On Monday, Uncle Errik and my cousin Larissa took us on a hike in Springbrook National Park, about 100km South of Brisbane. The park is essentially a rain-forest and has lovely trees, ferns, and waterfalls! We did the 4km Twin Falls Circuit which takes you past two waterfalls and through really neat rock clefts and jungle like scenery. It looked like a place that Tarzan would live...swinging vines and everything!
The weather was a bit overcast and cool, but it was perfect for hiking..and for NOT seeing snakes. Errik said it would be too cold for them. Thank goodness! The last thing I'd want is to run across a snake on the path.
The park was beautiful and I love to go back and do some of the other hikes they have. Since the park is ~1km above sea level, you get some great views all the way to the ocean. I took a few pictures. The quality isn't the greatest, but you get the idea.
Andrea
Here is a description/history of the park courtesy of my Springbrook Visitor's Pamphlet:
"Rising to a height of more than one kilometre, Springbrook dominates the western skyline of the Gold Coast. It is an area of exceptional scenic beauty with ancient rain-forests, panoramic views and waterfalls. Its geological origins date back to the vast shield volcano that was last active 10 million years ago. Seen from Best of All Lookout, Mt. Warning, aboriginal name Wollumbin-the 'cloud catcher', is its remnant core.
The mainly coastal dwelling Kombumerri people frequented the mountain, as evidenced by stone tools they left behind. European settlement began in 1906. These white settlers were dairy farmers who cleared the forests to grow pasture. Now the residents are encouraging the forests to return."
The weather was a bit overcast and cool, but it was perfect for hiking..and for NOT seeing snakes. Errik said it would be too cold for them. Thank goodness! The last thing I'd want is to run across a snake on the path.
The park was beautiful and I love to go back and do some of the other hikes they have. Since the park is ~1km above sea level, you get some great views all the way to the ocean. I took a few pictures. The quality isn't the greatest, but you get the idea.
Andrea
Here is a description/history of the park courtesy of my Springbrook Visitor's Pamphlet:
"Rising to a height of more than one kilometre, Springbrook dominates the western skyline of the Gold Coast. It is an area of exceptional scenic beauty with ancient rain-forests, panoramic views and waterfalls. Its geological origins date back to the vast shield volcano that was last active 10 million years ago. Seen from Best of All Lookout, Mt. Warning, aboriginal name Wollumbin-the 'cloud catcher', is its remnant core.
The mainly coastal dwelling Kombumerri people frequented the mountain, as evidenced by stone tools they left behind. European settlement began in 1906. These white settlers were dairy farmers who cleared the forests to grow pasture. Now the residents are encouraging the forests to return."
Wow - looks amazing! So different than the prairie scape we have around here...
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