Base yourself at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat in the Green Mountains section of the park, or at Binna Burra Mountain Lodge in the Binna Burra section. Most of the trails lead from one or the other of these resorts, and a 23km (14-mile) Border Trail connects them; most reasonably fit folk can walk it in a day. Guided walks and activities at both resorts are for guests only; however, both properties welcome day visitors who want to walk the trails (which is free). Both have inexpensive cafes for day-trippers.

It is a good idea to bring a flashlight and maybe binoculars for wildlife spotting. The temperature is often significantly cooler than on the Gold Coast, so bring a sweater in summer and bundle up in winter when nights get close to freezing. September through October is orchid season, and the frogs come out in noisy abundance in February and March.

Visitor Information -- The best sources of information on hiking are O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat and Binna Burra Mountain Lodge; ask them to send you copies of their walking maps. National parks information offices are at both properties, but they are not always open. For detailed information on hiking and camping in the park, visit www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington.

Getting There

By Car

O'Reilly's is 37km (23 miles) from the town of Canungra. The road is twisty and winding, so take it slow. Allow an hour from Canungra to reach O'Reilly's, and plan to arrive before dark. Binna Burra is 35km (22 miles) from Nerang via Beechmont, or 26km (16 miles) from Canungra, on a winding mountain road. From the Gold Coast go west to Nerang, where you can turn off to Binna Burra via Beechmont, or go on to Canungra, where you will see the O'Reilly's and Binna Burra turnoffs. From Brisbane, follow the Pacific Highway south and take the Beenleigh/Mount Tamborine exit to Mount Tamborine. From there, follow signs to Canungra. Allow a good 2 1/2 hours to get to either resort from Brisbane, and 90 minutes from the Gold Coast. Binna Burra sells unleaded fuel; O'Reilly's has emergency supplies only.

By Coach

The Mountain Coach Company (tel. 1300/762 665 in Australia or 07/5524 4249; www.mountaincoach.com.au) does daily transfers to O'Reilly's from the Gold Coast, leaving the airport at 8am, picking up at hotels along the way, and arriving at O'Reilly's at around 12:15pm. The return trip leaves O'Reilly's at 2:25pm, arriving at the airport by 5:45pm. Bookings are essential. Australian Day Tours (tel. 1300/363 436 in Australia or 07/5512 6444; www.daytours.com.au) has a daily coach trip from Brisbane leaving at 8:45am, arriving at O'Reilly's at 12:45pm. The return trip leaves O'Reilly's at 2:15pm and gets to Brisbane at 6pm. The cost is A$93 adults and A$57 children.

The Binna Burra lodge (tel. 1300/246 622 in Australia, or 07/5533 3622) runs limousine transfers from the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Bookings are essential and must be made at least 24 hours in advance. It costs A$88 per car (for one to four passengers) from Nerang railway station, A$138 from Gold Coast Airport, and A$253 from Brisbane Airport.

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