Taking Time to Breathe the Mountain Air

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Wednesday 13 May

Through 'Must Do Brisbane,' I had read about a beautiful waterfall outside Canungra. The article commented that it was a little difficult to locate and a steep climb down. I had googled the location of the falls, without much success. Recently I was talking to a friend who lives above Canungra, at Beechmont. Lyn hadn't visited them, but she was able to give me directions to the falls, found in Killarney Glen. Lyn also suggested that I might also enjoy Denham Reserve at Beechmont and only a short distance from her home. Thank you Lyn for your guidance to both these spots of untouched beauty and tranquility and for the time I spent with you, between the walks.

Each walk was only 3.3 kms and not knowing what they would reveal, I decided to set off by myself the Saturday prior to our usual Wednesday walk. The previous week we had had the 'rain event'. The sooner I visited the more impressive the falls would be.

Halfway up the mountain to Beechmont, I almost missed the poor signage for Killarney Glen. I then hiked a steep zig zag path, through forest, dropping quickly to lower Back Creek. Below is what greeted me as I stepped out from the trees. I had found paradise and was in no hurry to leave, soaking up the sounds of the creek tumbling its small boulders, before swirling gracefully over the fall.

When I eventually tore myself away, I discovered an overgrown track that followed the creek's path, as best it could. My heart sang as I explored.

Time seemed to stand still, but I knew I had to tear myself away to have time to visit Denham Reserve.

A view across the valley from above Killarney Glen.

 A winding 15 minute drive had me at the trail head for Denham Reserve. Congratulations and thanks are due to the Beechmont Landcare Volunteers for creating and maintaining the park and trail of this beauty spot. 

Initially the path followed the ridge line until it had to drop steeply to Back Creek. Prior to the steep descent, there was a view to the dramatic upper falls.

The tenacity of nature.

 

Once I had descended to Back Creek, it was a short hike along to the cascading lower falls. To reach the upper falls, a crossing had to be made here. On this occasion I showed some sense for once and just relaxed and took in the beauty of this special area on such a blue sky day.

Walking Wednesday loomed and I decided that I should share these special places with my friends, sooner rather than later. We would start early and to make up the kilometres, we would then drive to Tamborine Mountain and hike 2 waterfall trails, to make about 15 kms. Well, that was the plan.

We always have coffee at the trail head, but on this occasion I suggested we put the thermos and other items in our back packs and enjoy it by the stream. Fatal. Margot and Jenny were as totally blown away

as I had been by the tranquil beauty of the scene before them.

 Morning tea view.

 Our decision has been made to cancel Tamborine and just relax and enjoy our surroundings.

 We were mesmerised by the shimmering reflection of the water's movement on the rocks.

 With time to spare, I explored further down Back Creek. It was difficult to turn back.

On our way out, we nailed the extremely steep and ruggard 4 wheel drive track.

 And so it was on to Denham Reserve. Margot and Jenny were again very impressed with the vista, if not with the difficulty of the track.

On returning to the park, we continued to relax, making the most of the lush, green grass to sit on, as we contentedly munched our sandwiches.

'Walking down under' can't get much better than this!

 Or can it?

I do hope you have enjoyed Killarney Glen and Denham Reserve as much as we did. I would love to read your comment.