Country Gems & Walks of Wonder

Start exploring

The charming village of Canungra marks the beginning of an itinerary packed full of country living experiences and walks through ancient lands.

Drive time

2 hours 15 minutes

Distance

110 km

Located in the foothills of Lamington National Park, Canungra has sawmilling in its DNA. Marvel at the beautiful timber from inside historic St Luke’s Church or stroll the town streets for local antiques and specialty items.

Many stores are the loving passion of proud locals who seek to showcase their home region. Find a taste of country charm at My Country Escape, a boutique fashion and homewares store that showcases the country’s timeless design aesthetic through specialty skincare, art, clothing and home items.

Fossick through the aisles of Canungra Books and Art’s eclectic mix of books, records, vintage clothing and artisan treasures. Owner Jan has lovingly collected thousands of second-hand books, classics and vintage works.

For a bite to eat, you there are plenty of options, including Café Metz, a buzzing hub offering country food and service at its best.  Or try El Social with its welcoming green courtyard and selection of delicious options made on site and great coffee.

South of Canungra lies the immense Lamington National Park and plenty to see and do on the way. Accessible from multiple access points you can choose to head south via Sarabah or Beechmont.

A walk along the way

Python Rock and Moran Falls Trailhead; 1.8 km, 30 minutes

Step back in time along the historic Centenary Track. Wind through aromatic forests filled with Eastern Yellow Robins and Satin Bowerbirds. Keep an eye out for Albert’s Lyrebird scratching through the leaf litter that carpets the forest floor.

South via Sarabah 

With your tummy no doubt rumbling, head south to O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. Here you can taste award winning artisan wine made from hand harvested grapes, indulge in a restaurant meal in the 163-year-old homestead or book a picnic basket and find a spot by the creek.

Before you leave, there are some very important locals that you simply have to meet. Introducing, the more than 70 alpacas that call Mountview Alpaca Farm home. Have a romantic picnic for two amongst the alpacas or a family pizza picnic before feeding Wynona, Ginger and Zombilina.

If you continue south, you’ll find yourself at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and the expansive Lamington National Park. The retreat celebrates their centenary in 2026, welcoming guests for 100 years. Aside from offering a choice of accommodation styles, it is a nature-focused playground.

Feed the birds, see more by scooting around on a Segway, be awed by the birds of prey show or strap in for the flying fox adventure. There are plenty of walks and trails to introduce you to the wonders of Lamington National Park. Join the birds in an early morning song from the Tree Top Walk deck, 30 metres up in the air.

South via Beechmont 

The best way to access the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park is to head south via Beechmont, in the land of the Yugambeh people. The village was settled in the 1800s for timber but is now a popular destination for bushwalkers. You’ll also find hangliders and paragliders enamoured with the region, launching into stunning hinterland views from Rosin’s Lookout.

Head south to find yourself in the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park. Registered in 1915, Lamington National Park offers extensive walking tracks along the McPherson Range, dramatic lookouts and the opportunity to experience the bountiful life of Australia’s World Heritage Listed, ancient Gondwana Rainforest.

For accommodation that will make you feel like you are on top of the world, visit Binna Burra Lodge, with a range of accommodation options.  From camping, tiny wild houses, safari tents and the incredible sky lodges, there is something for everyone’s budget, giving you access to this incredible pocket of the world.

Places along the way