Toolona Creek Circuit is a 10.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near O'Reilly, Queensland, Australia that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
This is a great route for the experienced hiker. The circuit can be done in either direction, however, most will choose to do follow the route anti-clockwise as outlined in this map. This long day hike takes you through the most outstanding features of Lamington National Park so allow at least 5-6 hours for this walk – and more if you plan to stop and take photos and take in the great views. From the car park begin the walk on the Border Track as you lose elevation and first arrive to Picnic Rock at the base of Elabana Falls. A long uphill stretch awaits as you climb up through the rainforest with multiple creek crossings and stunning views of the impressive Chalahn Falls and Toolona Falls. When you crest the ridge you will rejoin the Border Track, passing Toolona Lookout – a must stop location on clear days – before summiting Mount Bithongabel and following the track back to the car park.
- Camping at Mount Bithongabel Bush Camp (permit required: see contact) - Mobile phone reception along 75% of the trail - No toilet facilities along the way
Mount Bithongabel Bush Camp Permit: https://qpws.usedirect.com/QPWS/Facilities/SearchView.aspx
- Walk clockwise for best views of the waterfalls! - Be prepared for muddy trail & lots leeches after rain!
The best place to start this trail is by driving to the carpark at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park and following the signs for the Boarder Track.
April 4, 2021Great tracks, it was torrential but still magnificent views and the waterfall is amazing. Did venture off the beaten track to lyrebird lookout, the tracks thereafter are rather overgrown and a bit dense in places; typically where there are reception black spots. Yes, very muddy, went anti clockwise but ill be going back for sure
April 2, 2021Great walk! Did it clockwise, which meant all the creek crossings were in the first half of the walk. Water levels have come down substantially and almost all creeks are able to be rock hopped/climbed across without getting wet, and the creeks you couldn’t were no more than ankle deep. Border Track back was very muddy and slushy, but not dangerously so. Waterfalls are looking fantastic at the moment! No leeches for us today :)
March 21, 2021March 19, 2021March 12, 2021Lots of water, muddy but missed the rain
March 1, 2021The recent rains made for beautiful waterfalls but crossing the creeks was difficult and a little hairy. Lots of leeches. It took longer than normal due to the numerous water crossings required.
February 19, 2021January 25, 2021CLOSED. check out the other trails in the area though :)
November 1, 2020Even though this is 18-20 km you don’t notice as always something to look at and be amazed by your surrounds... absolute stunning waterfalls ... recommend getting the border track done first and finishing with the falls
October 23, 2020September 26, 2020Muddy but great! Definitely suggest going counter clockwise.
September 19, 2020September 6, 2020We went anti clock wise and broke the walk into two. First 6km to Bithongabel campsite and day two 13.3km past all the water falls. Absolutely beautiful. We had the lightest of rain which enhanced the walk. We had to bring all our own water for the first night. But that worked out ok, as we did not need much for the return walk back.
September 5, 2020Nice trail with absolutely stunning waterfalls glazed throughout the Tooloona track. The Tooloona lookout is absolutely breathtaking and definitely worth the hike getting there. Only thing was with the creek crossings which were a bit of a trouble for me, but with trekking poles or an expertise in creek navigation I'm sure it would've been a lot easier. overall though, I'm really glad I went on the hike and experienced the gorgeous Lamington National Park for the first time
September 4, 2020Was a bit muddy but definitely worth it. Not hard at all, was pretty flat most of the way. Just long. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lMx01gsXX4
September 2, 2020Not tough, just long and absolutely beautiful!
August 29, 2020That is an absolute gorgeous hike! So worth it. The trees, the rocks, the waterfalls are just amazing. It is not a hard hike. We done it anticlockwise , forest first and finished with the waterfalls.
August 28, 2020So beautiful walking along side the creek and the various waterfalls. Crossing back and forth was not difficult though after rain may require more skill in rock hopping. The falls along the way are gorgeous. So much food for the soul. We took 6 hours and that was allowing plenty of time for being in the moment and taking lots of photos. A couple of snack/rest breaks. Just over 20km with extra walks to waterfalls. Would do it again and again. We are in our 60s with reasonable fitness.
August 23, 2020Great and easy walk .. nice and easy trail to follow.
August 8, 2020Awesome hike. Nice waterfall crossings and lush vegetation though out. Highly recommend!
July 18, 2020Beautiful easy walk with no technical aspects. Countless waterfalls along the way. Would recommend to go clockwise down Toolona circuit first and then return via the border track. Definitely worth the scenic views despite its minimal difficulty.
July 17, 2020so awesome!
