I took the wrong turn-off, which isn’t new. I do that quite often. I get easily distracted, scanning the surrounding flora and fauna. Navigating Forrest roads whilst driving can fling a surprise visit to the unexpected.

But if time is on my side and the weather gods are smiling, then so am I.

There was a spiritual and welcoming feel to Woolool Wooloolni. I felt comfortable right away.

In 4 days and three cold nights, I enjoyed genuine serenity. It was fabulous.

Four cars in as many days is a terrific traffic ratio. Friendly, outdoorsy people like myself.

A shelter with a fireplace kept me warm and smoky at night. Whilst trees were swaying to the rhythm of fresh winds. 

One of my most intriguing conclusion is, how flora thrives around this granite land.

Depending on the angle to the sun, flora differs quite drastically.

The shadow side of these rock formations flares in green flora.

The air is cooler and moister here, hidden away by an outstanding wall of granite.

Ferns flourish and exploit the new growth forest soil.

Moss is clinging on a carpet of green.

Trees succumbed to devastating bushfires. But the next generation is already on its way.

This is the preferred environment of the Lyrebird.

Shape, size and feeding behaviour are similar to the common brush-turkey.

Lyrebirds have colourful and extensive tail feathers.

They are commonly the only entity to be seen.

When the tail-feathers fan over its body, the Lyrebird reveals his extraordinary vocal talent. They can imitate all other birds in their neighbourhood. They sound exactly like cockatoos, parrots or kookaburras. In one endless call to his companion. Stunning. His mate then obliged and edited his repertoire to suit the audience.

An oral bird gala not to be missed. They lyered me the first time. Then I just enjoyed their chatter.

These photos are taken in a different National Park, where I didn’t hear them but saw them.

It felt like fate, as I heard them every day around Wellington Rock, but never had a glimpse. There was something spiritual going on.

Passing over to the sunny side of this high-rocky, the signs are a bit clearer. Dry and exposed granite covers the land.

Wind and water exposed granite terrain and created this bizarre wonderland.

Bare naked and hot baked in the Australian sun, this granite oven boils over in summer.

Summertime is usually the rainy season, which brings relief but could create chaos. Lightning storms cause a great number of bushfires.

The eucalyptus tree would be one of the hardiest tree species in the world.

No matter what Australia throws at them, they thrive wherever they can.

Extraordinary, some trees shape the boulder’s appearance.

Granite is one of the densest stones found anywhere.

I could feel the strong bond between granite and wood.

One holds each other’s back. For thousands of years.

Guardians of the secret trail.

A bizarre twist and turn combination.

Giant boulders shadow the tree’s movement.

A narrow trail leads up to the top.

And a fabulous view over the valleys below unfolded. The great Dividing Range as far as I can see.

I tried, but I couldn’t climb to the very top.

There aren’t many gaps to grasp onto this smooth surface.

But I have something that can fly.

High as a kite.

Overlooking both environments are colossal pebbles.

Monumental statues peak over the forest, ancient road signs for man and fauna.

These look distinct from different angles.

Maverick did his magic.

A collaboration of huge boulders has a practical side for animals and mankind.

There is always somewhere to hide.

Either from either predators or the elements. If only this cave could talk.

These are the locations, where mystical stories of old were told. Dreamtime!

It comes as no surprise, that ‘Woolool Wooloolni’ is one of these ancient sacred places. Only good spirits were felt.

The name translates into ‘Wellington Hat’ to our language. Captain Cook may have been spotted from up here.

The setting sun shone a softer light on my return. Favouring all colours intensely.

A light band of clouds moved in from the west, this could be a chilly night!?

Thankfully, a shelter and fireplace will keep me warm and dry.

For those who pursue solitude and a bizarre, but outstanding landscape, this is my recommendation for Basket Swamp National Park. A truly inspirational environment. 

Lyrebirds replace kookaburras for the early morning wake-up call. It was a clear and calm morning, I can’t miss a beat.

The sun shone directly onto the fern and mosses on rocks. I just had to explore again with my camera in hand.

These conditions were just ideal for all landscape photography, I had a busy day ahead.

Like Basket Swamp Falls. I found them after all and I am glad I did.

There’s no one here either. Coffee on the rocks is just what the doctor ordered.

Sit down and breathe in. Reflect on your surroundings.
Get a feel for this fantastic habitat.

Granite rocks were nicely warmed up by the shining sun. Temperatures plummeted below zero degrees again last night.

The waters are crystal clear. Pools offered an insight view below the surface.

Rushing waters were collected in the pool below.

Just the right amount of water to go with the flow.

Cruising around miniature islands.

Eventually, water cascaded 10 meters in to the valley below.

Basket Swamp Creek gently flows along within a narrow gorge. I would usually take the risk to climb down but I was in a hurry. And I have aerial support.

Whatever angle I chose.

Or even the roundabout option. The skies are my limit. 

I would have liked to stay but I had bigger plans. The baldest rock of them all.