Erected in the 1960’ies, millions of visitors passed this gate at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Lamington National Park is known for its natural environment, rainforests, birdlife, ancient trees, waterfalls, walking tracks and mountain views.
Rugged views all along at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Rugged mountain scenery, waterfalls, caves, rainforest, wildflower heaths, tall open forests, creeks, varied wildlife and some of the best bushwalking in Queensland are protected in Lamington National Park.
Ballanjui Creek at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
This Park lies further east of the busy Gold Coast and is therefore less visited. Good enough reason for me to make the most of clear and sunny, but brisk days.
Binna Burra Cafe and Restaurant at the edge of Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Arriving at Binna Burra lodge and campground before dawn, I set out on the ‘Shipwreck Trail’. I tried to investigate where the name came from, as it is an unusual name in the mountains.
Early morning colour spectrum at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
The cold air added extra depth in colours to the blue sky and green vegetation.
Dense forest at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
The dense tall timber forest soon gave way to a palm tree forest.
Almost tropical palm tree forest at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
There was almost a tropical feel to it.
Ballanjui Creek in full colour at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
A sidetrack followed Ballanjui Creek up to Lower Ballanjui Falls. A well deserved and scenic rest spot.
Upper Ballanjui Falls under dark blue skies at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Upper Ballanjui Falls are seen from here and seem to flow well. However, Lower Ballanjui Falls was just a mere trickle.
Hiking trail through impressive woods at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
The track was well maintained and easy to follow and it wasn’t too long when I came to the sunny side of this loop track.
Scenic Rime view east towards Springbrook National Park from Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Across the valley below lies Springbrook’s Natural Arch.
Painted Banksia at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Banksias were in full bloom and shone in golden colours to attract bees and ants to pollinate them.
Golden shine at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
I have never noticed Banksia flowers in these colours.
Insect magnet at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
So much depth in colours is just amazing.
Upper Ballanjui Falls Cascades at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Following this track further uphill, I reached Upper Ballanjui Falls around lunch time.
Ferns alongside Ballanjui Creek at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Ballanjui Creek was flanked by ferns and long grass, which indicated more sun exposure.
Perfect picnic and swim spot at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
This was just what I needed. A refreshing dip in the pool below and the sun to dry me off again.
Lamington National Park wonderland, Queensland, Australia
The deep blue sky mixed with green autumn trees were just stunning. Add a waterfall to the picture, what else could you ask for?
Picnic with a stunning view over the Scenic Rim at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
With a view like this, I could have stayed on a bit longer. However, time wasn’t on my side this time. I still had another 7 km to hike and the strong winds would add a clear chill factor to the already chilly mountain air.
Popular hiking trail at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
More often heard than actually seen, Lamington National Park plays an important role as a bird sanctuary for endangered species. Many wooden park benches have been placed along the track for hikers to stop and smell the forest, listening to birdlife throughout the canopy. Serenity.
Long shadows in black and white at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
The sun cast ever longer shadows by the time I completed this 21 km loop track, reaching Binna Burra and Troopy around 4 pm. I snuck in a hot shower at the campground, which no one seemed to mind. This was quite essential, as the strong, cold winds were howling over the escarpment as night started to fall.
Travels with Ben 