High above the Queensland - New South Wales border rise the 3 000 foot high escarpments of the Lamington plateau, where Queensland’s best-known national park covers 20 000 hectares of mountain peaks, cliffs and gorges and dense rainforest.

Along its southern precipices some peaks rise almost to 4 000 feet before dropping abruptly in huge cliffs and bluffs to the river valleys. Lookouts on these heights command a view across the whole of north-eastern New South Wales - over valleys, ranges and plains which on a clear day, can be seen reaching far away to the coast.

At other times, the valleys are blanketed in low-lying mist, an equally fascinating spectacle. The northern slopes are less precipitous, though steep. Several roads wind up the range, climbing steadily above deep valleys until the plateau heights are reached.

Fauna & Flora

Most of the plateau and the ranges and valleys are very densely vegetated. In the sub tropical rainforest grow giant trees, some with widespread buttresses and green trunks and branches where mosses, fungi and ferns grow.

You may see here the huge Tristania conferta trees, the Rough barked Hoop Pine and a giant stinging tree as well as Cedar, Bloodwood, Beefwood and Carribean trees.

In November, the flame trees splash the forest with vermilion and the Moreton Bay chestnut comes into bloom while in January and February the Firewheel trees are a feature. Orchids adorn many of the trees and one of the best known of the botanical features is the forest of ancient Antarctic Beeches in the higher part of the park.

Bird life is numerous and varied with Whipbird, Cat bird, Albert Lyrebird, Bower birds, Parrots, the uncommon Pitta and the elusive Rufous Scrub Bird to name just some.

Amid this jungle lushness many of the coastal rivers, the Coomera, Nerang, Albert and Logan and Christmas and Widgee Creeks have their headwaters and these streams form innumerable waterfalls and rock pools of exquisite beauty where you may catch a glimpse of the very shy platypus.

Rainforest mammals such as the spotted tail quoll, eastern pygmy possum, the long nosed potoroo and a variety of antechinus or marsupial mouse can also be found in the diverse area.

To learn more about the wildlife and to explore the natural history of Lamington’s mountains, forests and wetlands Araucaria Ecotours have Day-tours, extended tours, weekend camps, customized tours for all ages and fitness
Ph 55411283 www.learnaboutwildlife.com

Accommodation

There are two mountain lodges, Binna Burra and O'Reillys, one at either end of the plateau. These award winning lodges live up to the ethos of eco-tourism providing guests with a high quality rainforest experience. Both overlook many miles of mountain ridges and deep valleys and from these centres walking trails radiate outwards through the rainforest to cliff-edge lookouts, waterfalls, and tropical birds.

Binna Burra Mountain Lodge and Campsite
Ph 1800074260
www.binnaburralodge.com.au

O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse
Ph 1800688722
www.oreillys.com.au

Access to the wilderness southern end of the park is through Christmas Creek, the Lost World Valley of the south branch of the Albert River, Running Creek and Mt Gipps. At all these points comfortable cottages, farmstays and B&B’s can accommodate visitors who may be looking for adventure or simply the romance and drama of the mountains and the tumbling chill of its streams

At Christmas Creek,
Cave Rock Cottages tucked just under the ancient escarpments, ideal for a back to nature getaway
Ph 07 55448227 www.caverock.com.au

In the Lost World Valley;
Cedar Glen Farmstay offers a wealth of rural experiences including horse riding
Ph 55448170 www.cedarglen.com.au

Tandaroo Country Accommodation
Self contained accommodation set amongst the beautiful backdrop of Lamington National Park
Ph 55448255 www.tandaroo.com.au

Worendo B&B where romantic comfort on the edge of wilderness is the appropriate catchphrase
Ph 55448104 www.users.bigpond.com/worendo

Bushwalking

World Heritage listed Lamington National Park remains the jewel in the crown of Queensland’s 223 national parks with hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks. There are many half-day walks and full-day walks for both keen bushwalkers and very experienced bushwalkers alike.
For all information on walks in Lamington visit lamington.nrsm.uq.edu.au/mainmenu.html.

Lamington National Park can offer adventure, pristine wilderness, beauty and the drama and romance of looming mountains and fast flowing streams as well as stunning accommodation in close proximity.

References

Michael Morcombe
Australian National Parks: East
Landsdowne Press
Melbourne 1971