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

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