Return to my Favourite Hike

 Tuesday, 24 November

Coomera Falls Circuit, Binna Burra - 18 km.

It had seemed a while and it turned out to be far too long since I had hiked the Coomera Circuit. It was actually 2 months short of 3 years. Definitely far too long, but it had been closed until recently because of the devasting fires which swept though the area in September last year. Thankfully the rainforest on this side of the mountain had been untouched. 

Our early start saw us heading down the trail, just after 7am, after partaking in a quick cuppa.       

Birdsong greeted us as soon as we began our descent to Coomera Falls and Gorge. The trail gently wound its way down through ancient giants, tree ferns, palms and flowering Stream or Helmholtzia Lily, below a soaring canopy.

It wasn't long before Janice and I were trying to capture the beauty of this amazing rainforest.

After approximately 6 km, we reached the falls lookout and  then our journey gradually climbed back up another ridge, following the water course of Coomera Creek, Barrajum Creek, Bower Bird Creek and Hobee Creek. Water levels are low, but the waterfalls were still lovely, cooling and tumbling with song.

The final 6km took us away from the water courses and everso gradually back to our starting point.

During the day, there were many highlights.

Sunshine through the fronds of a tree fern, often delighted.

Looking down on the top of tree ferns at their impressive fronds.

The Stream Lilies were of a soft pink.

Awesome tangled lianas.

Colourful forest fruit regularly litterd the forest floor, but we could not spy them growing on any tree. I believe these maybe a Lilypilly fruit, but am not completely sure.

A Red Belly Black snake was unconcerned with our passing. Mary who was hiking ahead of us, had to wait until another slithered off the path.

Native Waratah stood out with their lovely dark pink colour.

We had to step around this little fellow, very tentatively. We are still not sure if he was sleeping or dead.

Blurry image of the Lamington Crayfish hiding in the water below a rock. At least 5 or 6 were spotted.

A tiny Crows Nest fern had taken root on this liana, hanging across a small stream..

Much of the last few kilometres was through lovely stands of these tall straight trees covered in a lush, 'furry' vine. Very relaxing and cool, as we covered this last distance.

Lunch spot, 4 km from trail end.

Our view as we snacked.

A final cuppa before we hit the road back down the mountain. On our return, we were greeted by a temperature of 32C. How wonderful is the rainforest?

This trail was first discovered Nov 2, 2017. We returned January 16, 2018 to share its wonder with a visiting English friend. Seeing my photos on Facebook, this friend messaged me to say my photos had reminded her at how glorious this hike had been for her. I would love to think, that I could share it with others sometime.

In rereading my blog of 2017, I discovered that the images taken on that day very much mirrored those taken this week.

http://outandabout3.blogspot.com/2017/11/coomera-circuit-binna-burra.html

I would love to read your comment.

Kalbar Hay Bale Sculptures

Thursday 15 October. 

On this Hungry Hiker outing, we enjoyed the amazing creativity, energy and community spirit of Kalbar, a rural town in the Fassifern Valley, just over an hour's drive from suburban Brisbane. It was their annual Hay Bale Festival. 

Annual? Now, why had we only just learnt of this event.

 

On arrival we found this lovely park, on a rise just outside of Kalbar, with its view west to the Great Dividing Range. I'll add again, this range is the Australian equivalent of the the American Rockies.[In minature.]

Beside the park was this very special war memorial, beautifully looked after and with both flowering Jacaranda and Flame Tree.

 

The day was crisp and clear and there was a special beauty to the sadly dry vistas, as we enjoyed our morning tea.

Downtown, one could sense the pride of the locals in their town. Lovely old buildings, beautifully looked after.

The hay bale sculptures were all so impressive that I found it impossible to select a few. You may or may not want to look at them all. Be warned.

In and around town.

To see the rest, we had to take a lovely drive along country roads.

The Aussie cattle dog is a 'Bluey' or Blue Heeler.

Before finding somewhere for lunch, we visited Karoomba Winey and Lavender Farm. We had read that their lavender was in full bloom. It must have been an old article, as none at all, but a purple salvia plant was quite special, along with the range views.

Such a wonderfully happy day, with the best friends!

I wonder which hay bale is your favourite?

I would love to read your comment.