Summiting Brisbane's Highest Peak.

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The title of this post is a bit of a joke.
Yesterday we hiked through the Mt Coot-tha Gardens, to a new trail to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout.
Whilst trying to find information about the new trail, I stumbled on the revelation, that it is Brisbane's highest peak. My friends and I had a bit of a giggle, as even in our wildest dreams, we can't imagine it as a 'peak'.

The weather was horribly hot and humid, as we commenced our hike at 7.30 am. The walk through the gardens was delightful, with photo opportunities around every corner. Once the ascent began, the the sweat began to flow. The trail was wide, gravelly and steep. We took it slowly and rewarded ourselves with coffee and cake at the Lookout Cafe, enjoying the views over Brisbane city and watching the rain clouds build. We saw no sense rushing back down and getting soaked, so stayed far longer than we normally would.

Back in the gardens - city view.

I loved the climb, but it was the garden with its winding paths, taking you from one tranquil environment to another, that made my day.

Initially we walked through the desert habitat, not tranquil, but so beautiful in its own harsh way.

Desert Starfish. 

                  

In total contrast were the water lilies.

                

                  

The reflections on the lake begged us to stop and admire them.

                

The colours of the rainforest flowers were vibrant.

                                                           

The fronds of the ferns waved gently in the cooling breeze.

        

A kookaburra quietly sat focusing on finding breakfast.

                                                  

Water tumbled over the man made falls.

A pond in the thick of the rainforest brought many surprises - musical fruit bats.

           Dancing, diving dragonflies  

     Big and small wildlife.     

 

This frog is about the size of my thumbnail.We had to take great care not to step on his brothers and sisters.

Lovely sculptures of our native wild animals amongst the plants.

Lunch was taken down by the lily pond. The ducks and other birdlife kept us enthralled with their antics. The water dragon lizard was unusually unhappy and lunged into an attack of my feet on two occasions. We are so fortunate to have this 50 hectare garden on our doorstep.

I hope you appreciate enjoying this visit to Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens without the discomfort of the high humidity. I would love to read your comment.