3000 year old Antarctic Beech trees (Nothofagus moorei) stand as testament to Australia's beginnings as part of the Gondwanaland super-continent
A World Heritage Area where new plants are being found, classified and named even today
Outstanding birdlife including the striking regent and satin bower birds, the elusive Albert's lyrebird and the shrieking catbird
Auswalk Lamington Traverse is an INN-to-INN accommodated walking holiday. You walk in different parts of the National Park, including the traverse all the way across from O'Reilly's to Binna Burra. We move your luggage for you while you are out walking. This holiday can be done Self-Guided. Guided trips are also available every week, subject to demand, for a minimum of 2 people booking together.
Walk through World Heritage rainforests
Immerse yourself totally in the World Heritage rainforests of Lamington National Park, south of Brisbane. Peaks here reach over 1100m and the steep untracked southern escarpment forms a natural border with the state of NSW. Massive strangler figs, ancient Antarctic beech, red cedar, rosewood and booyongs tower overhead whilst hundreds of different species of vines, ferns and orchids shelter beneath. More than 160 species of sub-tropical birds will keep any bird-lover engrossed. With so much abundant native wildlife, this park offers a wealth of experiences. Climb the huge strangler fig tower, marvel at the upper levels of the forest on the Tree Top Walk and visit secluded Moran Falls. The highlight will be the walk right across the plateau along the scenic Lamington Traverse - let us take care of the logistics for you. Plus in the evenings you'll be pampered at two of Australia's most famous eco retreats - O'Reillys Guesthouse and Binna Burra.
Location This trip starts and finishes in Brisbane. We include all of the transport arrangements ex Brisbane.
Grading 55% easy, 25% moderate, 20% harder. 8-22km (3-7 hours) walking each day. The longest walking day is the traverse of the plateau from O’Reillys to Binna Burra – its 22km however it’s almost flat and very easy walking so if you start early you should finish at a comfortable time in the afternoon. You can always have the following morning off to recover!
Accommodation Typical accommodation includes rainforest eco lodges & a B&B - private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Regional wine & food Noted for homely country style meals, washed down with local wines from Canungra valley.
What’s included 5 nights accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, luggage transfers, all transport to/from Brisbane, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, walking notes, maps. On guided trips you'll join other guests from O'Reillys and one of their guides on a short afternoon walk on the first day. On the next two days you will have a private guide. On the last day of walking you will walk with other guests from Binna Burra on a full or half-day walk.
Not included Alcohol, additional meals.
The best time to go This mountain environment is about 10 degrees cooler than Brisbane. April to September is ideal for walking with mild sunny days. From October it starts warming up. There may be some humidity in January and February. In March it starts to cool down again.
Departure dates Self-guided INN-to-INN - any day of the year, with a minimum of 2 people booking together. Note that the price is cheaper if you can start on a Saturday. Guided INN-to-INN - operates on demand, starting any day of the year, for a minimum of 2 people booking together. Note that the price is cheaper if you can start on a Saturday.
Itinerary guide - 6 days (includes 5 nights accommodation & 4 days walking)
Day 1: Starts in Brisbane any time after 2pm. Accommodation: Brisbane Day 2: Travel by coach to O’Reillys on the Lamington Plateau. The afternoon walk is an excellent introduction to the unique flora and fauna of the area. Climb the giant fig tree, stroll across the Tree Tops Walk and visit stunning Moran Falls. Pamper yourself in the spa pool before dinner then join the ranger for a nightlife walk. Accommodation: O’Reillys Day 3: A waterfall circuit walks criss-crossing pretty Canungra Creek. Walk through lush sub-tropical rainforest with impressive stands of brush box and piccabeen palms. Fabulous lunch spots along the route. Accommodation: O’Reillys Day 4: Full day Lamington Traverse. Walk across the rainforest plateau on the Border Track to Binna Burra Lodge - at 22km it’s a long way but the route is almost flat and the going is easy. The track emerges from the subtropical rainforest at several panoramic escarpment lookouts along the way. Accommodation: Binna Burra Day 5: A full day circuit walk from Binna Burra. A choice of the longer harder Coomera Circuit which criss-crosses rainforest creeks for much of the day. The easier option heads through bellbird forest and past excellent examples of giant red cedar trees to remote Lower Ballanjui Falls then on to Kweebani Cave, a massive Aboriginal cooking cave. Accommodation: Binna Burra. Day 6: After breakfast, travel by coach then train back to Brisbane
