Lamington National Park

Known as the &dbquo;green behind the gold&dbquo;, the World Heritage-listed national parks of Queensland"s Gold Coast hinterland form a tranquil, cool retreat from the heat of the beaches below - and Lamington National Park is no exception. It protects Australia"s largest tract of sub-tropical rainforest and the area sustains a huge variety of fauna and flora.

There are two main entry points to the park. At Binna Burra, there is a campsite as well as mountain lodges. At O"Reilly"s, there is a guesthouse offering accommodation. Day trippers are made welcome in either spot. At O"Reilly"s the popular treetop walk takes you to the rainforest canopy for a close-up view in Lamington National Park.

Visitors can also see the bronze statue erected to commemorate the rescue of two survivors of a plane crash - a stirring story indeed. Whichever entry point you choose, there are well-marked walks of differing lengths so that all visitors have a chance to explore Lamington National Park.

Photo courtesy of Queensland Tourism.