Lamington National Park

Bellbird Lookout, Laminton National Park

(Incidentally – this park is named after one Queensland Governor Lord Lamington, who was so impressed with the area’s natural beauty after hearing the presentation made to parliament requesting its preservation as a national park, that he promptly visited the proposed park and shot a koala!!!)

Well, after last week’s checkup with Stuart’s hand, we were more than ready to head out of the city for a bit of a change. We’re both getting itchy feet to be back on the road again!

We took the scenic route up to Lamington National Park, which is on the border with NSW. The park actually encompasses an area that is the rim of a massive ancient volcano. Mt Warning just over the border is what’s left of the central plug of the volcano. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests (of Australia) World Heritage Area, and quite rightly so!!! It is a spectacularly beautiful area!

We camped at Binna Burra (on the recommendations of Stuart’s hand therapist – a little local knowledge!) and spent several days exploring the trails that led off from the campsite. There is an amazing network of trails, all built by hand during the Great Depression as an employment program.

Even with his hand in a cast, Stuart still can’t sit still, so he headed out on his own one afternoon and walked the Caves Circuit, whilst I spent the afternoon relaxing and sewing! We also spent the whole of the next day walking the Coomera Circuit which is 17+km long! Given the recent rainfall (and some more while we were there!) the waterfalls were all really flowing. The trail returns to the campsite along the Border track, which is part of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk.

We also walked to the Bellbird Lookout, spotting a huge koala right up in one of the trees. We got a good look at him, as he did of us, but we couldn’t get the camera out quick enough to get a good shot before he wedged himself into a fork and started feasting!

The hand built walking trails were such an enjoyable experience, as they were constructed to contour and switch back across the exceptionally steep country. Apparently the method was used after the engineer observed the way that cows walk on the hillsides all day without getting tired! The small number of steps and retaining walls were also beautifully built from onsite stone; they looked ancient and covered in moss. It was a truly stunning area.

We also did a day trip over to the other camping area in the Green Mountains section of the park. In addition to the camping areas, both areas have historic lodges for more upmarket accommodation, so we sampled the fresh baked scones and tea before wandering out to explore the tree top walk. This one was suspended on cables, with a timber deck – there was quite a bit of movement as we walked along it! But it did get us right up into the tops of the rainforest! Unfortunately, we don’t have any photos of it as Stuart managed to accidentally wipe the camera’s memory card. Thankfully we had downloaded the cards the night before, so we only lost the one day!

From there it was back to Brisbane for another x-ray and check-up. Good news – Stuart’s break is now showing signs of healing and we have been given a referral to get another x-ray/check-up in Sydney in four weeks time.

So the time has come for us to say farewell to the “Sunshine State” and head south to New South Wales. First stop – Byron Bay (although we’ll be staying in Lennox Head because the caravan parks in Byron Bay are ridiculously expensive!)

On a footnote, we feel that Queensland needs to rethink the “Sunshine State” tag, as we worked out it has been raining for more than 60% of the time we have spent in the state! Hopefully we can find a bit more sun in NSW!