How to do the Gondwana Rainforests of Queensland

For one, the Gondwana Rainforests are the only places on earth where you can walk beneath the canopies of the ancient world, and home to some species so rare they’re found nowhere else. Over 180 million years old and predating Australia itself, the Gondwana Rainforests once covered one-fifth of the earth’s surface and contains the origins of where primitive animal and plant life evolved.

To put it in perspective, today Australia’s rainforests cover less than one per cent of the country but contain a third of all mammal and bird species. Gondwana boasts over 200 of our most threatened species as it’s the only habitat they can survive. The mind boggles.

Where to experience the Gondwana Rainforests in Queensland

While much of the remaining Gondwana Rainforests reside across the border in New South Wales, some of the most pristine, untouched sections reside right here in Queensland. Lamington, Springbrook, Mount Barney and Main Range National Parks tick all the scenic boxes; rugged mountains, towering waterfalls and lush valleys. All ripe for exploring.

The Binna Burra and Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park boasts densely-forested ranges and dramatic lookouts over the southern edge of the Scenic Rim, while Springbrook’s soaring Antarctic beech trees, unparalleled Natural Bridge and lookout called ‘The Best Of All The Lookouts’ really dials up the ‘at one with nature’ vibes.

Hiking and trail enthusiasts will revel in Mount Barney National Park’s rugged terrain. With Barney, Maroon, May, Lindesay, Ernest, Ballow and Clunie mountains dominating the skyline, come face-to-face with evolutionary history as you walk through the ranges, fragrant eucalypt forests and lush valleys of this glorious national park.

Best photo ops in the Gondwana Rainforests

You’ll struggle to put down the camera around these parts; verdant valleys, lofty canopies a million years in the making, rare flora and fauna and an abundance of waterfalls (if that’s your thing) make Gondwana picture-perfect.

Waterfalls are a dime a dozen in Queensland’s Gondwana Rainforests – and none of them disappoint. Get snap-happy at Queen Mary Falls, Twin Falls or Purling Brook Falls and Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park, or take in the awesome 360-degree views atop Moran Falls out across Morgana Creek gorge in Lamington National Park. Make your way on foot through the Cunningham’s Gap section of Main Range National Park for impeccable views across Fassifern Valley at Governors Chair Lookout. Perched on the edge of a cliff face, legend has it the rock was reportedly a popular resting spot for early Queensland governors when travelling through the Spicers Gap region.

Get a different perspective entirely by soaking up the lesser-known sights and sounds of the Gondwana Festival. Celebrating the most magical areas of the region, the month-long festival is held every year in March and boasts guided tours and talks in otherwise restricted parts of the region. Think Segway safaris, wildlife encounters, guided bushwalks and exclusive dinners. Just think of the photo album envy…

Gondwana Rainforest accommodation

Eco lodges, treehouses, remote camping grounds and luxury stays off the beaten track; when it comes to accommodation, the Gondwana Rainforests of Queensland really deliver.

Explore the riches of Gondwana by day, and stay in luxurious digs with some serious eco credentials by night; at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, you’re perfectly positioned to get the best of both. A beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland hideout overlooking the McPherson Ranges in Lamington National Park, O’Reiley’s is an icon of the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Unleash your inner romantic in the hinterland hideout, Mouses House Rainforest Retreat. Tucked into dense rainforest on the edge of Springbrook National Park, its 14 magical wooden chalets –complete with outdoor hot tubs overlooking the property’s private stream – make the perfect base to explore the surrounding national park.

Trade dense hinterland for rugged mountain ranges at Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages. On the edge of Mount Barney National Park and the Border Ranges, these elegant cottages ooze romance. Cool off in the pool or nearby creek after a day’s hiking the Border Ranges, or simply take in the mountain views from your private deck.

Fully immerse yourself in the region’s resplendent scenery with a one-of-a-kind camping trip in the heart of Gondwana. Traditionalists will fall for the remote accommodation options at Main Range National Park Camping and Springbrook National Park Camping. Lean into the rugged landscape and wildlife spotting at Main Range, while Springbrook offers some incredible lookout points near the camp. Alternatively,  add a touch of luxury by glamping at Mount Barney Lodge. Remember your camping permits and some sturdy walking shoes.

Get lost along one of Gondwana Rainforest’s epic trails

Want to up your daily kms in Gondwana? You’re in luck; not only do these majestic rainforests offer plenty of tracks and trails, but they’re some of the most picturesque in the world. Set yourself a challenge along the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk; this 54 km, three day hike through the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park – walking the Numinbah Valley and the ancient volcanic landscape of the Tweed Volcano – ends at The Settlement camping area in Springbrook National Park.

Spicers Scenic Rim Trail is 50 km of extremely beautiful, and extremely rewarding trails. Tackling the vast peaks and valleys of the Great Dividing Range you can choose a two-, three-, five- or seven-day walking tour starting from Spicers Retreat’s Nature Refuge in Main Range National Park. The trail is open between March and November and includes stops at Spicer's luxurious retreats and remote accommodation. This is hiking with all the luxurious touches.

The infamous location of the Airlines of Australia Stinson wreckage, the Stinson Walk provides a good dose of history and legend, as well as incredible landscapes through Lamington National Park. 40kms long, and very physically challenging at times, a walk through this section of the Gondwana Rainforests will provide all the

Be spoilt with stellar views out across Fassifern and Millar Vale Creek valleys, and mounts Maroon, Lindesay, Barney and Ballow from the top of Mount Mitchell along the Mount Mitchell Track. Located in the Cunninghams Gap section of Main Range National Park, this challenging 10km trail is well worth the (steep at times) climb.

If the sheer size of it all gets a bit overwhelming, tick off the best parts of the Gondwana Rainforests with Southern Cross Tours, offering day-trip itineraries to Tamborine Mountain and secluded sections of Springbrook and Lamington National Parks.

Want a personalised touch? These are the best Gondwana Rainforest guided tours.