Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Goomoolahra Falls
(Springbrook Rd, Springbrook)
At the end of Springbrook Rd there's a lookout beside the 60m
Goomoolahra Falls, with views across the plateau and all the way back to the coast.
WATERFALL
WORTH A TRIP
LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK
Australia's largest remnant of subtropical rainforest cloaks the deep valleys and steep cliffs of the McPherson
Range, reaching elevations of 1100m on the Lamington Plateau. Here, the 200-sq-km
Lamington National Park
(
www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington
)
is a Unesco World Heritage site and has over 160km of walking trails.
The two most accessible sections of the park are the
Binna Burra
and
Green Mountains
sections, both
reached via long, narrow, winding roads from Canungra (not great for big campervans). Binna Burra can also be
accessed from Nerang.
Sights & Activities
Bushwalks
within the park include everything from short jaunts to multiday epics. For experienced hikers, the
Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a three-day trip along a 54km path from the Green Mountains section to the
Springbrook Plateau. Other favourites include the excellent Tree Top Canopy Walk along a series of rope-and-
plank suspension bridges at Green Mountains, and the 21km Border Track that follows the dividing range
between NSW and Queensland and links Binna Burra to Green Mountains.
Walking guides are available from the
ranger stations
(
7.30am-4pm Mon-Fri, 9am-3.30pm Sat & Sun) at
Binna Burra and Green Mountains.
Sleeping & Eating
Green Mountains Campground
( 13 74 68;
www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/camping.html
; site per
person/family $5.50/22) There's a tiered national parks camping ground on the left as you head down the hill
from O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. There are plenty of spots for tents and caravans (and a toilet/shower block);
book in advance.
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
( 07-5502 4911, 1800 688 722;
www.oreillys.com.au
;
Lamington National
Park Rd, Green Mountains; s/d from $163/278, 1-/2-bedroom villa from $400/435; ) This famous
1926 guesthouse has lost its original grandeur but retains a rustic charm - and sensational views! Newer luxury
villas and doubles add a contemporary sheen. There are plenty of organised activities, plus a day spa, cafe, bar
and
restaurant
(mains $25 to $40), open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Binna Burra Mountain Lodge
( 07-5533 3622, 1300 246 622;
www.binnaburralodge.com.au
;
1069 Binna
Burra Rd, Beechmont; unpowered/powered site $28/35, safari tent from $55, d incl breakfast with/without bath-
room $300/190, apt from $295) Stay in the lodge, in rustic log cabins, flashy new apartments or in a tent surroun-
ded by forest in this atmospheric mountain retreat. The central
restaurant
(mains $20 to $40) serves breakfast,
lunch and dinner, or there's a cafe-style
Teahouse
(mains $14 to $18) a few hundred metres up the road, open
9am to 3pm. Transport available.
Sleeping & Eating
