The wind seemed to blow even stronger and colder overnight. Troopy was rocking me to sleep, how nice. Lucky I have a warm sleeping bag.
Lots of colour around the creek is what I hoped for at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
I decided to walk the Coomera River Track today, which is dotted with many waterfalls and cascades along the Coomera River Gorge. Admittedly, waterfalls and cascades, surrounded by lush green and glass-clear waters is a favourite photo object off mine. The weather gods were still on my side, as the forecast was the same as yesterdays. Just cold and windy.
The Coomera Gorge lies on the western side of the Lamington plateau. I was hoping it wasn’t too narrow and sunlight would be coming through around noon. Nevertheless, I started hiking at sunrise. Early mornings are still the best way to enjoy a peaceful day in the woods. A few pademelons, the smallest of the kangaroo family, were hopping through the undergrowth. They are extremely cute! And extremely shy and quick. I had no chance for a photo.
Waterfalls, creeks and forest greens at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Coomera Falls track loops in a circle, but I had a better plan. Knowing the sun won’t shine on all cascades in the morning and vice verse after lunch, I would take sunny photos as I go. Meaning, passing the ones without sunlight and leave them for my return walk.
Bahnamboola Falls in early morning sunlight st Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Bahnamboola Falls were the only cascades with sunlight on my way in.
Golden reflections at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Golden sunlight reflections on calm waters.
Sunny break at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
A perfect spot for a quick sunny break.
Using a quicker shutter speed makes a difference in photos, Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Looking through my lens, some things appear differently than through my eyes.
Sunny and shady areas at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Climbing uphill against the current, some sunny pockets appeared.
Leaf it on the mirror at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Some waters were so still and clear, that reflections could easily be mistaken as the real picture. I passed plenty more cascades and pictured how they would look in sunlight.
Endless view South towards Mount Warning at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Meanwhile, I walked on to ‘Dacelo Lookout’ at the southern end of the escarpment. A clear view in a southern direction for hundreds of miles. Mount Warning easily recognisable as the highest peak near and far. How lucky am I?
Drier, but dense forest at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
The vegetation was drier and not quite as thick here. The warming sun rays were welcoming too.
Sunny cascades and greens at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
My plan worked like a treat. Returning to the gorge-ous cascades, which shone like fire.
Neerigomindalala Falls surrounded by ferns at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
First up was ‘Neerigomindalala Falls’. I have absolutely no idea what that could mean. But that didn’t matter.
Bright display at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Plenty of light and lush greens alongside.
Spectacular display at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
The whole gorge was in a different light.
50 shades of green at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Tree trunks covered in moss appeared in different corners.
Cascading along boulders at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Small cascades carving through moss covered boulders.
Rockpools along waterfalls at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Waterfall pools with see-through waters reflected the sun.
Sub-tropical paradise at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
This was exactly what I was hoping for. Just spectacular.
Gwongarrong Falls were the highest and widest along the gorge at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
‘Gwongarrong Falls’ seemed to be the highest and most destructive falls.
Tree blockade at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Moving large fallen trees, only to be stopped by a tree growing on a stone? Mother Nature’s irony at it’s best. Just fantastic.
Slim shady waterfalls at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Some cascades don’t seem to get much sunlight at all.
Gorgeous bottleneck at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
I came to my last creek crossing as the gorge ran steeper and deeper in the valley below.
Green wet slopes at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Some smaller creeks plunged a good 100 meters down, flanked by ferns and other greens. Ironically, I didn’t take any photos of ‘Coomera Falls’ itself. Not enough sun in the morning and too much sun early afternoon didn’t give any good photo options. My plan worked too well in this case. But it was nice to watch and to hear the roaring waters from the viewing platform. A fabulous way to relax before making way back to Troopy. I still had another 8 km to cover.
A spectacular day in the woods at Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
What an amazing natural and photogenic way to spend the day. This has been my most favourite track along the ‘Scenic Rim’ so far, by far.
Travels with Ben 