Box Forest Circuit Hike in Green Mountains

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The Box Forest Circuit is a magnificent trail in the Lamington National Park with many brush box trees and a few Antarctic beech trees. Similar brush box trees in other parts of the world have been dated 1,500 years old, making them very old and precious trees.

The Box Forest Circuit is 10.9 km long - allow five hours, including morning tea and time at Elabana Falls. The trail is classified 4, meaning the track is rugged, remote and stinging trees may be present.



Start the hike at the Border Track, just opposite O'Reilly Rainforest Retreat, and follow the Border Track until you find the turn off for the Toolona Creek Circuit .



From the Border Track, the Box Forest Circuit trail branches off onto the Toolona Creek Circuit and then onto the Box Forest Circuit. You can hike the circuit anticlockwise or clockwise.







I have hiked the Box Forest a few times with the Group Hiking South East Qld and More. Generally, I hike the trail clockwise to have morning tea at Picnic Rock and spend time at Elabana Falls. It is a stunning trail in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The Park protects outstanding flora and fauna. Tread carefully on the trail; do not venture in the forest, don't leave rubbish behind and do not disturb rocks, plants and animals.



There are many fantastic big trees along the trail.








Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, commonly called piccabeen palm, is a native Australian palm. Piccabeen palms grow in the rainforest in colonies, where it is moist. Piccabeen palm can withstand very wet places, since they are able to grow aerial roots in order to access oxygen. The flowers and the fruits of the piccabeen palms are important as they support native wildlife like bees, flying foxes and fruit pigeons.

Rainforest birds such as the wompoo fruit dove ptilinopus magnificus and rose crowned fruit dove Ptilinopus regina feast on the red fruit of piccabeen or bangalow palms from December to May. The piccabeen palms needs large quantities of water to survive; they are found only along creeks and in wet areas.





Moss and fungi thrive in the moist of the rainforest.



The Box Forest trail runs parallel to a creek, the creek forms waterfalls.









A great spot to stop for morning tea is Picnic Rock.



Picnic Rock is a lovely spot very near the creek.



The Group Hiking South East Qld and More posing for a group photo.



Crossing the creek along the trail.



A different way to cross the creek.



Tolleriguma Boxlog Falls, one of the few beautiful waterfalls on the Box Forest Circuit.





You can watch the beautiful Elabana Falls from the trail. Otherwise, to get closer to the falls, you have to scramble over a few rocks. Take lots of care, because the rocks could be slippery and they are not easy to climb.

Elabana Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls. It is an iconic place and it is just a beautiful natural work of art.



What to bring.

Hiking gear: a hiking medium backpack, long trousers and shirt with long sleeves, light raincoat, recommended hiking ankle supportive boots, first aid kit, insect repellent (it works for leeches; give preference to cream or roll-on as they are more environmentally friendly than the spray), hat, sunscreen, gloves, walking poles - if you like to use them, sock protectors or gaiters.
Consider packing some extra clothes and leaving them in the car. Pack some clean footwear and socks.

For this hike, consider carrying a map or downloading a good app on your smartphone that can help you to navigate in the bush.

Bring a medium day backpack with lots of water, especially if it's a hot day, 2.0 litres of water and snacks. During summer, you can bring electrolytes to dissolve in water to compensate for the loss through perspiration. You may consider packing sandwiches, fresh fruit, dry fruit, energy bars and small meals.

Walk with family, friends or in a group. Never alone!

The days prior to the hike, make sure to check:

www.bom.gov.au
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington
https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au

Directions.

From Brisbane, it is about two hours drive, 114 km. Once you are in Canungra, it takes about one hour to drive the narrow and winding Lamington National Park Road.

The hike starts just opposite the reception of O'Reilly Rainforest Retreat.

Address is:
O'Reilly's Mountain Cafe and Gift Shop
3582 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra QLD 4275

After the hike.

After the hike, you can have coffee and refreshment at O'Reilly Cafe. Otherwise, you can drive down to Canungra, where there are a few coffee shops. Bear in mind, if you are late in the hike, the cafes may be closed. My favourite coffee shop is The Outpost Cafe - it has an impressive menu, pies, hot and cold drinks.

Reference

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington

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