The Bellbird Lookout Walk offers a rewarding family-friendly adventure within Lamington National Park's Binna Burra section, roughly 110 kilometers south of Brisbane. This easy 2.2km grade 2 hike takes approximately 1.25 hours to complete and culminates in a breathtaking natural lookout.
The track itself branches off from the Ships Stern Circuit and winds its way through a scenic blend of rainforest and open forest. The path then opens unexpectedly onto Bellbird Lookout, a natural vantage point offering dramatic views without railings. For safety reasons, ensure children are closely supervised and remain a safe distance from the cliff edge.
While the surrounding land and most of the track belong to Binna Burra Mountain Lodge rather than the National Park itself, the panoramic views are undeniably spectacular. From this height, you can marvel at the impressive natural formations sculpted by millions of years of erosion, landslides, and weathering, including Ships Stern, Turtle Rock, Egg Rock (Kurraragin), and Numinbah Valley.
The lookout also provides an opportunity to spot hoop pines (Araucaria cunninghamii) thriving on the exposed northern slopes. Interestingly, the harvesting of these very trees, along with red cedar (Toona ciliata), played a significant role in European settlement, ultimately leading to the clearing of Numinbah Valley for agricultural purposes.
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â
A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Total distance: 1885 m
Max elevation: 784 m
Min elevation: 718 m
Total climbing: 94 m
Total descent: -94 m
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Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Lamington National Park.
Lamington National Park consists of two distinct areas: Green Mountains and Binna Burra. Green Mountains lies on the western side of the Lamington Plateau, while Binna Burra encompasses the eastern section.
Reaching Green Mountains: If travelling from the Gold Coast, drive approximately 40 kilometres to Canungra via Nerang. From the north, take exit 34 on the Pacific Motorway to Beenleigh, followed by route 92 to Tamborine and route 90 to Canungra. The final 36 kilometres from Canungra to Green Mountains is a winding and often narrow bitumen road. Allow at least 50 minutes for this journey and drive with caution. This route is unsuitable for large recreational vehicles (longer than 4 metres) and vehicles towing caravans or camper trailers.
Reaching Binna Burra: Allow approximately 70 minutes for the drive from Broadbeach to Binna Burra. Travel 38 kilometres to Beechmont via Nerang. Coming from the north, take exit 69 on the Pacific Motorway and follow signage westward towards Lamington National Park (Binna Burra section). The last 1.8 kilometres of the drive is particularly narrow and winding.
Public transport: Public transport is not available within the park. Taxis and ride-sharing services may also be difficult to obtain for pick-up from Lamington National Park.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Beaudesert, Beechmont, Binna Burra, Canungra, Mount Barney, Mount Tamborine, Nerang, North Tamborine, O'Reilly's, Tamborine Mountain, Warwick, Willow Vale, Wongawallan, Wonglepong
Immerse yourself in the captivating World Heritage rainforests of Lamington National Park, established in 1915 and spanning over 21,176 hectares. Located in south-east Queensland, close to Gold Coast, the park is part of the McPherson Range within the Scenic Rim mountain chain.
Lamington's extensive network of walking tracks caters to all abilities, from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes that delve deep into the heart of the rainforest. These tracks wind through lush valleys, past ancient trees and cascading waterfalls, leading you to dramatic lookouts offering panoramic views across the Gold Coast, south-east Queensland and even into northern New South Wales.
The park's significance extends beyond its beauty. Lamington is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, renowned for its diverse ecosystems. Here you'll find some of the world's most extensive subtropical rainforests, warm temperate rainforests and the most northerly reaches of cool temperate Antarctic beech forests. This unique environment provides a vital habitat for a multitude of plant and animal life, including many threatened and endemic species.
Looking for more walks in or near Lamington National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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11 Reviews on “Bellbird Lookout Walk (2.2km)”
I think it’s 12km not 2.
I think it’s 12km not 2.
It is definitely only 2km. Maybe you took a different route as there are many trails around there.