Hiking Lower Ballanjui Falls in Lamington National Park QLD

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from the city, head down to the serene Lower Ballanjui Falls in Lamington National Park. You won’t regret it.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Yugambeh people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview Lower Ballanjui Falls

Lower Ballanjui Falls is a peaceful 11km return hike through the lush rainforest of the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park. With quiet, scenic trails and spectacular lookout points over the Numinbah Valley, it’s the perfect day escape just 90 minutes from both Brissie and the Gold Coast.

Quick Facts

Distance: 11km
Duration: Around 4 hours
Elevation: 450m
Closest town: Beechmont

About Lower Ballunjui Falls

Hidden in the Gondwana-rich forests of Lamington National Park, Lower Ballanjui Falls is an ideal spot to escape the city hustle. There are many trails in this part of the park, but my most recent trail discovery was to Lower Ballanjui Falls.

The trailhead begins near the Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, and the journey to the falls winds through dense rainforest, rock clefts, and vine-covered paths that feel straight out of a fairytale.

Read more: Take a Bite of Lamington National Park

Along the way, you’ll encounter two stunning lookouts — Koolanbilba and Yangahla — offering breathtaking views of Egg Rock, Turtle Rock, and Hinze Dam.

History of Lower Ballanjui Falls

Lower Ballanjui Falls is nestled in the ancient rainforests of Lamington National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rich biodiversity and significant Gondwana origins.

Named by the local Yugambeh people, who hold deep connections to the land, Ballanjui Falls is one of the many hidden treasures along the 18km Ships Stern Circuit, and is a quiet retreat from the busier trails nearby.

How to Get To Lower Ballanjui Falls

From Brisbane, head down the Pacific Motorway and take Exit 69 (Nerang) and follow the signs to Hinze Dam. Once on Nerang-Murwillumbah Road, take the right-hand turnoff to Binna Burra and follow this road up to the park.

The journey will take about 90 minutes. The track starts opposite the Binna Burra Mountain Lodge driveway entrance.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Skill Level

Beginner

Essential Gear

• Insect repellent
• Water and snacks
• Good grippy hiking shoes (the rocks are very slippery)
• First aid kit
• Light rain jacket (it’s a rainforest after all!)

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

What It’s Like to Hike to Lower Ballunjui Falls

I started the hike early at 7am, when the air was still crisp, the carpark was empty, and there were only a few campers milling about.

The hike to Ballunjui Falls is an easy 11 kilometres return. The trail is a steady descent down a mountainside and features a couple of open lookouts.

The first lookout – and my new favourite in the park – is the Koolanbilba Lookout. The lookout gives expansive views over the Numinbah Valley. Points of interest include Egg Rock, Turtle Rock, Ship’s Stern and Hinze Dam.

It’s an interesting trail which starts off fairly open along the cliffside and offers glimpses of the surrounding valley through the eucalypt trees. After reaching the Yangahla Lookout, the descent begins into the dense rainforest.

You’ll then walk through rock clefts, do some rock hopping, weave under and through vines, and clamber over giant tree roots before reaching Nixon Creek. The hike trails off to the right from the Ship’s Stern Circuit once you hit the creek and you follow the creek down until you reach the falls.

There’s a good chance you’ll be the only one on the trail like I was, and have the waterfall all to yourself.

Beware of all the spiderwebs and leeches at the waterfall, and you might even spot some yabbies creek side.

Read more: Leeches: How To Remove, Avoid, and Appreciate Them

FAQs Lower Ballanjui Falls

How hard is the hike to Lower Ballanjui Falls?

It’s beginner-friendly with a steady descent on the way in, so save some energy for the climb back out!

Is it worth getting up early for the hike to Lower Ballanjui Falls?

Absolutely. Fewer people, cooler temps, and that misty morning magic make it the perfect early-bird hike.

Can I swim at Lower Ballanjui Falls?

This is more a spot to dip your feet in than swim. Keep an eye out for slippery rocks and say hello to the yabbies.

What’s the coolest lookout point along the way?

Koolanbilba Lookout is the stunner, with epic views over the Numinbah Valley that’ll stop you in your tracks.

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