your neighbour, you’re blessed with unparalleled access to nature’s playground. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, Lamington National Park covers more than 20,000 hectares. If you’ve only got a few days to explore, here’s a few tips on how to make the most of it.
Plan hikes & walks in advance
The Binna Burra region wraps around the back of Beechmont Estate and has 13 walks for different fitness and experience levels. Quick research into the difficulty of walks will help you find the one just right for you. Whether you’ve only got time for a 30 minute rainforest circuit or a full day trip, you’ll enjoy the walk more if you wake in time for wildlife spotting, and are prepared with the right shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen and water.
Go fall spotting
Make a beeline for Lamington National Park if you want to go waterfall spotting. The Moran Falls are not to be missed. It’s a 4.4km return loop in the Green Mountains section, close to the original O’Reilly’s hut and quite popular with locals for a sunset vista. The two-tier Elabana Falls are on the Box Forest Circuit, another 4 km loop, and are one of the most popular falls in the park. Remember, water levels will vary depending on the season, and a quick check with park authorities can help you avoid disappointment. Looking to have a waterfall to yourself? Beechmont Estate and Park Tours offer a private waterfall hike.
Experience the Rainforest Canopy
When you’re watching your feet it can be easy to forget to look up. The rainforest is all around you, and as light softly filters through the canopy, make sure you take the time to stop and appreciate it. If you want to get a bit closer to the canopy, get a dose of adrenalin along with a birds eye view on a treetop walk across 9 suspension bridges or the flying fox over Moran’s Creek at O’Reilly’s.
Explore the Villages and Local Attractions
The Gold Coast hinterland has not just nature covered. You can rise above the Scenic Rim on a hot air balloon, play a round of golf at Canungra Golf Club, pop into the Binna Burra Tea House, or bliss out at the Beechmont Estate Spa. Or, stay on site at Beechmont Estate and take a Paddock picnic hamper into the rolling hills or book into chef-hatted The Paddock restaurant for lunch. Whatever your speed of sightseeing, there’s something for you.