In case you’re on the lookout for a peaceable retreat from town, head right down to the serene Decrease Ballanjui Falls in Lamington Nationwide Park. You gained’t remorse it.
We Are Explorers acknowledges that this journey is positioned on the normal Nation of the Yugambeh individuals who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for 1000’s of years. We pay our respects to them because the Conventional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was by no means ceded.
Fast Overview Decrease Ballanjui Falls
Decrease Ballanjui Falls is a peaceable 11km return hike by way of the luxurious rainforest of the Binna Burra part of Lamington Nationwide Park. With quiet, scenic trails and spectacular lookout factors over the Numinbah Valley, it’s the right day escape simply 90 minutes from each Brissie and the Gold Coast.
Fast Information
Distance: 11km
Length: Round 4 hours
Elevation: 450m
Closest city: Beechmont
About Decrease Ballunjui Falls
Hidden within the Gondwana-rich forests of Lamington Nationwide Park, Decrease Ballanjui Falls is a perfect spot to flee town hustle. There are numerous trails on this a part of the park, however my most up-to-date path discovery was to Decrease Ballanjui Falls.
The trailhead begins close to the Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, and the journey to the falls winds by way of dense rainforest, rock clefts, and vine-covered paths that really feel straight out of a fairytale.
Learn extra: Take a Chew of Lamington Nationwide Park
Alongside the way in which, you’ll encounter two beautiful lookouts — Koolanbilba and Yangahla — providing breathtaking views of Egg Rock, Turtle Rock, and Hinze Dam.
Historical past of Decrease Ballanjui Falls
Decrease Ballanjui Falls is nestled within the historic rainforests of Lamington Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage website famend for its wealthy biodiversity and important Gondwana origins.
Named by the native Yugambeh folks, who maintain deep connections to the land, Ballanjui Falls is among the many hidden treasures alongside the 18km Ships Stern Circuit, and is a quiet retreat from the busier trails close by.
Methods to Get To Decrease Ballanjui Falls
From Brisbane, head down the Pacific Motorway and take Exit 69 (Nerang) and observe the indicators to Hinze Dam. As soon as on Nerang-Murwillumbah Street, take the right-hand turnoff to Binna Burra and observe this street as much as the park.
The journey will take about 90 minutes. The observe begins reverse the Binna Burra Mountain Lodge driveway entrance.
Learn extra: Bear in mind to depart no hint
Ability Stage
Newbie
Important Gear
- Insect repellent
- Water and snacks
- Good grippy mountaineering footwear (the rocks are very slippery)
- First assist package
- Mild rain jacket (it’s a rainforest in any case!)
Learn extra: Staying Protected Round Swimming Holes and Waterfalls
What It’s Prefer to Hike to Decrease Ballunjui Falls
I began the hike early at 7am, when the air was nonetheless crisp, the carpark was empty, and there have been only some campers milling about.
The hike to Ballunjui Falls is a simple 11 kilometres return. The path is a gentle descent down a mountainside and options a few open lookouts.
The primary lookout – and my new favorite within the park – is the Koolanbilba Lookout. The lookout provides expansive views over the Numinbah Valley. Factors of curiosity embrace Egg Rock, Turtle Rock, Ship’s Stern and Hinze Dam.
It’s an fascinating path which begins off pretty open alongside the cliffside and provides glimpses of the encircling valley by way of the eucalypt timber. After reaching the Yangahla Lookout, the descent begins into the dense rainforest.
You’ll then stroll by way of rock clefts, do some rock hopping, weave underneath and thru vines, and clamber over large tree roots earlier than reaching Nixon Creek. The hike trails off to the appropriate from the Ship’s Stern Circuit when you hit the creek and also you observe the creek down till you attain the falls.
There’s a very good probability you’ll be the one one on the path like I used to be, and have the waterfall all to your self.
Watch out for all of the spiderwebs and leeches on the waterfall, and also you would possibly even spot some yabbies creek facet.
Learn extra: Leeches: How To Take away, Keep away from, and Respect Them
FAQs Decrease Ballanjui Falls
How laborious is the hike to Decrease Ballanjui Falls?
It’s beginner-friendly with a gentle descent on the way in which in, so avoid wasting power for the climb again out!
Is it value getting up early for the hike to Decrease Ballanjui Falls?
Completely. Fewer folks, cooler temps, and that misty morning magic make it the right early-bird hike.
Can I swim at Decrease Ballanjui Falls?
That is extra a spot to dip your ft in than swim. Preserve an eye fixed out for slippery rocks and say good day to the yabbies.
What’s the good lookout level alongside the way in which?
Koolanbilba Lookout is the stunner, with epic views over the Numinbah Valley that’ll cease you in your tracks.
