Lamington National Park bushwalk: Elabana Falls at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

DO go chasing waterfalls … you’ll get way more ‘likes’ than you’re used to. This piece of paraphrased pop couldn’t be more true than with nature’s superstar Elabana Falls … one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world.

The lush elegance of Elabana Falls, Lamington National Park. Picture: Peta Murray

DO go chasing waterfalls … you’ll get way more ‘likes’ than you’re used to.

This piece of paraphrased pop couldn’t be more true than with nature’s superstar Elabana Falls … one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world.

But this diva is going to make you work, work, work for the pay-off. Or rather, walk, walk, walk.

Located via a 3.5km hike through stunning rainforest at O’Reilly’s, it’s well worth putting in some more grunt to include the Box Forest Circuit, a total journey of 10.9km, which will take you past Box Log Falls and Darragumai Falls.

Lamington National Park’s Elabana Falls. Picture: Queensland Tourism

Starting out from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat’s Border Track, the route takes about four hours and it’s recommended to tackle this walk in a clockwise direction, exiting via Elabana Falls, as it’s a bit easier.

The path is well maintained and can be enjoyed by children — just be aware that when you reach Elabana Falls you will need to scramble over some big rocks in the creek to get the best view — or photo.

Elabana Falls. Photo: Supplied

But again, you’re going to get out what you put in.

Speaking of getting in, feel free to have a swim in the crystal clear — if chilly — rock pool at the base of the falls.

Nearby is Picnic Rock — an amazing spot to stop for lunch surrounded by the beautiful rainforest. And in yet another paraphrase: make sure you take out what you brought in. Keep this ancient area clean.

When you’re done snapping and snacking, head back to O’Reilly’s via Picnic Creek, taking note of the bulging pink-barked brush box trees. Some of these are 1500 years old, making them the oldest known trees on the Australian mainland.

Eat and drink:

A woman eating a scone. Photo: File

If you need a shot of caffeine to kick off your bushwalk, or a cool drink to celebrate your outdoor achievement, head to Gran’s Kitchen at O’Reilly’s. If you need a bite to eat, try some scones with a hot cup of tea … or choose from the full a la carte menu, served between 11am and 2.30pm, and savour the views with a glass of wine on the balcony. There are also plenty of light options available all day between 9am and 4pm.

Discover:

Antarctic beech trees at Springbrook Photo: Eliot Holzworth

Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad when it comes to the great outdoors. While you’re gazing up at the giant Brush Box trees, Antarctic beech trees and Strangler Figs trees during your hike through Lamington National Park, just be wary of some less savoury visitors on the ground. If there’s been recent rainfall, there may be a few little leeches lurking. While they can really suck, just try to brush it off and keep on walking … at least you’re already in your happy place.

While you’re there … Do

Meet the majestic predators of the sky and learn about O’Reilly’s resident owls, wedge tail eagles, kestrel and black kite at the Birds of Prey show. Witness the varying species in free flight and performing natural aerobatics in front of a beautiful mountain backdrop. Don’t forget to slip your hand into the Eagle Glove for an Insta-worthy snap balancing one of your new feathery friends. On at 1pm every day, tickets are $10 for kids and $17.50 for adults or $48 for a family pass.