×

Australia🇦🇺 | landmarksGondwana Rainforests of AustraliaStrangler figs, Antarctic beech, canopy bridge, glowworm cave, waterfall arches | things to do and best time to go

Explore Wilpena PoundExplore Great Barrier Reef

Backpacking in Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
UNESCO World Heritage site
👍 Recommendedunique site ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia is not one forest but a string of separate reserves, and the walking tracks in them are free to enter in most places. It sits inland from the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, straddling the Queensland and New South Wales border in eastern Australia. The wow-factor comes from ancient subtropical canopy, strangler figs, waterfalls and Antarctic beech trees that look like they belong in a fairy tale. Crowds thin out fast once you leave the car parks. Public transport is poor, so a car or tour is nearly a must. I once drove up a mountain road with a quarter tank, assuming a fuel station was around the corner, and spent the afternoon rationing my snacks and my pride. Fill up before you climb. Springbrook is worth a full day for its waterfalls and cliffs. Skip anything that is only a roadside lookout. Compared with the Wet Tropics further north, this is cooler, quieter and easier to reach from the beaches.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Australia Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 unique site in AustraliaWhat makes this unique site worth visiting

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia is worth the detour because it packs several World Heritage reserves into one region you can link in a loop. Lamington National Park has the Tree Top Walk and a long network of tracks, while Springbrook offers the Natural Bridge glowworm cave and cliff-edge lookouts. Border Ranges and Mount Warning add volcanic scenery and ancient trees. You can hike independently, camp in some reserves, and spend little beyond fuel and parking. It also fits neatly between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, so you can swap a beach day for a rainforest day without rearranging your whole trip. Wildlife here is a draw too: pademelons, bowerbirds and carpet pythons turn up near the tracks, and the evening forest has a soundtrack all its own. The roads are winding and the distances … read more 👉
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia is worth the detour because it packs several World Heritage reserves into one region you can link in a loop. Lamington National Park has the Tree Top Walk and a long network of tracks, while Springbrook offers the Natural Bridge glowworm cave and cliff-edge lookouts. Border Ranges and Mount Warning add volcanic scenery and ancient trees. You can hike independently, camp in some reserves, and spend little beyond fuel and parking. It also fits neatly between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, so you can swap a beach day for a rainforest day without rearranging your whole trip. Wildlife here is a draw too: pademelons, bowerbirds and carpet pythons turn up near the tracks, and the evening forest has a soundtrack all its own. The roads are winding and the distances between reserves are larger than a map suggests, so pick two or three areas rather than trying to see everything. For walkers who like a mix of easy boardwalks and proper climbs, few places in the country match that range.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  1. Lamington National Park, Green Mountains: the best-known section, with deep valleys, giant strangler figs and a network of well-marked tracks through old-growth forest.
  2. Tree Top Walk at O’Reilly’s: a suspension bridge route through the canopy, with an entry fee, that puts you level with the birds.
  3. Natural Bridge, Springbrook: a waterfall pours through a rock arch into a cave, and glowworms light the ceiling after dark.
  4. Purling Brook Falls: a tall, narrow drop in Springbrook National Park, viewed from a lookout or by a track down to the base.
  5. Best of All Lookout: a short walk through Antarctic beech forest to a view over the Numinbah Valley, with mossy, twisted trunks along the way.
  6. Mount Warning (Wollumbin): the remnant of a huge volcano and a steep summit climb in the Tweed region, closed to climbers
… read more 👉
  1. Lamington National Park, Green Mountains: the best-known section, with deep valleys, giant strangler figs and a network of well-marked tracks through old-growth forest.
  2. Tree Top Walk at O’Reilly’s: a suspension bridge route through the canopy, with an entry fee, that puts you level with the birds.
  3. Natural Bridge, Springbrook: a waterfall pours through a rock arch into a cave, and glowworms light the ceiling after dark.
  4. Purling Brook Falls: a tall, narrow drop in Springbrook National Park, viewed from a lookout or by a track down to the base.
  5. Best of All Lookout: a short walk through Antarctic beech forest to a view over the Numinbah Valley, with mossy, twisted trunks along the way.
  6. Mount Warning (Wollumbin): the remnant of a huge volcano and a steep summit climb in the Tweed region, closed to climbers at the request of its traditional owners, though the surrounding reserve is still visited for its views and forest.
  7. Border Ranges National Park: a scenic drive and short walks through rainforest with rare plants and a lot of birdlife, good for those who prefer going by car.
  8. Nightcap National Park: waterfalls like Minyon Falls and cool, mossy forest tracks near Byron Bay’s hinterland.
Natural Bridge and Purling Brook Falls combine well in one day, with the glowworms saved for the evening.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Gondwana Rainforests of Australia

Gold Coast Tandem Skydive

Gold Coast Tandem Skydive

4.9(481) 2h 30m
From €330
per personViator
Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise

Gold Coast Whale Watching Cruise

4.9(385) 2h 30m
From €62
per personViator
2 Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure

2 Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure

5.0(251) 2h
From €41
per personViator
50 Minutes, Southport GC Aqua Park Inflatable Water Activity

50 Minutes, Southport GC Aqua Park Inflatable Water Activity

5.0(247) 50m
From €18.25
per personViator
30 min Jet Ski Safari

30 min Jet Ski Safari

5.0(159) 2h
From €82
per personViator
2 hour PRIVATE Sunset Sailing Cruise up to 4 pax with bubbles

2 hour PRIVATE Sunset Sailing Cruise up to 4 pax with bubbles

5.0(152) 2h
From €345
per personViator
GC Aqua Park 100 Minute Inflatable Water Park Activity, Southport

GC Aqua Park 100 Minute Inflatable Water Park Activity, Southport

5.0(155) 1h 40m
From €25
per personViator
Gold Coast Ultimate High-Speed Jet Boat Adventure

Gold Coast Ultimate High-Speed Jet Boat Adventure

5.0(98) 45m
From €31
per personViator
Learn to Surf at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast

Learn to Surf at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast

5.0(81) 2h
From €59
per personViator
Whale Watching Gold Coast

Whale Watching Gold Coast

4.9(68) 2h 30m
From €94
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Autumn and Spring (Mar to May, Sep to Nov): Days of 18 to 26°C (64 to 79°F) and clear skies make this the best window for long walks in Lamington and Springbrook. Daylight runs about 11 to 12 hours.
  • Winter (Jun to Aug): Days reach 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F), but nights at altitude can drop to 3 to 8°C (37 to 46°F). Views are crisp, leeches are few, and school-holiday crowds peak in late June and July with higher prices.
  • Summer (Dec to Feb): Hot, humid, 24 to 30°C (75 to 86°F) in the lowlands, cooler on the ranges. Afternoon storms are common, leeches are active, and the glow worm caves are at their best. Daylight stretches to about 14 hours.
  • Wet spell (Jan to Mar): Heaviest rain, with waterfalls at full flow and occasional track closures.
Book mountain lodgings early for school holidays, and visit midweek for quieter tracks.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: good for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: excellent for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutAustralia Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Australia
The digital guide (414 pages) contains:
✅ 143 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 14, 21 & 30-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ Local customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Australia

Most backpackers sleep in the lowland gateway towns and drive or shuttle up, since the rainforest reserves themselves have few beds. Byron Bay, on the New South Wales side, is the social choice: its hostels fill with solo travelers, there is a lively evening scene, and tour operators run day trips to Nightcap and Border Ranges. Expect dorm beds around US$30 to 45. Murwillumbah, near Mount Warning, is quieter and cheaper, with pubs, a few budget stays, and a short drive to the trailhead. Gold Coast hinterland towns such as Canungra suit Lamington visitors, with small guesthouses and farm stays … read more 👉
Most backpackers sleep in the lowland gateway towns and drive or shuttle up, since the rainforest reserves themselves have few beds. Byron Bay, on the New South Wales side, is the social choice: its hostels fill with solo travelers, there is a lively evening scene, and tour operators run day trips to Nightcap and Border Ranges. Expect dorm beds around US$30 to 45. Murwillumbah, near Mount Warning, is quieter and cheaper, with pubs, a few budget stays, and a short drive to the trailhead. Gold Coast hinterland towns such as Canungra suit Lamington visitors, with small guesthouses and farm stays that feel safe and friendly, though nightlife is minimal. Inside the parks, the walk-in camping areas at Binna Burra and Green Mountains offer tent sites from about US$7 to 12 per person, and you meet hikers around shared campfires and kitchens. Springbrook has cabins and a campground, best for those with a car. Public transport to the ranges is thin, so staying in a town with shuttle or tour links matters more than being close.
Best hostels in Australia


Best quality hotels in Australia

👛 Costs (as of 15 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

A realistic backpacker budget for visiting the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia is about US$95 a day. National park entry is free, so most money goes to beds, food and getting up the ranges.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Accommodation (high season)US$30 to 45Dorm beds in Byron Bay or the Gold Coast; camping in the parks is US$7 to 12.
Accommodation (low season)US$22 to 35Midweek and winter dorms drop noticeably outside school holidays.
Park entryUS$0Walking tracks in Lamington, Springbrook and Border Ranges are free.
FoodUS$20 to 30Supermarket groceries plus a cafe meal; pub meals run US$15 to 22.
TransportUS$10 to 25Tour shuttles to the ranges cost US$50 to 90 return; shared car fuel is cheaper per person.
ActivitiesUS$0 to 15Treetop Walk and glow worm tours cost US$15 to 40 extra.
Total Daily BudgetUS$95Per person, per day, in high season.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQCommon questions from travelers

The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia are a World Heritage group of rainforest reserves across south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales, including Lamington, Springbrook, Border Ranges, Mount Warning, Nightcap, Dorrigo and Barrington Tops. They hold some of the world’s oldest subtropical and temperate rainforest, with ancient Antarctic beech trees and hundreds of waterfalls. Entry to most walking tracks is free.
Plan at least two to three days to sample the core reserves, such as one day each in Lamington and Springbrook. Mount Warning is a 4 to 5 hour return climb, and the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia stretch far enough that a full circuit of all the reserves takes a week or more. Day visits from the Gold Coast or Byron Bay are possible but rushed.
Most visitors drive, since public transport to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia is limited. Lamington’s Binna Burra and Green Mountains are about 1.5 hours from Brisbane and 1 hour from the Gold Coast, and Springbrook is about 45 minutes from the coast. Without a car, shuttles and guided tours run from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Byron Bay for roughly US$50 to 90.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Australian landmarks near Gondwana Rainforests of Australia

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Australia including Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all landmarks

Or checkout all Australia has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Australia
Country photo of Australia
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia is easy to treat as a day of waterfalls, but the quiet detail is the forest at night, when glowworms, frogs and spotlit possums show up. I would book a stay near one reserve rather than rushing between several, and bring a headlamp with a red setting.

✈️ When did I visit Australia?
On my trip to New Zealand in 1993, I had a short stop in Australia as well.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Australia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story