Starting across the car park on Lamington National Park Road, O’Reilly, this return walk takes you to the Pat’s Bluff viewpoint, optionally visiting Python Lookout along the way. This track is moderately steep and requires some rock scrambling, but the spectacular views alone is worth the hassle for many. Besides the view, the place is quite suitable for an afternoon picnic that can be stepped up with a warm, picturesque sunset. You can scramble up the boulders until you get an unimpeded 180 degree view over the land. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in Lamington National Park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start
At the intersection of Lamington National Park Road & Python Rock Track (-28.2255788,153.1284726)
Turn on to Price Street, 90, 8 then drive for 3.9 km
Keep right onto Beaudesert - Nerang Road, 90, 8 and drive for another 175 m
Continue onto Nerang - Murwillumbah Road, 97 and drive for another 1.2 km
Turn right onto Clagiraba Road and drive for another 5.7 km
Turn left onto Beaudesert - Nerang Road, 90, 8 and drive for another 10.7 km
Turn left onto Kidston Street and drive for another 35.1 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park on Lamington National Park Road(900 metres northwest of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat), cross the road and head down the steps. Head towards the green sign then turn right following the “Python Rock Lookout” signage. Follow the dirt track as it meanders deeper into the woodland. About 1.06 kilometres into the track, veer right then turn left shortly after to continue along the Pat’s Bluff Track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Lamington National Park Road & Python Rock Track Start heading along Python Rock Track (a walking track).
There is a car park (about 15 m back from the start).
After another 25 m (at the intersection of Python Rock Track & Centenary Track) turn right, to head along Python Rock Track.
After another 20 m pass the sign.
After another 160 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
After another 400 m pass a seat (15 m on your right).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip taking you to the Python Lookout where you can get great views over southern Lamington. Expect around 15 minutes of hiking time added to your hike. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 460 m turn right.
After another 9 m turn left, to head along Pats Bluff Walk.
After another 10 m pass a seat (on your left)., has no backrest.
After another 75 m pass the sign (on your left).
After another 970 m come to "Pat's Bluff".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.1 km to get back to the start.
An optional side trip taking you to the Python Lookout where you can get great views over southern Lamington. Expect around 15 minutes of hiking time added to your hike.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Python Rock Track.
After another 430 m come to a seat., has a backrest.
"Python Rock Lookout".
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 430 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Pat's Bluff
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
4.2 km
Time
1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
Some facilities on route
Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 1.3 km apart with the largest gap of 3.2 km.
Bushwalk
1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min
Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 1.3 km apart with the largest gap of 3.2 km.
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There is a car park (about 15 m back from the start).
After another 20 m pass the sign.
After another 160 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
After another 9 m turn left, to head along Pats Bluff Walk.
After another 970 m come to "Pat's Bluff".
