Box Forest Waterfall Circuit

Starting from Lamington National Park Road, O’Reilly, this walk takes you on a circuit in the heart of Lamington National Park mostly via the Box Forest Circuit Track, visiting the iconic Elabana Falls, Box Log Falls, and the Picnic Rock area. As you start hiking through the beautiful forest containing 1000+ year old trees, you’ll be welcomed by the harmonic birdsong. Then, you’ll hear the soothing sound of water gushing down as the refreshing air around the cascades fill into your lungs. The lovely waterfalls hidden amidst the dense forest are exceptionally beautiful after rain as they are at their strongest. The Picnic Rock near Elabana Falls is a great spot to have a little picnic -hence the name- and swim(depending on the conditions). You may be able to spot some Lamington Crayfish, the spiny blue crayfish also known as ‘Yabby’ amongst Australians. The Box Log Falls are also worth stopping by as the setting of this little waterfall is quite picturesque, even more so than Elabana Falls according to some. The circuit itself other than the falls goes through a scenic forest that’s teeming with wildlife, teasing you with easterly views along the way. Although it’s best to view the falls after some decent rain, leeches become more abundant in such conditions. Wear long sleeves and pants to make this less of a problem. Keep in mind that you may run into some red-bellied black snakes as well, especially in warmer months. The track can be muddy in sections, and some rock scrambling/hopping may be required to reach the base of the falls. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of Border Track & Lamington National Park Road (-28.2302929,153.1350277)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Pacific Motorway, M1 Turn on to then drive for 490 m Turn left onto Gilston Road and drive for another 1.7 km At roundabout, take exit 3 onto McLaren Road and drive for another 670 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto McLaren Road and drive for another 530 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto McLaren Road and drive for another 820 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto McLaren Road and drive for another 185 m Continue onto McLaren Road and drive for another 370 m Keep right onto Beaudesert - Nerang Road, 90, 8 and drive for another 175 m Continue onto Nerang - Murwillumbah Road, 97 and drive for another 1.2 km Turn right onto Clagiraba Road and drive for another 5.7 km Turn left onto Beaudesert - Nerang Road, 90, 8 and drive for another 10.7 km Turn left onto Kidston Street and drive for another 36 km

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Lamington National Park Road(in front of the Information Centre), head along the paved track gently downhill towards the said Information Centre, moving directly away from the road. Turn right before heading into the building and follow the paved track(Border Track) as it leads you into the woodland, keeping the road to your right. After about 375 metres, veer/keep right to stay on the Border Track. About 2.84 kilometres into the walk(from the start), turn left at the 3-way intersection to continue along Box Forest Waterfall Circuit(clockwise). This is the encouraged direction of travel.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Border Track & Lamington National Park Road Start heading along Border Track (a walking track). O'Reilly's Cafe & Gifts (about 60 m back from the start). After 80 m pass the "National Parks & Wildlife Office" (15 m on your left). After another 75 m pass the BBQ (20 m on your right). After another 15 m pass the toilet (10 m on your left). Then pass the shelter (15 m on your right). After another 10 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 165 m pass a seat (7 m on your right).
	After another 80 m (at the intersection of Border Track & Yerralahla (Blue Pool) Track) continue straight, to head along Border Track.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to a set of observation decks built literally in a Strangler Fig, with one of them being 30 metres above the ground. You can observe the flora and birdlife from close proximinity as the interpretive signs help you identify plants. To start this optional side trip turn sharp right here. On returning from this side trip turn around when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 390 m (at the intersection of Border Track Connection & Border Track) continue straight, to head along Border Track. After another 35 m pass a seat (on your right)., has a backrest.
	After another 1 km (at the intersection of Border Track & Box Forest Circuit / to Toolona Creek Circuit) continue straight, to head along Box Forest Circuit / to Toolona Creek Circuit. After another 710 m (at the intersection of Box Forest Circuit / to Toolona Creek Circuit & Box Forest Circuit) continue straight, to head along Box Forest Circuit / to Toolona Creek Circuit.
	After another 320 m (at the intersection of Box Forest Circuit / to Toolona Creek Circuit & Box Forest Circuit) veer left, to head along Box Forest Circuit.
	After another 2.1 km (at the intersection of Box Forest Circuit & West Canungra Creek Circuit) turn right, to head along Box Forest Circuit (a footpath). After another 430 m cross the ford. After another 470 m cross the ford. After another 110 m cross the ford.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This side trip takes you to the Box Log Falls. May involve rock hopping/scrambling. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 80 m turn sharp left, to head along Box Forest Circuit.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This side trip takes you to the base of Elabana Falls. May involve rock hopping/scrambling. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 510 m turn sharp left, to head along Box Forest Circuit.
	After another 75 m (at the intersection of Box Forest Circuit / to Toolona Creek Circuit & Box Forest Circuit) turn sharp right, to head along Box Forest Circuit / to Toolona Creek Circuit. After another 205 m pass the "Elabana Falls" (30 m on your right). Then cross the ford.
	After another 380 m (at the intersection of Box Forest Circuit & Box Forest Circuit / to Toolona Creek Circuit) turn left, to head along Box Forest Circuit / to Toolona Creek Circuit. After another 320 m (at the intersection of Box Forest Circuit & Box Forest Circuit / to Toolona Creek Circuit) continue straight, to head along Box Forest Circuit / to Toolona Creek Circuit. After another 710 m (at the intersection of Border Track & Box Forest Circuit / to Toolona Creek Circuit) continue straight, to head along Border Track.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to a set of observation decks built literally in a Strangler Fig, with one of them being 30 metres above the ground. You can observe the flora and birdlife from close proximinity as the interpretive signs help you identify plants. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 1 km (at the intersection of Border Track & Border Track Connection) continue straight, to head along Border Track. After another 390 m (at the intersection of Yerralahla (Blue Pool) Track & Border Track) continue straight, to head along Border Track.
	After another 380 m come to the end.

This side trip takes you to the base of Elabana Falls. May involve rock hopping/scrambling.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 55 m come to the end. About 40 m past the end is "Elabana Falls". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 55 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to a set of observation decks built literally in a Strangler Fig, with one of them being 30 metres above the ground. You can observe the flora and birdlife from close proximinity as the interpretive signs help you identify plants.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Border Track Connection & Border Track Start heading along Border Track Connection (a walking track). After another 135 m continue straight, to head along Border Track Connection.
	After another 100 m (at the intersection of Booyong Walk & Border Track Connection) veer right, to head along Booyong Walk. After another 35 m (at the intersection of Booyong Walk & Tree Top Walk) continue straight, to head along Booyong Walk.
	After another 40 m (at the intersection of Booyong Walk & Tree Top Walk) continue straight, to head along Tree Top Walk.
	After another 50 m veer left, to head along Tree Top Walk. Then cross the bridge
	After another 40 m come to the end. "Tree Top Walk Ladder". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 400 m to the main route.

This side trip takes you to the Box Log Falls. May involve rock hopping/scrambling.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	Continue another 40 m to find Box Log Falls at the end. "Box Log Falls". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Box Forest Waterfall Circuit

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	10 km
Time	4 h to 6 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (2/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There is one 125 m from the start.

Toilet: There is one 125 m from the start.

Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 3.3 km apart with the largest gap of 9.2 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	125 m	[toilet]
Shelter	125 m	[shelter]
Seat	300 m	[seat]
Seat	810 m	[seat]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Murwillumbah Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Wednesday 4 December
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the south, slight chance elsewhere. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the evening.
  
  Thursday 5 December
  
  21°C → 29°C
  Shower or two clearing.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 10mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm in the morning and afternoon. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming light in the late afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to the low 20s with daytime temperatures reaching the high 20s.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Far North Coast: No Rating
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:20am to 4:40pm, UV Index predicted to reach 12 [Extreme]
  
  Friday 6 December
  
  19°C → 30°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming light in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to around 20 with daytime temperatures reaching around 30.
  
  Saturday 7 December
  
  20°C → 31°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. The chance of morning fog inland. Light winds becoming north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to around 20 with daytime temperatures reaching 29 to 34.
  
  Sunday 8 December
  
  20°C → 34°C
  Shower or two developing.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 8mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to the low 20s with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 30s.
  
  Monday 9 December
  
  21°C → 26°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 15mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Tuesday 10 December
  
  21°C → 28°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 5mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Wednesday 11 December
  
  20°C → 30°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 15mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Lamington National Park alerts
  Temporary track closure - Illinbah circuit and Gwongoorool Pool track
  As a result of severe weather, the Illinbah circuit and Gwongoorool Pool track will remain temporarily closed until declared safe. High amounts of rainfall have resulted in fast flowing creeks, swollen creek crossings which may be impassable, landslides and tree falls. Affected parks: Lamington National Park
  If it's flooded, forget it - even on our walking tracks! (update)
  As a result of recent heavy rainfall, some walking tracks within the above-mentioned protected areas may be experiencing natural hazards, such as creeks with rising and fast flowing water, flash flooding, and potential for landslides and rock falls. Bushwalkers may also encounter falling trees or recently fallen trees, due to soft saturated ground. Affected parks: Tamborine National Park; Springbrook National Park; Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk; Lamington National Park
  Annual closure period for all Lamington bush camping areas
  Due to the annual closure period, all remote bush camping sites are closed from 1 December to 31 January the following year (2 months), to enable natural regeneration of the sites. Affected parks: Lamington National Park; Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk
  Severe weather damage - Advisory notice - Albert River circuit. (update 26 Nov)
  As a result of severe weather damage, there are multiple fallen trees on the Albert River circuit. The majority of the fallen trees are between the second turn off on the Border track and Echo Point. Affected parks: Lamington National Park
  Partial track closure - Coomera circuit. (update)
  As a result of severe weather damage, a section of the Coomera circuit will remain temporarily closed until declared safe. Affected parks: Lamington National Park
  Temporary walking track closure - Lower Bellbird track. (update 28 Oct)
  Due to the potential for rock fall associated with construction works on private property above the Lower Bellbird track, a section of the walking track will be temporarily closed between Rankins Paddock and the junction of the Ships Stern circuit until further notice, to ensure visitor safety. Affected parks: Lamington National Park; Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk
  Partial track closure - West Canungra Creek circuit (update 27 Sep)
  Due to significant fallen trees and landslide which is obstructing the track and impeding safe visitor access, the West Canungra Creek circuit in the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park is only partially open in a clockwise direction to Yerralahla Pool (Blue Pool). Walkers must return the same way. Affected parks: Lamington National Park
  
  Alert kindly provided by © Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

Weather Forecast

Alerts