In part five of this series, Lamington National Park features again. This time it is Box Forest Circuit in the Green Mountains section of the park.
Also starting from the O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, the Box Forest Circuit is a pleasant 8 kilometer grade 4 walking trail. Most people choose to walk the circuit counter-clockwise, often going no further than Elabana Falls and Box Log Falls, but I highly recommend completing the full loop. It is a fantastic half day hike.
My most recent visit to the circuit was in March 2025, so it is worth mentioning that significant damage has been caused by Cyclone Alfred. Many trees have been toppled along the circuit and landslips have caused significant erosion to the walking track, leaving a sharp drop off along parts of the trail.
About 30 minutes' walk from O'Reilly's, you reach a junction in the track. If you branch to the left, the upper sections take you along a ridge before you drop down into the valley and trace a path alongside Canungra Creek. If you turn to the right, you head straight down to Picnic Rock and Elebana Falls. For this article, I am describing the track as it is walked clockwise.
One of many pleasant scenes which can be found along the upper sections of the Box Forest Circuit. 1.5 seconds, f/11, ISO 400. Multi image focal stack.
If you visit after rain, there are many temporary waterfalls which appear along the upper ridges of the track and these can be quite photogenic. Once you descend into the valley, the track traces along Canungra Creek. It narrows in several places and can be slippery, so take your time. If there is a lot of water flowing through Canungra Creek, you will need to undertake several water crossings. When I visited in March 2025, the water was up to my waist and was flowing rapidly and I had to take considerable care to keep the cameras dry and not lose my footing.
Canungra Creek from one of the crossing points.
Your reward at the end of Canungra Creek is Box Log Falls and Elabana Falls, two of the most photographed waterfalls in Lamington National Park. Box Log is the most challenging of the two to photograph. It sits within a chasm and the water rushing over the falls forms a strong vortex at the base, creating water mist that vents out towards the entrance. I have always had a lot of difficultly keeping the camera dry trying to photograph Box Log Falls, so the best time to visit is in the dry season.
A little bit further up the trail from Box Log Falls, Elabana Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall. From the footpath, the best vantage point is a short scramble up some rocks. Again, just be careful, as the rocks can be slippery. From the top, you have a view of the two water pools with the main waterfall in the background. Elabana Falls is recognizable, being the most photographed waterfall in the park. If you manage the scramble to the top, don't be afraid to get your feet wet. The water is refreshing after a humid morning or afternoon and your shoes will be mostly dry by the time you reach O'Reilly's.
Elabana Falls. A Lamington National Park classic. 13 seconds, f/18, ISO 50
Canungra Creek flowing through and over Picnic Rock. 2 seconds, f/18, ISO 320
From Elabana Falls you trace a path back up the valley before crossing over Picnic Rock (another great stopover for some photos and a dip in the water). From Picnic Rock, it is then a relatively easy climb back up the circuit and until you reach O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat.
Box Forest Circuit is a great morning or afternoon out. I don't think it quite matches the Toolona Circuit in splendor, but if you want relatively quick access to two spectacular waterfalls, it is well worth the hike.