The Wagawn Summit Track in Lamington National Park, Queensland, is a challenging 16km, grade 4 hike offering a unique perspective of the park's volcanic past. This loop trail, typically completed in 7 hours, takes you through mist-shrouded mountains and rewards you with glimpses of dramatic landscapes, sculpted by ancient volcanic activity.
A highlight of the track is undoubtedly the panoramic views from Garragoolba Lookout. Here, on a clear day, uninterrupted views unfold before you, revealing the scenic Springbrook Plateau, the Tweed Valley, and the majestic Mount Warning. However, be prepared for the possibility of cloud cover or regrowth obscuring the view in between natural events like wildfires or storms.
Even partially obscured, the landscape offers a glimpse into the region's fiery history. The remnant peaks of Tamborine, Springbrook, Beechmont, and Lamington National Park itself were once part of the northern flank of the Tweed Shield Volcano. Mount Warning, standing tall in the distance, marks the eroded core of this volcano, while the Tweed Valley itself sits within a vast caldera carved from its eastern flank.
After soaking in the scenery and pondering the geological wonders, the return journey follows the same track back to the starting point at Binna Burra.
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: 18587 m
Max elevation: 1071 m
Min elevation: 807 m
Total climbing: 1011 m
Total descent: -1011 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Lamington National Park.
Accessing the Wagawn Summit Track requires following a multi-stage journey within Lamington National Park, roughly 110km south of Brisbane. First, drive to the park entrance and travel for 3.5km along Binna Burra Road until you reach the Binna Burra upper day-use area. Here, you can park your vehicle and begin your hike. From the day-use area, follow the Border Track for approximately 5.4km. Look out for signage indicating the turnoff for the Araucaria Lookout Track. Take this track for 900 meters, and you will then reach the official starting point of the Wagawn Summit Track.
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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Main image: © Lesley Hutley
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7 Reviews on “Wagawn Summit Track (16km)”
This hike offers some of the best views Lamington has to offer, with stunning scenery and a fantastic variety of vegetation along the way. The trail is not a walk in the park, though—especially when wet. In rainy conditions, it gets steep, muddy, and slippery, so it’s best suited for experienced hikers. If you’re prepared with long pants, gaiters, and a good sense of adventure, it can be a fun challenge. The conditions can be tough—think muddy paths, leeches, and plenty of scrambling—but the reward is worth it. The caves along the way are absolutely beautiful, and once you accept the challenging conditions, it’s a great experience.