11 The Lost World

Sunday Found us heading for Spring Brook National Park: "Springbrook National Park is recognised as part of one of the world's most outstanding and valuable places. In December 1994, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee officially declared the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area over the Scenic Rim (including Lamington and Springbrook National Parks and most of Main Range and Mount Barney National Parks) and the rainforests of northern New South Wales."

"Less varied than the wet tropical rainforests of north Queensland, these rainforests include warm temperate, cool temperate, sub-tropical and dry rainforests. This property contains the world’s most extensive subtropical rainforest and nearly all of the world’s Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest. (note Nancy to R of Falls)




Rainforests on both sides of the border contain more frog, snake, bird and marsupial species than anywhere else in Australia. This site provides a home for many rare and threatened plants and animals and ancient life forms." http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/world_heritage_areas/gondwana_rainforests_of_australia/

It was a cool and rainy day - downright chilly up at the "Best of All Overlooks" which provides views of the caldera Rim and looks out to Mt Warning - a ancient volcanic plug (everything here is old - back to Gondwanna Days! (high point just to Nancy's R)


[One of many passages behind fallen cliff blocks]













We took one of the shorter tracks (the best long Warrie Track was closed due to flood damage and landslides). Lots of great bird song but very frustrating trying to SEE the vocalists! [Note - I am sure we heard the somewhat rare and wondrous Albert's Lyrebird (Menura alberti) . The Lyre birds song is about 80% mimicry and we heard lots of birds so it seems likely one of was a Lyrebird mimicking something else. We never SAW it mind you but hey - its a jungle out there [Note: this is why Nancy won't let me TOUCH her life-list!]

This will be a great place to explore when the days get longer and hotter - potentially good running terrain with great cooling spots! Best of all - when you leave there is this [a truly inspiring selection of fudge at a local shop] ! (DV- eat you heart out!)