Our plan for the day had been to return to the rainforest of Binna Burra. I have a friend who lives in this mountain area. By chance, we had exchanged early morning texts and she commented about the high winds, they were experiencing. Having seen the number of blown down trees over these past weeks, I quickly reorganised our destination.
Moggill Conservation Park had been on our 'to do' list for several years. Situated on the western side of Brisbane, on steep ridges, with open, dry eucalypt forest [very typical Aussie bush], it had been ignored for more picturesque hikes. With our temperatures having returned to the enjoyable mid-twenties and the recent good rainfall, I decided it was time to explore this park.
The obligatory coffee and cake to energise.
A gentle incline, before the steep ascent.
Having achieved the ridgeline, the walking was relaxed.
Views to the distant city.
Views to the hinterland - Scenic Rim.
The descent was equally steep and on the gravel path, great care was required to prevent a fall.
View down
View looking back.
There was the occasional splash of wildflower gold.
There was the occasional splash of wildflower gold.
The descent completed, the trail followed the unfortunately named, Ugly Creek.
Two hundred metres from trail end, we were thrown an unexpected and nasty incline.
Flora and fauna highlights.
Midway through the hike, the soothing sounds of a variety of birds singing, was suddenly replaced by the raucous, angry cry of a sulphur-crested cockatoo, as he swooped low to the ground and then up into the trees, moving constantly. Joc spied movement on the ground and after a few minutes, the action crossed the road. A goanna was the target of the cockatoo's wrath. We assume he had eaten its eggs. We watched the drama unfold for a good ten minutes. reinforcements arrived adding to the cacophony of noise.
Spot the reinforcements.
This drama unfolded on a short section of trail where we had to retrace our steps, after visiting the viewpoint west.
Comfort was being given, as we returned.
Jocelyn loves her photography. Today she had brought with her, a crystal ball to experiment with. We all had fun.
My efforts.
Rotated upside down.
Dark clouds had been hovering all morning. On completing the hike we drove several kilometres back to Colleges Crossing parklands, on a beautiful arm of the Brisbane River. We had only just sat down under cover, when the heavens opened.
A flock of pelicans entertained while we ate lunch.
Moggill Conservation park had certainly delivered us yet another fabulous day, in our great outdoors.
I would love to read your comment.
I would love to read your comment.
So much to see and talk about! The complete story of the Cockatoos, the Ugly Gully Break, the cute hybrid duck at the end! Thanks for another fantastic post.
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DeleteWhat wonderful wildlife sightings! Love the name of the creek too. :)
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DeleteI remember seeing my first Cockatoo in the wild when we were in Eungella. It was a real surprise to see them in such numbers having only ever seen them as pets before. The noise they made was quite astounding!
ReplyDeleteIn the wheat growing areas, the large flocks, can loudly decimate the crops.
DeleteThe lorikeet parrots also deafen when in large flocks, even in suburbia. The corella's, similar to the cockatoo, often visits the golf course and can be noisy beyond belief.
A lovely walk!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and strenuous hike!! Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteSo many wonderful images Helen. Moggill Conservation park looks like a great place to visit and your picnic looked very inviting indeed. Great captures of the cockatoo!!!! Loved the ones of them consoling each other, so sweet!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea the crystal ball was. Did she give you any insight into your next trip ;)
Have a fantastic weekend :)
Thank you Prunella. Joc's reading of the crystal ball revealed a hike without steep inclines and a restaurant somewhere along the way!
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