
Lamington National Park
UNESCO World Heritage rainforest with stunning waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and scenic walking trails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh, cool air and best light

Lamington National Park
Best Time
Fresh, cool air and best light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
UNESCO World Heritage rainforest with stunning waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and scenic walking trails.
"A must-visit gem near Brisbane, offering a sanctuary of peace and wonder in Australia's unique landscape."

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Light, comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the numerous walking trails with ease. :athletic_shoe:
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Be prepared for mist and rain, even on sunny days. Layers are recommended for comfort. :cloud:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cascading Waterfalls
Various locations throughout the park
Discover hidden waterfalls amidst dense greenery, offering picture-perfect stops and refreshing natural beauty.

Bird Feeding Experiences
Designated feeding areas, particularly at O'Reilly's
Experience the magic of colorful native birds perching on you, adding a fairytale charm to your visit.

Scenic Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Explore trails from gentle strolls to adventurous hikes, surrounded by the sights and sounds of untouched wilderness.

Tree Top Walk
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
Walk amongst the canopy on suspended bridges for a unique perspective of the rainforest ecosystem.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rainforest
Wildlife Encounters & Food
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Light, comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the numerous walking trails with ease. :athletic_shoe:
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Be prepared for mist and rain, even on sunny days. Layers are recommended for comfort. :cloud:
🍎 Consider Your Own Food
Dining at O'Reilly's can be pricey; consider packing snacks or meals. :apple:
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera for stunning waterfall views and unique bird encounters. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Light, comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the numerous walking trails with ease. :athletic_shoe:
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Be prepared for mist and rain, even on sunny days. Layers are recommended for comfort. :cloud:
🍎 Consider Your Own Food
Dining at O'Reilly's can be pricey; consider packing snacks or meals. :apple:
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera for stunning waterfall views and unique bird encounters. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Plan Your Hikes
Trails vary in difficulty; choose one that suits your fitness level for an enjoyable experience. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lamington National Park's stunning rainforest, breathtaking waterfalls, and magical wildlife encounters, calling it a must-visit gem. The scenic drive and diverse walking trails are highly praised, offering an immersive natural experience. Some find the dining options at O'Reilly's a bit pricey.
"Lamington National Park – A Must-Visit Gem near Brisbane
Just a two-hour drive (around 160 kilometers) from Brisbane lies the spectacular Lamington National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage–listed wonderland of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush subtropical rainforest.
The journey itself is scenic, winding through narrow forested roads that gradually open up to breathtaking views of valleys and peaks.
Once inside, you’ll find walking tracks that range from gentle strolls to long adventurous hikes, each surrounded by the sights and sounds of untouched wilderness.
The waterfalls, hidden within the dense greenery, provide picture-perfect stops along the way. Morning is the best time to visit, when the air is fresh and cool — all you need is a pair of light, comfortable shoes to explore the trails with ease.
What makes the experience magical is the wildlife. Colorful native birds often perch on your arms or even your head, especially if you offer them food at the designated feeding areas. Their friendly presence adds a fairytale-like charm to the park.
Lamington National Park is more than just a natural reserve — it is a sanctuary of peace and wonder, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Australia’s unique landscape. For anyone visiting Brisbane, this is truly a must-go destination."
Sibte Arif
"🤳 Beautiful discoveries amongst various trails in Lamington National Park..It was raining and misty when we trekked here but was 💯 worth the trip and when the ☀️ finally arrived it was magic! 🧭🥾🎒 Great rock scrambling to be had too if this is your thing..great views 💯💪"
Barb Sheehy
"My Dad and I had the time of our lives here. Went on a 22k hike through the Shipstern track, and was just incredible.
Definitely recommend packing wisely, and also a reasonable level of fitness is required."
Jack Scoble
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lamington National Park is approximately a two-hour drive (around 160 kilometers) from Brisbane. The journey involves winding, forested roads that offer scenic views as you ascend into the mountains. It's a beautiful drive that sets the tone for the natural beauty awaiting you. :car:
Public transport options to Lamington National Park are limited. It is primarily accessible by car. Consider joining a guided tour if you don't have your own vehicle. :bus:
The best way to explore Lamington National Park is by car, allowing you to reach different trailheads and lookouts. Once at a trailhead, walking is the primary mode of transport to experience the rainforest. :walking:
Yes, both O'Reilly's and Binna Burra are accessible by car. The roads leading to these popular areas are sealed and well-maintained, making them suitable for most vehicles. :road:
Absolutely! Lamington National Park is a fantastic day trip destination from the Gold Coast, typically taking about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive. You can experience its highlights within a day. :clock_3:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lamington National Park generally does not have an entrance fee for day visitors. However, fees may apply for specific activities or accommodation within the park, such as at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. :moneywithwings:
Lamington National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for general access. However, facilities like visitor centers or specific attractions may have their own operating hours. :calendar:
Yes, there are several accommodation options within or near Lamington National Park, including O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat and Binna Burra Lodge. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. :bed:
While there are no designated campgrounds within the core areas of Lamington National Park managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, nearby private campgrounds and caravan parks exist. O'Reilly's also offers camping options. :tent:
The Treetop Walk at O'Reilly's is typically included with entry to their property or accommodation. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information on access and any associated costs. :ticket:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Must-do activities include exploring the numerous walking trails, discovering hidden waterfalls, experiencing the Treetop Walk at O'Reilly's, and enjoying the unique bird feeding encounters. :hikingboot: :camerawith_flash: :bird:
Lamington National Park is teeming with wildlife, including colorful native birds like parrots and rosellas, as well as possums, gliders, and various insects. Keep an eye out for frogs and reptiles too! :parrot: :owl:
Yes, guided tours are available, particularly from O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. These often include activities like guided walks, bird watching tours, and night safaris, offering deeper insights into the park's ecosystem. :guide_dog:
Popular trails include the Dave's Creek Walk (approx. 4 hours, great views), the Shipstern Track (22k, for experienced hikers), and shorter walks like the Rainforest Circuit. Choose based on your fitness and time. :mountain_railway:
Yes, Lamington National Park offers several easier walking tracks suitable for families with young children. The bird feeding and the Treetop Walk are also usually big hits with kids. :child:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat has a Dining Room offering meals. Some visitors find it a bit pricey, so it's worth checking their current menu and prices online. :forkandknife:
Dining options are limited within the park itself. O'Reilly's and Binna Burra offer on-site dining. For more variety, you might need to travel to nearby towns like Canungra. :coffee:
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is a great idea, especially for picnics along the trails or if you're looking for more budget-friendly options. There are many scenic spots perfect for a picnic. :sandwich:
Designated picnic areas with BBQ facilities are available in some parts of the park, particularly near the main visitor areas. Check with the park information centers for specific locations. :grill:
Binna Burra Lodge also offers dining options, often with a focus on hearty meals suitable for hikers and nature lovers. It's best to check their website for current offerings and opening hours. :platewithknifeandfork:
📸 📸 Photography
The best photography spots include the various waterfalls, panoramic valley views from lookouts, the Treetop Walk canopy, and close-ups of the abundant birdlife. Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting. :camera:
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the grandeur of the rainforest and waterfalls. A macro lens can be fun for insects and flora. :dslr:
The dense canopy can create low-light conditions, so a tripod can be helpful for sharper images, especially of waterfalls. Be mindful of humidity and protect your gear. :umbrellaonground:
Yes, due to its remote location and minimal light pollution, Lamington National Park can be excellent for astrophotography. Clear nights away from accommodation lights offer stunning views of the stars. :star2:
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for wildlife and landscapes. Late afternoons provide warm, golden light. Misty conditions can create atmospheric, moody shots. :sunriseovermountains:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options can be limited and sometimes costly. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for everyone, and dressing in layers is advisable due to the changeable mountain weather. Consider bringing a small backpack for each child to carry their own essentials, making them feel involved in the adventure. :backpack:
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the park's biodiversity. The Green Mountains section is particularly rich in flora and fauna. Look for unique plant species, listen to the symphony of bird calls, and keep an eye out for nocturnal animals on a guided night walk. The park's UNESCO World Heritage status underscores its ecological significance, making it a prime spot for observation and appreciation. :leaf:
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the chance to photograph the vibrant native birds. Their willingness to approach visitors at feeding stations makes for intimate and engaging shots. For landscape photographers, the panoramic views from lookouts, particularly during sunrise or sunset, can be breathtaking. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for grand vistas and a telephoto lens for wildlife. :sunset:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails for Every Adventurer
Many trails lead to stunning natural features. You might stumble upon hidden waterfalls, ancient trees, or unique rock formations. The Green Mountains section of the park is particularly renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, making every step a discovery. Always carry sufficient water, snacks, and a map, and let someone know your hiking plans. :map:
For those seeking a unique perspective, the Treetop Walk at O'Reilly's offers a chance to stroll amongst the rainforest canopy on suspended bridges. This accessible experience provides a different view of the ecosystem and is a highlight for many visitors. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the rainforest from above. :tree:
Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters
Beyond the birds, the rainforest is alive with other creatures. Keep an eye out for possums and gliders, especially during twilight or on guided night walks. The park's diverse habitats also support a variety of frogs, reptiles, and insects, contributing to its rich biodiversity. Respecting wildlife is paramount; always observe from a distance and never feed animals unless in a designated area and with appropriate food. :owl:
For a truly immersive experience, consider a guided night walk. These tours, often offered by local operators, reveal the nocturnal wonders of the rainforest, from glowing fungi to the calls of unseen creatures. It's a chance to see a different side of Lamington National Park and appreciate its vibrant ecosystem after dark. :moon:
Accommodation Options in the Rainforest
Another significant option is Binna Burra Lodge, located in a different section of the park. Binna Burra offers a range of accommodation, from cabins to camping, and is also a gateway to numerous walking tracks and stunning viewpoints. It provides a slightly different atmosphere and access to distinct parts of the national park. :cabin:
For those seeking a more unique or budget-friendly stay, consider looking at private campgrounds or caravan parks in the surrounding areas. Some visitors also opt for self-catering, bringing their own food to enjoy picnics amidst the natural beauty. Booking in advance is strongly advised, especially during school holidays and weekends, as Lamington National Park is a popular escape. :calendar:
Social
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