The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Hinze Dam Numinbah Nature Refuge

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.

Coomera Circuit is a Grade 4 loop that runs just over 17 kilometres in Lamington National Park, starting from the Binna Burra section and descending through subtropical rainforest into the Coomera Valley. The track follows the Coomera River past a series of cascades and pools, including views of Coomera Falls and other waterfalls along the gorge. With multiple creek crossings and a long, steady climb back to the plateau, the full circuit is a challenging and rewarding full-day trek that’s best suited to experienced walkers; however, you can also opt to enjoy the route in shorter scenic sections that include plenty of beautiful scenery along the way.

Coomera Falls is a large, multi-tiered waterfall in Lamington National Park, dropping over basalt cliffs into a deep gorge along the Coomera River. From this lookout, you can see the falls cascading through the rainforest, with views extending across the rugged valley below. It’s a beautiful setting that combines dense subtropical forest with picturesque escarpments, making it one of the park’s more secluded and impressive waterfall vistas.

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.

A nice view of the Woggunba Valley.

From this point on the Commera Circuit, heading south, there are six waterfalls within one kilometer. Directly on the Commera Circuit track lie Burrajum Waterfall, Gwongarragong Falls, and Moolgoolong Cascades. On super short spur tracks, bushwalkers will easily find Kagoonya Falls, Bahnamboola Falls, and Nahnangboola Falls. Another kilometer south, there is a 7th, Neerigomindalala Waterfall. And that's not all, there are more waterfalls along the circuit, all with signage so they won't go unnoticed.

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.

Nagarigoon Falls is a small but picturesque cascade tucked within the rainforest. Water spills over a rocky ledge into a shaded gully, and the surrounding vegetation and filtered light create a cool, enclosed atmosphere typical of the park’s upland rainforest.