The Toolona Creek Circuit is a challenging 17km, grade 4 hike in Lamington National Park, Queensland. This loop trail, typically completed in 6 hours, offers a stunning journey through subtropical rainforest and past cascading waterfalls.
Begin by following the Border Track for 1.7km from the Green Mountains trailhead. Look out for the intersection with the Toolona Creek and Box Forest circuits. Descend for 400m past Picnic Rock until you reach the dedicated Toolona Creek Circuit junction. From here, the trail winds alongside Toolona Creek, allowing you to experience the refreshing spray of numerous waterfalls, including Chalahn and Toolona Falls. As you ascend through the narrow Toolona Gorge, appreciate the unique ecosystem. This sheltered environment provides a haven for many ancient flowering rainforest plants, including the giant king fern (Todea barbara), a relic of the Osmundaceae family, which predates even the Gondwana supercontinent.
Emerging from the gorge, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views from Wanungara lookout. Take in the panorama encompassing the Limpinwood Valley, Mount Warning, Point Lookout on Stradbroke Island, Murwillumbah, and all the way to Byron Bay. This scenic spot is perfect for a well-deserved lunch break before returning along the Border Track past Mount Bithongabel. Keep an eye out for the many large clumps of Antarctic beech (Nothofagus moorei) trees that dot the landscape.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 16957 m
Max elevation: 1195 m
Min elevation: 813 m
Total climbing: 830 m
Total descent: -830 m
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To reach the Toolona Creek Circuit trailhead, follow Lamington National Park Road for 5.7km from the park entrance until you arrive at the Green Mountains day-use area. Park your vehicle and proceed along the well-defined Border Track for approximately 3.2km. Be sure to look out for signage indicating the turnoff for the Toolona Creek Circuit, which will mark the official starting point of your trek.
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.
Main image: Nicholas Hill © Queensland Government
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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 vistas 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.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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