West Canungra Creek Circuit

The West Canungra Creek Circuit in the Green Mountains section of Lamington National park is a great 14 km hike which features creeks, cascades, waterfalls and pools, with a few small rough areas and creek crossings. 

Starting from the Green Mountains Day-Use area at the end of Lamington National Park Rd, follow the Border Track for about 600m before branching in to the West Canungra Creek Circuit.  This part of the track is very easy to follow. The first part dives into lush rainforest and leads you past Darraboola Falls to Yerralahla Pool (older hikers might refer to it as the Blue Pool). The waters look inviting but avoid swimming here because of the large eels that inhabit the pool and come to the water’s edge whenever hikers stop there. 

After the Yerralahla Pool, the track becomes a little more difficult, with several creek crossings, but nothing overly challenging. On some you can keep your feet dry by rock hopping and others you need to wade through ankle deep water. There is one creek crossing that can be confusing so be sure to look out for and pay attention to the trail markers.

Another thing to be aware of is that because this track is less walked than others, it can be a little overgrown and less well maintained than others, with the odd fallen tree that you may need to climb over or scramble under. The scenery on the walk is well worth any effort though, with views down to the creek from the ridge in one section, and then there are a couple of really beautiful little falls on the way to the Box Forest Circuit.

The last part of the walk is a little controversial, as essentially the walk joins onto the Box Forest Circuit and every official description says that you exit by this circuit. But they never make any recommendation or specification about which way to walk when you do. The shortest way out is to turn right and you will head directly back up to O’Reilly’s. If you turn left you will continue along the Box Forest Circuit past the various cascades and waterfalls. This option is the more scenic and recommended if you are not pressed for time.

In a nutshell - Overall this is a great walk and well worth doing as it's arguably the best waterfall walk in Lamington National Park. However, most people will start with other walks such as shorter Box Forest Circuit and the beautiful Toolona Creek Circuit, then come back for the West Canungra Creek Circuit.

By Roy Chambers 

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