Lamington National Park in Queensland

Located on the Gold Coast, Lamington National Park is made up of two distinct sections, the Binna Burra area and the Green Mountains.  Overall, the park encompasses more than 20,000 hectares of land, and is mainly made up of ancient rainforest.  There are extensive walking tracks in the area suitable for all fitness levels, and the forests are filled with exotic birds.  Lizards, snakes, and small mammals can also sometimes be seen.  Visitors that make their way up to the mountainous lookouts, either by hiking or by road, will be rewarded with phenomenal views of Queensland and its neighboring state of New South Wales. The area is full of fast-flowing streams and waterfalls which create pools where it may even be possible to spot an elusive platypus.

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There are two mountain lodges located inside the park, both offering excellent eco-tourism programs.  O’Reilly’s offers guests excellent views, luxurious rooms, and even a spa.  They offer a multitude of day trips, including guided walks and four wheel drive excursions, as well as nature presentations and tours as part of their Discovery Program.  The Tree Top Walk is a 300 meter long walk along nine suspension bridges 180 meters from the ground.  It offers an exceptional opportunity to view the forest and its inhabitants from a very unique perspective.  The Binna Burra Lodge is located on the other side of the park, and offers both rustic cabins as well as hotel rooms for accommodation.  A variety of day trips are available, including adventurous activities such as abseiling and zip lining through the tree tops, as well as guided day hikes and birdwatching.  A health spa and evening entertainment round out a visitor’s stay.

The southern area of the park can be accessed through Christmas Creek or the Lost World Valley, both of which offer varied accommodation options including bed and breakfasts and farmstays.