Having a holiday on the Gold Coast is many people’s dream come true. However, some people may find it hard to spend that much time in the concrete jungle.
If you think you will fancy a break from the city to explore the outdoors, why not head across to Lamington National Park in your car hire Gold Coast wide!
It will only take roughly 70 minutes at most from Broadbeach, making this a fantastic day trip.
Here are some of the highlights you can expect to see once you get there.
Green mountains
This is the section of Lamington National Park located on the Western side of the plateau in the area known as O’Reilly. It is the heart of the Gold Coast Hinterlands and features lush rainforests, spectacular views and ancient trees.
You could either choose to camp here for a night or simply enjoy one of the many walking tracks the area has to offer. From all-day excursions to half-day treks, this area has it all.
Once you leave for Lamington National Park, you should make time to search for some of the wildlife the area is known for.
Crimson Rosellas line the picnic area and you can often hear the popping call of a masked mountain frog along the Python Rock walking track.
As you walk, make sure you keep an eye out for the Regent Bowerbird or Rufous Scrub-bird and Antarctic beech tree – ancient species that have been around in the area since prehistoric times.
There are over 900 species of vascular plants and over 120 bird species in this park.
Binna Burra
This is the other section of Lamington National Park and features private land and a mountain lodge that has been around since the 1930s. If you visit here you will be able to see the era’s charm and character.
Binna Burra is located around 800 metres above sea level, which makes it a great spot from which to view beautiful natural features.
Plus, the lodge was the first Down Under to hold the internationally recognised Green Globe Certification on account of its environmental performance.
Mount Bithongabel
Mount Bithongabel is located in this beautiful National Park that forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, which includes the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world.
This mountain is one of the most accessible border lookouts in Lamington National Park. However, at a height of 240 metres, you can experience a change from subtropical to temperate forest here – so make sure you pack appropriate clothing for this excursion!
The walk around this particular mountain is around 12.6 kilometres, so you can expect it to take around five hours. It is an easy to moderate walk, though, and will return you to your car.
It is a great track to consider in the middle of a hot summer, as it will allow you to escape the heat. However, those who choose to make the climb in winter will be rewarded with clear views from the peak and a lesser chance of encountering rain.
Flora and fauna
Lamington National Park is also known for the hundreds of flowering plants that it contains, including trees, shrubs, creepers, vines, small herbs and grasses, as well as orchids, lilies and other related species.
Make sure you get your smackers ready for the mistletoe and also keep an eye out for the stinging tree, antarctic beech tree, white heath, tree waratah, flame kurrajong and ironbark orchid, king orchid, wild tobacco and grass tree.
Wildlife
You might see more of the Park’s reptiles and amphibians out during the summer months, but be aware that some of these reptiles are active during the warmest part of the day and some are nocturnal.
In saying that, frogs and toads are active day and night under certain circumstances and you might be able to hear their calls when you pass by water areas or the beech forest.