Romeo Lahey, together with Robert Collins, initiated the declaration of the Lamington National Park in 1915, and if you’re looking to explore lush rainforests, ancient trees, witness spectacular views and navigate in some extensive bush walks – then consider Lamington National Park your present from Queensland. With some impressive sights, it’s no wonder it was bestowed World Heritage status in 1994, recognising its rich biodiversity and cultural value. With over 160 bird species known to be in the area, Lamington National Park is also home to many reptiles, frogs, mammals and invertebrates.
A visitor highlight of the area would have to be O’Reilly’s Rainforest Tree Top Walk – approximately 15 metres above the rainforest floor. Take a walk along suspension bridges for 180 metres whilst you spot the flora and fauna along the trail, plus don’t forget to look for the birds and other animals that reside in the treetops. Along the walkway are profiles to help with identifying what you can see and although there is no age or height restriction to walk the bridges, adult supervision is highly recommended, especially during the climbing aspect of the walk. You will be able to walk through the flowering and fruiting trees to climb to the two observation decks constructed in a Strangler Fig, the highest one being approximately 30 metres above the ground.
A drive to the National Park from Canungra Hotel will take around half an hour, depending on which area of the park you are visiting.
Tamborine National Park, on Tamborine Mountain, sits at 560 metres above sea level, offering views to the Pacific Ocean and Gold Coast skyline to the east, and national parks of the Scenic Rim to the west. With a number of picnic spots as well as scenic drives, you can also explore on foot via one of the many bushwalks to the lookouts and other natural wonders.
Worth a special mention would be the Cedar Creek Falls, with a small carpark located on Cedar Creek Road. Cedar Creek Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the mountain and known for its spectacular waterfall after it rains, as well as clean fresh water all year round. The tracks that continue down into the gorge winding through the rainforest to the three rock pools for a refreshing dip are well worth the 900 metre trek, just remember that you have an uphill journey on the way out!
The drive to Cedar Creek will take around 20 minutes from Canungra Hotel.
View the area and its surroundings on the map to learn how to get here.
