Lamington National ParkLamington National Park at 3,000 feet high (930 metres), is referred to as the Gold Coast hinterland, but to me it is like a green crown sitting above the golden body of the coast region. Lamington National Park is part of the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves (Australia) World Heritage Area and its listing recognises it as an outstanding example of ecology and biology ... truly a sanctuary for native plants and animals.
Over 20,000ha in area, Lamington is like a necklace of mountains making up the rim of the ancient Tweed volcano that erupted over 20 million years ago. Its magnificent rainforest traverses both sides of the Queensland-New South Wales border and is the home of more frog, snake, bird and marsupial species than anywhere else in Australia.
Non-regular visitors to Lamington National Park are often surprised at how much cooler it is at this altitude, so I always advise people to pack some warm cloths ... even a light jacket and a comfortable pair of walking boots or shoes, as some path can be slippery.
You'll need that attire if you intend taking on the 160km of graded walking tracks taking you through Mt Merino, Echo Point, Coomera Gorge, Elebana Falls and Picnic Rock. Don't fret there are shorter walks of 1km to 20km and remember. Remember, this is not just the normal "walk in the park" - couldn't resist saying that - so make sure you see the park ranger before taking on any of the longer walks in Lamington National Park. On your own this can become a serious and dangerous place, so plan your trip. Both Green Mountain and Binna Burra have camping grounds but caravan drivers had better watch out before driving the steep and winding roads. Binna Burra Mountain Lodge & Campsite
Binna Burra Mountain Lodge in integral to Lamington National Park and has timber and log cabins that were created in 1933 by Arthur Groom and Romeo Leahy, both conservationists, who created a place where people could soak up the beauty of this natural area. At Binna Burra, packages are available for activities include abseiling, guided rainforest walks or what about the largest flying-fox in the southern hemisphere or maybe the ropes course is more to your liking ... Yes, even for visitors up for only a day. For more detailed information Click on this link.
O'Reillys Guest House
As you are beginning to realise, Lamington National Park is filled with natural jewels and another true emerald is O'Reilly's Guest House.
Created in 1911 by the O'Reilly brothers, who, like me, haled from Emerald Isle of Ireland, these hard working pioneers cut a track to their property, so they could supply the market with cream cans from their dairy farm. The National Park was established in 1915 and a guesthouse opened in 1926. O'Reilly's is the local name for the famous O'Reilly's Guest House. When I visit I get the feeling that I must almost talk in 'hushed tones' - it's like being in a holy place as you commune with nature in all its glory.
Everywhere your eye wanders there is a slight intake of breathe; truly a place of wonder - with Giant Panda Snails, the platypus and the Common Planigale - a ferocious carnivore that is smaller than a mouse. The famous Tree Top Walk is on the "must" list. It has nine suspension bridges with two observation points, with the highest at 100 feet (30m). For a more details on O'Reilly's (don't miss the glow worm walk) and it wonderful hospitality click on the following link to learn about its range of daily activities including spotlighting walks, four-wheel-drive trips or a stay at their camp site, their safari style tents and caravan sites. Some Dramatic History:
Almost 70 years ago, Bernard O'Reilly, came to national prominence for using his bush skills to find a crashed airliner.
In 1937 the airliner was reported missing enroute from Brisbane. The fate of the passengers was unknown, so Bernard O'Reilly decided to set out on his own to search the area where the flight path crossed the McPherson Ranges.
He cut his way through dense forest, climbed Mt Throakban and finally picked out a tree that looked burnt. It was about 8km away - he was right ... he found four people had died but two survivors were found.
He organised the local farmers and friends to cut 16km of track through dense forest and rescued the two survivors. You can visit and view the Stinson Memorial ... named after the Stinson Aircraft.
If you want to soak up more of Lamington National Park drive on to Darraboola Falls, Moran's Falls, Wagawin and Toolona Falls for breathtaking views.
Enjoys this natural piece of heaven on earth and make sure your group leaves it as you found it; Clean and Natural. Please use the national park with respect for all animal, bird and natural habitat.
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