Exploring the ancient Gondwana Rainforests

Exploring the ancient Gondwana Rainforests of Australia within the Scenic Rim

Nested in the south-eastern pocket of the Scenic Rim are lush swathes of rainforest that is epitomised within the grandeur of Lamington National Park.

Straddling the border of New South Wales, this area is internationally recognised as one of the world’s most outstanding and valuable places for its ecological significance and biological diversity – a natural wonder officially declared as part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australias World Heritage Area.

A winding 36km road from Canungra leads you through towering strangler figs and open woodlands providing picturesque hinterland views along the way to the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park. A treasure trove that is best discovered throughout an extensive trail network that is suitable for all fitness levels and endless bushwalking experiences. The Box Forest Circuit is a moderate 4-hour loop trail best experienced during the early morning bird chorus in an anti-clockwise direction accessed from the Border Track at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Explore palm groves, pass through impressive stands of pink-barked brush box and the ancient giants of Antarctic beech trees. Listen out for the distinct ringing calls and mimicry of the elusive Albert’s lyrebird. The air starts to cool as you trail down along the ridge amid a mosaic of green and upon reaching Picnic Rock the sounds of the cascading creek develops from the multi-tiered Elabana Falls.

While appreciating the stunning waterfall, the overwhelming serenity of birdsong ensues with fantails swirling above. The elusive Lamington spiny crayfish crawling can be found along the forest floor and hiding in the rocky mountain streams – try your luck to encounter these natives in the plunge pool below the falls. You could truly spend hours exploring the rockpools and taking photographs from every angle!

Lamington National Park Box Forest Circuit (4hrs – 10.9km loop trail – Moderate) Imagery and story by Sonny Royal Environmental & Ecotourism Consultant / Photographer @sonnyroyalphoto

Continue down the circuit to return and admire many other cascading waterfalls along the way. Be rewarded with spectacular views and exceptional wildlife encounters, including shy red-necked pademelons foraging in the undergrowth. The Box Forest Circuit is one of the best trails in Lamington National Park. It inspires a sense of awe and marvel for this fascinating ancient landscape – yielding a premium escape into nature. People visit Lamington and make a connection, one that sees them return again and again.

Help to ensure this wonderful area can be enjoyed by future generations – tread lightly and leave no trace!

Lamington spiny crayfish crawling