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.
Total distance: 16957 m
Max elevation: 1195 m
Min elevation: 813 m
Total climbing: 830 m
Total descent: -830 m
Download file:
Toolona-Creek-circuit.gpx
Main image: Nicholas Hill © Queensland Government
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Closest towns to this walk: Beaudesert, Beechmont, Binna Burra, Canungra, Mount Barney, Mount Tamborine, Nerang, North Tamborine, O'Reilly's, Tamborine Mountain, Warwick, Willow Vale, Wongawallan, Wonglepong
Getting to the trailhead in Lamington National Park.
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.
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 hikes and trails in Lamington National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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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.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
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