Being by the coast, and when I say by we all know by now I mean on, it’s easy to forget that further inland there is also much to be seen. Here in Gold Coast they call inland the ‘Hinterland’. Much of this is typical Australian jungle and includes huge National Parks. I’m not talking Wollaton Park or Bramcote Park, but huge areas of land much like you see in all the documentaries.
After some research, I settled on the idea of visiting the Lamington National Park. With walks, treks and hikes ranging between fifty minutes and eight hours, we had a lot to choose from. We chose a walk called Box Forest Circuit which was exactly what it said on the tin with the addition of some tumbling waterfalls for good measure.
We set off late midmorning by which point it was already 29° degrees. We stopped for petrol on the way and I decided on a pre-hike sugar boost. I succumbed to the typical cheap gas station frozen drinks. For $1 I purchased a watermelon Slurpee. Think Tango Ice Blast just much, much cheaper.
The drive to the Hinterland took just over an hour. Although you leave the rolling coast behind you in a mere twenty minutes, due to the windy roads and sharp hairpin bends of the Hinterland, it takes a further forty minutes to climb up to the National Park. The cliff side roads are bordered by a barely there fence making the drive that little bit nerve-wracking. We were reassured by the large concrete carrying trucks making the same journey as us! The views from the car alone rivalled that of The Lake District’s highest points. Vibrant green plains of land stretched wide and were joined by ranch-like houses dotted around, just off the roads. There must have been something in that grass because the many roadside horse had a sheen I have never seen on a horse before. Deep blue water filled the large craters of the earth, helping to create a picture perfect postcard.
As we arrived at O’Reilly’s Resort the sun was still shining but the temperature had dropped to 24°. Armed with a simple map, we slung our water-filled rucksacks on our backs and headed for the trees. Our trek began with a boardwalk which was quite literal. A quick, flat walk into the trees which lead to rope bridges. These were high in the canopy of the forest and swung to and fro as you would expect. Each beginning of a bridge was bordered with signs such as ‘no more than 6’ and weathered gold plaques that had dedication messages engraved. One bridge lead us to a huge tree which provided the opportunity to climb higher and view a new angle of the forest.
Soon enough we were at the official start of our circuit. The forest was dense with wildlife and the shade provided by many trees and their leaves was welcomed. The birdsong was continuous and produced a lovely soundtrack to our walk. We started the walk a little later than we had hoped and knowing how quickly the darkness sets in the Hinterland, we started the walk at a good pace set on completing the walk sub four hours.
Soon enough we had hit our first landmark, Picnic Rock. As you would expect, this oasis provided flat rocks in the middle of the water in which to stop and enjoy food we had brought with us (which we had, of course!)
The air was thick but was doable. Whilst on the lookout for wildlife we marched on and hit a further 3 waterfalls during the trek. Both flat and hilly terrain was included which challenged us all in a great way.
We checked the map and headed along the final path of our circuit slowing the pace but still on target for sub four hours. Just as we thought that was all the nature we were getting for the day, as I went to take a step, like you do, I noticed a thin, scaled object directly in front of me.
Turns out that the long object happened to be attached to an animal. What I can only describe as a dragonesque looking lizard, had placed itself right in my track. It stood dead still long enough for me to get this shot. What I didn’t catch on camera afterwards was me walking past it and it trying to walk with me almost attaching itself to my foot. Just call me Khaleesi, Mother of Dragons.
We made it back to the car with a time of three hours and fifteen minutes, pleased as punch with the day’s hike. Perfect walking conditions with a great trail left us very happy. Another windy, yet downhill, drive took us home where we spent the evening resting.
LP x
LozinOz 