Easy hikes and walks in Hinze Dam Numinbah Nature Refuge

Kweebani Cave is a large rock overhang underneath the rhyolite cliffs of Lamington National Park that holds important significance for the Yugambeh people. Its name means “Cooking Cave”, and it contains archaeological evidence of Aboriginal occupation, including bone and charcoal fragments. Its sheltered position overlooks the beautiful Coomera Valley, and is a memorable spot along the Caves track to pause and appreciate the impressive geology combined with thousands of years of human history.

Tullawallal Lookout sits high on the edge of Lamington National Park with sweeping views across the McPherson Range, forested valleys, and layered ridgelines stretching towards the Queensland–New South Wales border. The lookout is reached via a short side track through subtropical rainforest, where dense canopy suddenly opens to exposed cliff-edge views across the surrounding wilderness. Early mornings often bring low cloud and mist drifting through the valleys below.

The Border Track crosses both the Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections of Lamington National Park and offers visitors a dizzying array of flora, fauna, and geologic wonders to explore. Stretching over 21.4 kilometres, one way, the track is also part of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk that runs for 54 kilometres and is a great option for those looking at doing a multi-day hike in the region.

Warringa Pool is a deep, clear swimming hole along Little Nerang Creek, surrounded by dense rainforest. One of the few places in the park where swimming is permitted, the pool is fed by a small cascade at its upper end, with smooth rock edges and a more sheltered setting than the main falls. The name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning “cool place.” It’s reached via a short side track off the main circuit near the base of Purling Brook Falls. Getting to the pool involves uneven ground and rocky surfaces, which can be slippery, especially after rain. However, the pool is best visited after heavy rainfall.

Tullawallal Circuit passes through beautiful open eucalypt forest and sandstone country, forming a short loop through quiet bushland, with sections of natural trail surrounded by native vegetation and seasonal wildflowers. Its peaceful forest setting and gently undulating terrain make it an enjoyable walk within the park’s more expansive trail network.

The Purling Brook Falls Circuit is a Grade 3 loop that typically takes about two hours to complete from the Gwongorella picnic area. It descends through open eucalypt forest into a rainforest gorge, offering views of the falls from both the top and base, before crossing a suspension bridge and climbing back to the plateau. The track is well-formed but includes steep sections, steps and cliff-edge environments, so moderate fitness and care are recommended, especially for families walking with small children.

The John Stacey Suspension Bridge spans Little Nerang Creek below Purling Brook Falls, forming a key link in the walking circuit through the gorge. Opened in 2015, it provides elevated vantage points both upstream to the waterfall and downstream to smaller cascades while allowing visitors to avoid landslip-prone sections of the old track. The bridge and associated track upgrades were designed to improve safety and reconnect the circuit within the World Heritage-listed rainforest.

This lookout is a short walk from the Gwongorella Picnic Ground, providing an elevated vantage point near the top of the escarpment. From the platform, you can look across the gorge toward the waterfall as it plunges roughly 100 metres into the rainforest valley below, with views extending over the surrounding hinterland. It's one of the easiest ways to experience the scale of the falls without completing the full circuit walk.