This morning’s drive took us along roads where the trees are starting to burst with colours of red and gold, and into what is known as the Green Mountain section of Lamington NP and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Situated on the western side of the Lamington plateau, this was once the northern edge of the Mount Warning Shield Volcano that was so prominent in helping to shape the landscape.
Shortly after turning onto the Lamington National Park Road, a left turn led the traveller to the Sarabah winery and Spring Gully Caravan/Camping Park: yes, we undertook the short detour
into a meadow- like landscape in which wallabies dined on green delicacies, Arabian horses grazed, and cattle literally ran to drink.
On course once more, an immediate climb commenced, leading us up a narrow winding road that left no real room for error.
Up, up and up went we, the view of the escarpment below becoming ever more beautiful to behold. With every metre covered, the view of a rugged landscape that had been created by tremendous forces several million years back in time greeted the eye: deep crevasses, and gorges through which water races, whilst tall distant mountain peaks towered above the valley below.
Roots of mighty giants clung tenuously to the crumbling red soils of the mountain: would the deluge from the next heavy rains be enough to bring them down????
The plant life here is determined by the type of soil, with the result being that we passed through numerous varieties of habitat: in many cases, we went from one to the next at a click of the fingers.
A land of dense sub – tropical rainforest, this is the habitat of endangered species such as the Albert’s lyrebird, Eastern Bristlebird and Spotted Quoll.
Arrived at last,
just outside the café, Crimson Rosellas and King Parrots gathered and fed, whilst the Regent Bowerbird flittered through the bushes.
Our time here today took us upon the rainforest boardwalk and treetop walk: with its swinging platforms high above the forest floor, this was significantly different to that we experienced earlier in the week. To our surprise, it was also free.
The Black Booyong and
Wonga Vine were two interesting specimens of trees.
Walk stealthily and make no noise, and it is possible to espy the small birds that inhabit the undergrowth going about their business.
You can imagine our surprise when we sighted a female bowerbird or two – so well camouflaged are they, one almost misses them –
and the Eastern Whipbird who put on a show.
There was also this little cutie that I can’t identify, fossicking around on the rainforest floor.
Mid – afternoon upon us, and the clouds now building for the severe thunderstorm predicted for the afternoon, Bob and I erred on the side of caution and chose not to undertake any further walks. With roadworks and crumbling slopes down which water would race, it would not be a pleasant drive down in heavy rains.
Instead, down we went, the aim to explore ‘The Lost World’ in the neighbouring valley. An hour later, and just kilometres from Beaudesert, with hammerheads darkening to ink black as they rapidly built and joined to tower above us, the decision was taken from our hands. The Lost World could wait until Monday, when we commence heading south.
And yes, although the region in which we were staying on received the thunder, further north havoc reigned.
Today, the road’s pathway led us to more than we believed imaginable, and one day is not long enough: Camping in the nearby vicinity, at least a week to partake in the walks, and a calendar with no commitments to interrupt is a must. This is a taste for us and we shall be back!!!
Links:
https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/about.html#walking_tracks_at_a_glance
https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/
https://oreillys.com.au/lamington-national-park/
https://www.scenicrimescapes.com.au/national-parks/
https://www.scenicrimescapes.com.au/national-parks/lamington-national-park/
https://www.2aussietravellers.com/lamington-national-park-walks/
Important to Note:
https://findapark.npsr.qld.gov.au/park-alerts
A great site to look at if you are in search of an animal or bird
http://www.oceanwideimages.com/