Morans Falls, Balancing Rock & Moonlight Crag – The Liquorice Allsorts of Hikes

G’day legends – it’s your girl Mumma Dingo back again with another day out in the wild, and let me tell you, this one was the hiking equivalent of a bag of liquorice allsorts. You know the ones – some bits are delicious, some bits you chew through anyway, and some bits you wonder why they even exist… but all together, somehow, it works.

That was my day at Lamington National Park: waterfalls, rock scrambles, rainforest magic, a little bit of “where the bloody hell am I?” confusion, and a reminder that not every so-called “peak” is actually worth the hype.

Getting There: The Warm-Up Adventure

Even before you lace up the boots, the road into Lamington is a show. It’s narrow, winding, and full of blind corners that make you feel like you’re driving in a video game. At one point I swear I had to dodge not just cars, but also cows, wallabies, and kangaroos. The only thing missing was a cassowary in a high-vis vest directing traffic.

Tempting as it was to fang it like a rally driver, common sense (and the thought of explaining myself to the ambos) kept me in check. But seriously – this road sets the tone. You know you’re heading somewhere special when the journey in is half the fun.

Jurassic Park Vibes – The Path to Morans Falls

First stop: Morans Falls. Now, this one is what hiking dreams are made of. As you wind down toward the falls, the rainforest pulls out its finest Jurassic Park cosplay. Towering trees with roots wrapped around boulders like Mother Nature’s own art installation. Moss-covered rocks glowing green in the filtered light. Flowers popping their heads out like confetti. Birds calling in surround sound.

Honestly, I half-expected a velociraptor to come sprinting out of the ferns. (If it had, I reckon I could’ve outrun it, thanks to all the stair training I’ve been forcing myself to do. Maybe.)

The falls themselves? Absolute magic. A small cluster tucked into the valley, cascading away while the craggy walls of Moonlight Crag loom overhead. It’s the kind of spot that makes you stop, breathe deep, and mutter a little “yep, this is why I hike.”

The Trail Game: Rainforest, Fire Trails, Jungle Gyms

From Morans Falls the trail flips between rainforest walks, fire trails, and tree scrambles – like an obstacle course for bushwalkers. Every corner had something different to throw at me: slippery roots, vines to dodge, rocks to scramble over.

At times it felt less like hiking and more like being a contestant on Australian Ninja Warrior – Bush Edition. Honestly though? I loved it. It’s the kind of trail that keeps you awake and buzzing instead of trudging on autopilot.

Moonlight Crag – Expectations vs Reality

Next stop was Moonlight Crag. Now, this one’s on the 52 Peaks Challenge list, which means it comes with a certain expectation of “wow.” The reality? Let’s just say it’s more “meh.”

I got lost a few times on the way – the track isn’t obvious, and you really need your AllTrails app cranking or you’ll wander in circles muttering about how peak-bagging ruins lives. The “peak” itself? Brace yourselves… it’s a rock. In the middle of trees. No sweeping views, no triumphant moment, just a rock that feels like it got put on the challenge list because someone owed it a favour.

If you actually want views, skip the “official” peak and head to the Moonlight Crag Lookout. That’s where the mountains put on their best show.

Balancing Rock – The Redemption Arc

Thankfully, Balancing Rock came through with the fun factor. The rock itself isn’t exactly going to win Australia’s Got Talent, but the trail there? Absolute gold.

Think jungle gym for adults – climbing, ducking, weaving, swinging yourself around tree roots like Tarzan’s clumsy cousin. It had that adventurous feel that makes you grin even while you’re huffing and puffing like a busted kettle.

What I Missed (This Time)

I had big dreams of checking out the Wishing Tree and maybe even Python Falls, but time was against me. As much as I’d love to think I’m invincible, the truth is, I’m a mum who needs to be home before dark and still has to make dinner.

So, those two will have to wait. Which honestly isn’t a bad thing – Lamington National Park is the kind of place you want excuses to come back to.

Final Thoughts – The Liquorice Bag of Hikes

All up, it was about 4 hours of hiking – one loop, a bunch of different terrains, and enough variety to keep even a restless dingo like me entertained. Morans Falls stole the show, Moonlight Crag tried its best (bless), and Balancing Rock gave me a workout I didn’t know I needed.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. But next time, I’ll carve out a whole day and throw in the Wishing Tree and Python Falls for good measure.

Lamington is basically an outdoor adventure park – you never know what you’re going to get, but you’re never bored.

Adios from Mumma Dingo – now excuse me while I demolish half a packet of Tim Tams, because balance.