Often referred to as the backbone of Lamington National Park, the Border Track links the two sections of the park, Green Mountains and Binna Burra. Running along the state border of Queensland and New South Wales through temperate and subtropical rainforests, the track closely traces the rim of an erosion caldera that falls off sharply to the valley below. It’s a one-way trail and one of the most popular in the park. If you plan to visit during peak season, I’d recommend you book your seat on the shuttle well in advance.

The Border Track is rated Grade 4, but if you do a fair bit of walking, you shouldn’t be put off by the moderate to high difficulty rating. Only the longer distance (21km) and walking time (approx. 7 hours) make the Border Track more challenging than shorter walks in the park. The track is usually wide, well-marked, and shared with the 54km Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. 

We met quite a few hikers shouldering large backpacks and have already added this Great Walk to our bucket list for when we hopefully return to the Gold Coast Hinterland with more time. Yet other hikers walked only sections of the Border Track to access other trails at either end of the track. We did the same a day later when we explored the West Canungra Creek circuit, which also shares the opening and closing stretch with the Border Track.

In regards to the scenery, it’s best not to expect grand views around every corner – the Border Track is first of all a fabulous escape into nature. A walk among ancient trees in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. There are, of course, outstanding lookout points along the track and when you do escape the dense greenery, the grand open views of the dominant forested ridgelines and the Tweed and Limpinwood valleys from the very edge of the rim are all the more special. While most lookouts lie directly on the track, Merino lookout is up a short, steep sidetrack (600m return) but well worth the effort for the long views across to the Gold Coast.

Before you board your shuttle in the morning, staff will ask you to put your name, plans, and estimated return time in the trail register. Taking this safety precaution is also highly recommended for shorter hikes.