Lamington National Park



While Lamington wasn't Queensland's first national park, it is the most significant, and was regularly referred to as 'Queensland's National Park.' World Heritage status was bestowed on Lamington in 1994 in recognition of its high biodiversity, and the fact it contains a living museum of the evolutionary steps taken in the development of Australia's modern day flora.

Situated on the New South Wales/Queensland border, 120km south of Brisbane, and just 50km from the Gold Coast, Lamington National Park protects the rich ecology of an iconic sub-tropical rainforest. It includes 20,200 hectares of varying forest types, from temperate Antarctic Beech forest high on the border ranges through the sub-tropical rainforests, to the dry eucalypt forest of the northern escarpment. Fertile, volcanic soils yield a lush environment, home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Within the park's 20,600ha are hundreds of waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain ridges into densely forested valleys of pristine beauty. Sub-tropical rainforests thrive in this high rainfall region, and on the peaks above 1000 metres are cool temperate rainforests with magnificent cool Antartic Beech trees adorned with ferns and mosses.

Access

There are two entrances to the park. Green Mountains is 115km south of Brisbane via Canungra, or 70km from Surfers via Nerang and Canungra. Binna Burra is 107km from Brisbane via Canungra and 55km from the Gold Coast. Both routes are fully sealed all the way, but due to the steep winding road to Green Mountains caravans are not welcome.


Elabana Falls

Camping and Accommodation

The camping ground is located at Green Mountains (near O'Reillys Guesthouse) where you can expect water, hot showers, toilets, information and kiosks. Fireplaces are provided near the picnic tables (bring your own wood) but campers should use fuel stoves only. There is a very limited number of sites available so book well in advance with the ranger (07 5533 0634).

Binna Burra has private campgrounds with toilets and a kiosk and information board. Bush camping is allowed at specific sites within the park only, and not during summer between 1 December and 31 January. Camping permits are required and available in advance from the ranger. Fuel stoves only as there is a ban on all open fires.

Climate

Rainforests tend to thrive in cool, wet climates. The region is not high enough for snow (except during severe a cold snap) but nights can become quite cool. In summer, expect hot days with cool nights, and in winter cooler days with cold nights. Most of all, expect rain. Generally, most rain falls in the summer months but torrential downpours can occur at anytime. And its the rain that enriches the lush environment.

Lamington National Park - Via Canungra, Qld 4275 Tel (07) 5544 0634

Lamington National Park website