Looking for the best waterfalls near the Gold Coast? Lamington National Park in the hinterland is full of them and only an hour away from the beach. How good’s that!

Highlights

  • Breathtaking waterfalls
  • Lush rainforest
  • Range of hiking trails

Lamington National Park – The Sweetest Treat

New Zealand can claim lamingtons as their own cause we have Laminngton National Park! Located in the lush Gold Coast Hinterland, the park has a plethora of hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking lookouts every single turn you take. The best area of the park is up for debate but I love the Green Mountains section.

We set out from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat to hike the West Canungra Creek Trail after the Gold Coast had received a large amount of rain the previous day. The track is a 13.5km return hike which winds down through dense forest full of ancient trees.

 

Emily-Ann Marskell lamington national park gold coast hinterland waterfall wild swimming

Darraboola Falls

Our first photo opportunity was Darraboola Falls and then the track descends to Yerralahia (Blue Pool). From the Blue Pool the track takes you upstream following the creek for most of its length leading you past a couple of smaller waterfalls along the way.

There are multiple creek crossings which are normally easy to cross but with the amount of rain there’d been the day before we ended up knee-deep in water through most of the crossings. Make sure you do your research beforehand and only cross if it’s safe.

 

Emily-Ann Marskell lamington national park gold coast hinterland waterfall wild swimming

Drenched and Content

The track joins up with the Box Forest Circuit which highlights Box Log Falls which was in full force. There’s a lot of spray from this waterfall which made it a little difficult to photograph and ended with us drenched from head to toe, but well worth it.

The last waterfall we visited was Elabana Falls which features three waterfalls in one which was absolutely beautiful.

We returned to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat wet and half frozen but with a big sense of accomplishment and in awe of the amazing places we’d explored.

 

lamington national park, photo by miranda fittock, green, rainforest, south east queensland, overnight hikes near brisbane

Essential Gear

  • Camera and tripod
  • Suitable hiking shoes
  • A good supply of water

How To Get There

The hike starts from the Green Mountains day use area in the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park.

2 hr 15 minute drive from Brisbane
1 hr 30 minute drive from Gold Coast

Skill Level

Intermediate

Distance Covered

13.5km return from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

 

Feature photo thanks to Gondwana Festival