Lamington NP Binna Burra
World Heritage Listed Area

Lamington NP is the largest protected subtropical rainforest in Australia. The Binna Burra national park section features walking trails through stunning rainforest, spectacular waterfalls, and breathtaking views.

There are more than 160 kilometres of graded tracks in the national park, and the natural features of the rainforest – including deep gorges, waterfalls, creeks, buttressed trees, and a variety of ferns and other flora – are just delightful. Illinbah Circuit at Binna Burra, Lamington National Park, Queensland TQ

The backbone of the walking trail system is the 21.4 kilometre Border Track that joins the Lamington NP Binna Burra section to the Green Mountains (and O’Reilly’s guesthouse) section.

The work on the Border track started during the depression era in Australia in the 1930’s, as a project to provide work for unemployed men.

Work on the main track continued for many years, in addition to the construction of a large number of arterial trails leading off from it.

These trails collectively form an extensive walking trail system in the world heritage Lamington NP.

And if you follow the trails leading to higher slopes, watch for the change from subtropical to cool temperate rainforest.

This is particularly marked by the remains of ancient Antarctic Beech trees, which are quite magnificent and, incredibly, have been dated as several thousands of years old!

I’ve enjoyed many hours exploring the world heritage Lamington national park walking trails with a group of friends.

There was a core group of bush walkers – Barry, Tim, John, Tony, Sue and myself – and we’d be joined occasionally by other friends. Bushwalking in Lamington National Park, Queensland TQ

All of the guys seemed to have a good knowledge of the outdoors, and would be totally prepared with maps, compasses, first aid kits, and anything else we needed for a strenuous day of bushwalking.

Over the years, I think we walked almost every trail mentioned in this Lamington NP Binna Burra section (refer below).

The beauty and tranquility of the Lamington national park is such that you can spend a full day walking and exploring the area, and it will feel like you’ve been away from the hustle and bustle of your ‘normal life’ for a few days. Such are the restorative qualities of nature.

Of course, you won’t totally escape civilization… but that’s a good thing, because it is lovely to relax in the café / kiosk area after your walk, and enjoy a cold drink or hot coffee, depending on your taste.

Click here for a Queensland National Parks & Wildlife Service (QNP&WS) map of Lamington NP Binna Burra section.

The QNP&WS also provides description and details for most of the walking trails in the Lamington NP section, which is worth reading if you’re preparing for some bush walking.

Reference Sources

  • Blanch, R, and Kean, V, Bushwalking in the Mount Warning Region, second edition published by Kingsclear Books, 1995.
  • Daly, J & L, Take A Walk in Queensland’s National Parks, published by Take A Walk, 1998.
  • Queensland National Parks & Wildlife Service.

Bush Walk Departure Point Distance (Return) Classification Duration
Rainforest circuit Branches off the Border Track 500m from the main track entrance 1.2 km Class 2 30 mins
Bellbird Lookout Binna Burra Road, 300m back from the road’s end (opposite entrance to Binna Burra Lodge) 2 km Class 4 1 hour
Tullawallal circuit Branches off the Border Track 1.9 km from the park entrance 5 km Class 3 1.5-2 hours
Caves circuit Information Centre 5 km Class 4 1.5-2 hours
Gwongoorool track Information Centre
(branches off the Illinbah circuit)		 6 km Class 4 2 hours
Daves Creek circuit Branches off the Border Track 2.2 km from the park entrance
- Optional detour to Ballunjui Falls at junction near Nagarigoon clearing		 12 km

+ 2.5 km		 Class 4

Class 4		 4 hours

+ 45 mins
Lower Bellbird circuit Binna Burra Road, 500m before the Information Centre
- Optional detour to Ballunjui Falls approx 4 km from start
- Optional detour to Kweebani Cave (Caves circuit) at end of walk		 12 km

+ 2 km

+ 1.6 km		 Class 4

Class 4

Class 4		 4 hours

+ 30 mins

+ 30 mins
Illinbah circuit Information Centre 16.6 km Class 4 7-8 hours
Coomera circuit Branches off the Border Track 1.9 km from the park entrance 17.9 km Class 4 6-7 hours
Mt Hobwee circuit Branches off the Border Track 5.4 km from the park entrance 20.4 km Class 4 8 hours
Araucaria track Track leaves the Mt Hobwee circuit 900m from the Border Track junction 17.8 km Class 4 6-7 hours
Wagawn track Branches off the Mt Hobwee circuit, 2 km from the Border Track junction 18 km Class 4 7-8 hours
Ships Stern circuit Binna Burra Road, 300m back from the road’s end (opposite entrance to Binna Burra Lodge)
- Optional detour to Ballunjui Falls at junction near Guraigumai Rock
- Optional detour to Daves Creek Circuit at junction near Nagarigoon clearing		 19 km

+ 1.5 km

+ 4 km		 Class 4

Class 4

Class 4		 7-8 hours

+ 30 mins

+ 1 hour
Border Track Starts at top end of the car park, at end of Binna Burra Road 21.4 km
* one way only		 Class 4 7-8 hours
Mt Merino track Merino Lookout branches off Border Track after ~ 10 km 21.6 km Class 4 8-9 hours


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FAST FACTS
Cost
Access to this National Park is free.
Facilities
Information centre, wheelchair access to toilets and picnic areas, water on tap, camping (through Binna Burra Lodge, not QP&WS), range of walking trails, constructed lookouts. The Lodge has a restaurant/café and serves meals and refreshments.
Wet Weather
Don’t let a bit of light rain scare you from bush walking - although ensure you have a change of clothing for when the walk is over, and take extra care of slippery rock surfaces.
Walking in heavier rains is not recommended, for both safety and environmental considerations.
Operating Hours
This NP is open 24 hours a day, all year round.
Duration
Short walks range up to 30 minutes. Longer, more difficult walks may take up to 10 hours.
Handy Hints
- When you turn off the Nerang-Murwillumbah to Beechmont, the road becomes narrow and windy, with several one-lane bridges. Drive with care.
- Also, there are few opportunities for overtaking, so if you have a trail of cars behind you, be courteous and pull into a layby to enable them to pass you.
- Read our handy hints for planning your rainforest trek.
- Check out our practical safety tips for bush walkers.
- Refer guidelines for how you can minimise your personal impact on the environment.
How To Get There
If self-driving, make your way to Beechmont village, which is 26km from Nerang, or 19km from Canungra. From Beechmont, follow the winding Binna Burra Road for ~ 10km, right to the end.

Or refer to tour operators who offer day trips to national parks.
Further Info
Queensland NP&WS, Binna Burra
Tel 07-5533 3584






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