35) The Border Ranges

Another jaunt out to a World Heritage site, this time on the far west part of the Tweed Caldera - the Border Ranges National Park. The drive took us farther west than we have been- the country over there seems really dry, although the ponds are full and there is new growth springing up in the fields.

As we crossed from Queensland to New South Wales (hence "border" ranges) we crossed from logged and developed land to a full blown temperate rain forest. The line of demarcation was so sudden and straight - like a knife cut - it was rather shocking. Fields one minute, top a rise and - bang - you on a winding road through rain forest! We first went to see the "giant Red Cedar," of note because this was the type of tree that started the logging craze in the area. This particular tree is said to be about 1000 years old, and about 48 m in height.
















We started on the Helmholstia Trail. This is famous for it's Helmholstia lillies - a "rare stream lily found only in northeast NSW and south east QLD."















In places it was hard to see the narrow trail as it was slightly overgrown; it was much less used than other park trails we have been on. I was watching out for roots as I jogged along around a corner and saw - quite unnervingly - my first wild AU snake. Dark brown/black, 1.5 m long, scales - that narrows it down to 1/2 dozen or so highly venomous snakes in the bush. I stopped - it cruised into the ferns - I am quite sure it waited there, just off the trail, as I went by. Given the poor lighting and numerous roots and sticks on the trail, my pace slowed considerably after that!


Hmmm - one of those phrases where some slight bit fell out as it crossed the Pacific (much like the common "thinking outside the square...").












Rain forest light on Brindle Creek
















The really pretty cool Versa Falls. Great spot, big lilies, boulders, giant fern trees and a great falls!






















Mt. Warning from the "English Black Butt" overlook (I kid you not! It's a type a of tree, not a disease!)

















Our Friend Wally at Wallabee Run (a horse farm)