LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK

Lamington National Park is a park which is part of the larger Gondwana Rainforests of Australia which, in turn, is the largest expanse of subtropical Rainforests in the world. There are more than 500 waterfalls in the park and the place is famous for its ancient trees, variety of birds, walking trails, mountain views, rare and unique wildlife and its mesmerizing natural environment.

Lamington National Park is well known for its natural environment and furthermore for its immaculate mountains, strolling tracks, birdlife, antiquated trees, and rainforests. It lies on the Plateau of Lamington, Queensland fringe, Australia which is spread over 51,000 sections of land. Lamington National Park is home to more than 180 species, some of which are about to go extinct and this is one of the best places to go in Gold Coast.

The National Park is 30 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean and is built 3000 feet above sea level. It is constituted with two segments that are Binna Burra and the Green Mountains. Green Mountain stands on the Western Lamington plateau area, known as O’Reilly, a major natural attraction of Australia. On the other hand, Binna Burra is a mountain lodge, situated in the midst of the national park, surrounded by all kinds of flora and fauna. It is the first Ecolodge to be established in Australia.

The park is famous for hiking and bird watching. In addition to these, the tourists come here for bushwalking camping, for a picnic with friends and family. Along with nature retreat, the park also offers many activities such as mountain biking and cycling, four-wheel driving, horse riding, fishing, rock climbing, and more such activities. The National Park was featured in the Australian National Heritage List in 2007 and is now a UNESCO world heritage site.

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Highlights

• Lamington National Park is home to a large variety of ancient trees such as the Antarctic beech trees whose roots are over 5000 years old.
• The park has an amazing range of walking trails which covers about 120 km and categorized from Class 1 to Class 5 levels.
• Lamington National Park has about 500 waterfalls with Elabana Falls and Box Log Falls being the most popular.
• The park houses and helps preserve several rare and endangered animals such as the Eastern bristlebird, large-eared pied bat and more.
• The cliffs and plateaus in the park is a part of the Tweed Volcano which is over 23 million years old.
• For those who enjoy camping, there is a large campground near the Green Mountains Section with basic camping facilities.
• At the park you can find one of the rarest orchids known as the Lamington Underground Orchid. This flowering Orchid completes its entire life cycle under the ground.

How To Reach

Lamington Park is 65 kilometres from Gold Coast Airport, which is 1 hour 22 minutes drive via the Beechmont Road. You can hire a bus, taxi or a car from the airport to reach the park. The fare will cost Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 9,000. The most economical way to reach the park is self-drive, which will have a total cost of Rs. 600.

Also Read: National Parks In Australia

Best Time To Visit

The best time to explore the national park is in the winter season which lasts from June to August. The humidity is low at this time and the cold winds make it an ideal season to explore the natural habitat. 

The second favourable month is September to November which is the springtime. It also rains or snows 2-3 days a month which makes it a suitable time for exploration. The fall time is a less favourable season among tourists, which begins in March and lasts until May. The weather is hot and humid at this time. However, this is a good time to get budgetary deals. 

Travellers who want to enjoy the hot weather can also travel in summer, December to February, when the right amount of rain and snowfall occurs and the weather is mildly hot. It is also the right season to get a good deal as the tourist season is low during this period.

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Other Essential Information

Flora and Fauna of Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park has diverse environments and subtropical forests that preserve some distinctive flora and fauna.

- Flora

Lamington National Park has rich plantations that are found only here. Here one can witness a variety of rainforest with a 3000-year-old tree. The Lamington National park also rescues Araucaria cunninghamii, Australia's largest remnant of hoop pine.

The major tree species found in the warm subtropical rainforest is Argyrodendron Trifoliolatum which is also commonly known as White Boyong in New South Wales. Along with this, Argyrodendron Actinophyllum is also found here, which is commonly called Black Boyong. It is the largest rainforest tree in Australia. Apart from these Karrabina benthamiana, Sloanea woollsii, Pigeonberry ash, Caldcluvia paniculosa, and Rosewood can be found.

A rare species of sweet-smelling plant called Pittosporum will also be found here. The last flora of the ice age, Peach Myrtle and Euphrasia are also found among these dense forests. Endangered species can also be seen in Lamington such as strangler figs, and Sarchochilus orchids.

- Fauna

Lamington National Park has a rich fauna where sightings of variegated animals can be seen. It is home to many bird species and animals, which are found only here. The park also preserves many species that are on extinction. This large wildlife has also protected prehistoric reptiles such as land mullets, carpet pythons, and lace monitors.

The National Park is known for its rich birdlife where more than 100 species of birds are found, including the smallest Australian parrot, and southern fig parrot. Along with these, they share a home with the second-smallest bird species, Richmond birdwing, and Albert’s lyrebird.

In the wildlife of Lamington, the world's weirdest creature, the blue Lamington crayfish, is also seen, which only be found in the Lamington Plateau. These Crayfish are also known as Yabby.Other threatened mammals such as a large-eye pied bat, from the family of Vespertilionidae, beech skink, platypus, regent bowerbird can also be spotted in the park. 

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Where to Stay in Lamington National Park

1. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

O’Reilly’s guesthouse is located a short distance away in Lamington National Park. It provides Mountain View Studio, Mountain View Room, and a three-room villa. To provide an unforgettable experience to their guests O’Reilly’s also offers some of the best activities in the middle of the forest including glow worm experience, sunset experience, tea walks, Segway safari and many more.

2. Wongari Eco Retreat

Located a short distance from Lamington National Park, Wongari Eco Retreat offers cabin accommodation in the midst of the wilderness. It is also a pet-friendly resort. All the cabins here are river-facing and you can also enjoy the lush green gardens, barbecue, and a sun terrace in Wongari Eco.

3. Binna Burra Lodge

The campus of Binna Burra is wrapped in the subtropical rainforest of Lamington National Park. Binna Burra Lodge offers Eco-friendly studios and apartments and campsites for stay. The lodge has free wifi, a free parking area, a spa, and many other facilities. You will also find a golf activity area in the Binna Burra campus.

4. Ridge Cottage National Park

Built-in stone, Ridge Cottage is situated in the natural setting of Lamington Park which provides you with facilities like kitchen, dining area, fireplace, etc. The cottage offers you to stay a minimum for 2 days to enjoy the tranquility and calmness of the park.

5. A Rainforest Cottage 

A Rainforest Cottage is a hideout set in the birding paradise of Lamington National Park, Australia. The Cottage is fully equipped with a heater, barbecue, and a private garden. The cottage also has a free parking facility on its premises. 

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Traveler's Tips Before Visiting Lamington National Park

1. Take raincoats and warm clothes with you as the weather in Queensland can change anytime.

2. Take comfortable shoes with you. Since the road is not smooth, it is better that you wear hiking shoes and not any fancy shoes.

3. Do not forget to carry sunscreen and a hat with you because the scorching sun here can burn your skin.

4. Pack some instant food, torch and first aid kit with you.

5. Domestic animals are not allowed in the park. So don't bother to take them with you.

6. Because it is wildlife, it is dangerous to walk here at night, especially when you do not keep any lighting with you.

7. Always carry a park guide and map with you and bring binoculars and a camera to watch and capture wildlife animals.

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