Friday, January 13, 2017

Lamington National Park, Gold Coast Hinterland


"Lamington National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world. The area is renowned for its beautiful waterfalls and more than 160 kilometres of walking trails, including the 21.4 kilometre Border track, built in the late 1930’s and the Caves circuit which has views out over Coomera Valley..."

"World Heritage status was bestowed on Lamington in 1994 in recognition of its high biodiversity, and the fact it contains a living museum of the evolutionary steps taken in the development of Australia’s modern day flora. It now includes 20,200 hectares of varying forest types, from temperate Antarctic Beech forest high on the border ranges through the sub-tropical rainforests, to the dry eucalypt forest of the northern escarpment.


Lamington National Park provides food and shelter for a huge array of sub-tropical birdlife (over 160 species), reptiles, frogs, mammals and invertebrates."








Being 1000 metres above sea level, Lamington National Park is 5-8 degrees cooler than Brisbane, what a wonderful summer getaway!The valley view heading up was spectacular., a big WOW! It will be a lifetime memory. I tried to shoot as many photos, but they just can't tell all.

On the way up, we stopped in at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards. My first visit to a vineyard. This was new to us. I often wonder about grape vines... beautiful... beautiful views here!

Before checking in to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, we took our first walk, 'The Treetop Walk'., saying helloooo... reconnecting with the nature. It was a mere 800 metres walk. Good for warming up old muscles. Haha.

"The Tree Top Walk consists of 9 suspension bridges up to 16 metres above ground. Enjoy a bird’s eye view from a deck 30 metres above ground in a fig tree over the walkway..." 

Later, we made the second one. This time, much longer... longer than 4.6 km. A combination of Mick's Tower, Wishing Tree, Moran's Falls and The Lost Walk. Hahahaaa!! The Lost Walk was an extended one....we were a little lost after the Moran's Fall.

The entrance to begin our track was just a few seconds stepping down the room. Mick's observation tower (18 metres high) was our first stop. The walk along this sub-tropical rainforest was full of surprises and excitement spotting prawns, wallabies, birds and wild plants.  The natural swing brought extra fun and happiness to my little ones too.

Finally...and finally, these walking tracks led us to another spectacular lookout., the waterfalls at Moran's Falls! Amazing view!

...and now...let's breath...enjoy the clean, fresh air...and....continue our journey back to O'Reilly's.  No more vote for another walk. Enough.


Heading down the drive, Alpacas feeding was a bonus. Happy faces...once again. Needless to say...Priceless!


and on the way back home, we did pop in to Movie World and Wet'n'Wild for a few rides. THE END



























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