Lamington National Park Hiking Tour from the Gold Coast: Picnic Rock or Box Forest Falls

1 Day

Mobile Ticket

Hotel Pickup Offered

English

Language Offered

Overview

Explore Queensland's Lamington National Park on this hiking tour with an experienced guide. Part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, Lamington boasts a pristine landscape of waterfalls, ancient trees and native wildlife. When booking, choose from two hikes - a moderate route to Picnic Rock and Elabana Falls or a longer route, Box Forest Falls hike. Transportation from Gold Coast hotels is included. This tour is limited to 12 people to provide a small-group experience.

Small-group tour limited to 12 ensures personalized attention
Day trip to Lamington National Park from the Gold Coast
Select a moderate hiking trail to Picnic Rock and Elabana Falls
Or extend your hike to 7 miles (11 km) on the Box Forest Falls Hike
Listen to birds and learn about forest biodiversity in this Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area
Snap photos of the McPherson Range from O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk, immersed in the rainforest canopy
Includes minivan transport from Gold Coast hotels

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Your day trip begins with pickup at Gold Coast hotels by minivan for the 27-mile (45-km) drive inland to Lamington National Park. During the approximate 1-hour drive, admire views of Mt Barney and Mt Lindsay. Upon arrival at the park, get ready for your hike by fueling up with snacks (bring your own) and listening to your guide's introduction to your hiking route, including a few safety tips. (See the Itinerary section for details about both hikes - Picnic Rock and Elabana Falls and the Box Forest Falls hike; select the hike you wish to take when booking). Then set off on your hike, wandering through Lamington's lush, World Heritage-listed rainforest landscape made up of pine trees, ferns and flowering plants, all remains of the ancient Gondwanan forests that once blanketed Australia. In the afternoon, you'll arrive at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, where you can visit the cafe to purchase lunch. (not included)After lunch, enjoy a little free time to check out the gift shop, feed the local birds or just admire the scenery from your location in the middle of the park. From O'Reilly's, you'll drive back down the mountain and then onto the Gold Coast for hotel drop-off.ItineraryPicnic Rock and Elabana Falls: 4.2 miles (6.7 km)The walking track on this moderate walk is graded, but fairly easy. You'll wind down through an emerald landscape of Queensland brush box and strangler figs, arriving at superb views of the waterfalls near Picnic Rock. A 10-minute detour takes you down to Elabana Falls where you can scramble over some boulders for an even better view of the cascade. After watching the water show and snapping a few pics, follow your guide back up the track with a steady, but gentle, incline. Arrive at O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk, the first attraction of its kind in Australia, and stroll along a series of suspension bridges some 65 feet (20 meters) above the forest floor. The walk showcases some sweeping views of the McPherson Range and the rainforest canopy.Box Forest Falls 6.8 miles (11km)This moderate hike is a spectacular experience. The walking track is graded in most parts, there are some rocks to climb, but it's not hard. Head out with your guide on the Border Track then turning down towards Box Forest falls taking in the breathtaking giant Brush Box trees, waterfalls and cascades that follow this track. Morning tea at a peaceful waterhole by the Toolona creek, another few minutes and we arrive at the stunning Box Forest Waterfall. Keep an eye out for blue Lamington crayfish, which are only found on the Lamington & Springbrook Plateau. Back at O'Reillys enjoy the Tree Top Walk before you head back to the Gold Coast.