RETURN TO BINNA BURRA PLUS MOUNT WARNING

Boxing Day 26^th December

We're off to Binna Burra once again – en route to Binna Burra we visited the Natural Bridge which is situated in Springbrook National Park. It is a most unusual geological feature created over millions of years by water tumbling through the roof of a basalt cave. Natural Bridge is home to an amazing colony of glow-worms, whose lights can be seen only after sunset. Lookouts and lush rainforest also grace this part of the Gondwana Rainforests of the Australian World Heritage Area, making it one of the most popular parks in Australia. We took the short circuit walk to the natural arch over Cave Creek and viewed the waterfall and cave. All very beautiful and peaceful. Would be good to return after dark to view the glow worms. We did see bats flying just beneath the roof of the cave. We eventually arrived at Binna Burra, booked in and set up camp, we had the same camp site as our last visit. Many more people here this time during the busy holiday period. After a sit down and a shower we went over to the library and had a game of scrabble. A few people starting wandering in before the cheese platters arrived and we chatted with a few people. We went back to our little home and cooked dinner, before long bed beckoned. I read myself to sleep.

At the Natural Arch,  Springbrook

Richard at the Natural Arch

At the Glow Worm/Bat Cave

27^th December

Today we decided to do the Coomera walk, a distance of 17.5 kilometres. This scenic circuit leaves the Border Track 1.9 km from the entrance and passes through rainforest and the giant brush box. The total depth of the gorge is 160 m. The circuit continues along the Coomera Gorge and crosses the creek several times before rejoining the Border Track. It was a case of finding large stepping stones while crossing the creek on many occasions. We had our packed lunch sitting on rocks across a creek. A very peaceful setting. We saw quite a large yabbi, he was quite aggressive and flexing his claws at us as we walked by. It was a most enjoyable walk, definitely time to put our feet up on return, and have a shower. We walked over to the library at 4-ish for scrabble, drinks and cheese platter. Got talking today to Robert, the only bagpipe maker in Australia. A pleasant hour or so. We walked back to the van and heard the sound of music coming from the Lamington Tea House just near us. I investigated and found live music in full swing - a guitarist, playing and playing very well at that. So went back to the van to get Richard and we stayed and listened to the music till he finished at 8 p.m. He was very good. And then it was back home for a late dinner – then to bed. A lovely day. Binna Burra is so beautiful and peaceful. Love it here.

During the Coomera Walk

One of the many creek crossings

This Yabbi is ready for a fight!

28^th December

This morning had a chat to another A-Vanner parked just along from us. They were just leaving but pulled up next to us and had a chat about things the guy (Paul) had done in his van. Richard got a few ideas. Always good to talk to fellow A-Vanners and this is only the second one we have come across in our travels so far. Paul and son Samuel may be coming along to Mt Warning in a day or so, if so we will catch up with them there as that is our destination tomorrow. As we are a bit stiff after yesterday's long walk, we decided to do a small walk today after breakfast. So we did the Tullawallal Circuit. The pocket of Antarctic beech on the summit is the northernmost occurrence of this species in Australia and one of our remaining links with the ancient forests of Gondwana . There are many ancient boulders at the end of this walk where we sat awhile listening to the sound of the forest. We took some photos before returning to Binna Burra. A nice gentle walk after our long walk yesterday. Did the usual wind down at the end of the day at the Library. The library is on the second level and boasts the most beautiful views over the rainforest from the balcony. It is very quiet and comfortable. Tonight there was a bush dance held in the reception area where all the settees are pushed back to create a dance floor. It was a lot of fun with various bush dances and a game in between each dance. A good evening.

Richard at Tullawallal

Ancient Rocks at Tullawallal

29^th December

Pack up and leave Binna Burra by 10.30 and and made our way to Mt Warning. Very hot on arrival at Mount Warning where the temperature had hit 41 degrees. A lot hotter than our mountain retreat of Binna Burra. We half set up but as it is so hot we take a spell until it cools down a bit. But a huge storm takes place before we could finish, gushing wind, lashing rain, thunder and lightning and we lost electricity. People in tents suffered quite badly with wind blowing down part of their constructions and soaking their belongings. We watched the storm from the safety of our van until it passed over, the bonus was that it cooled the temperature considerably.

Other Activities we enjoyed in the Mount Warning area

Murwillumbah

We visited the country town of Murwillumbah which sits alongside the Tweed River. The Visitor Information Centre boasts a 360 degree panoramic wall mural of the view from the summit of Mt Warning. Quite stunning. We hope to experience the views first hand when we climb the mount.

Lyrebird Track

We walked the short Lyrebird Track, very pretty and lush within the subtropical rainforest of World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park. This beautiful Gondwana Rainforest of Australia meanders across Breakfast Creek, then winds through palm forest to a scenic viewing platform.

Richard at Lyrebird Track

Walking at Lyrebird Track

Lennox Heads

We visited Lennox Heads, found Richard's old house that he built there 36 years ago. There was nobody home but we did talk to a neighbour for a while who had lived there for 20 plus years and so they had a yarn about what had happened in the area since Richard's days of residence there. We wandered along the front, had coffee overlooking the surf beach. Plenty of people taking advantage of a perfect summer's day. We then drove along to Ballina and had a look around, bought some headlight torches in a camping store and then it was on to Bangalow where we had a spot of lunch in a bakery. Richard had recognised somebody from the bike club at the van park this morning but couldn't remember her name. Eventually I went through the member list and he remembered – Barry and Helena are also staying at Mount Warning Rainforest Park. A visit to the office revealed where they were located, a cabin near to us so we paid them a visit and invited them over for drinks at 4. Paul and Samuel are coming too, the people we met at Binna Burra who also have an Avan, have arrived here for a few nights. Had a happy hour with our friends. Barry and Helena invited us to join them this evening. We were party poopers and didn't see the new year in as we want to get up early and climb the mountain.

At Lennox Heads

Mount Warning

We climbed Mt Warning and started the climb in the dark at 5.20 a.m. We made it to the top including the last section where you get to the top by the use of chains to haul yourself up. Well worth the effort for the beautiful views from the summit. We were very fortunate in that it was a very cloudy day and no views were possible for the early hikers but as we reached the summit the clouds disappeared and views emerged from the cloud and mist. Champagne, Christmas cake and Gulcay's chocolates went down very well.  So beautiful. It took us 8 hours all told including rest times. We saw Paul and Samuel on our way down. Sure they will complete the ascent and descent in much fewer hours than us. It's an age thing! We got home about 2.30, had a welcome shower and rest times. Paul came by later and we swapped climbing stories. We were in bed early tonight after our exhausting - but exciting day.  Great way to start the New Year.

We start the climb in the dark

Daybreak

A rest before the chained section to the summit

Hanging on the chain

Last Bit - Scrambling over rocks

Blue Sky Emerging from the Cloud and Mist

At the Summit of Mount Warning

Starting the descent - it looks scary!

Bottoms work well

A hazard across the track

It's not a dummy - it's a water tube!

Mt Warning from Terra Firma
Did We Actually climb that?

Brunswick Heads

Intention was to go to Byron Bay for the day but there was a huge traffic jam on the road to the bay. So we changed direction and went to Brunswick Heads instead. Sat by the river initially, had coffee and christmas cake. Then we walked down to the beach area and did a long walk along the sand. Quite a nice breeze blowing and we watched the kite surfers.

Crystal Creek

Is a 10 minute scenic drive from Murwillumbah. We visited the the Crystal Creek Miniatures Farm where miniature animals (donkeys and cows) are bred. The animal section wasn't open on our visit but we were able to see the turtles in the creek and the lizards basking in the sun. A very pretty little village.

Tumbulgum

Another pretty little village that sits on the edge of the Tweed River. A picturesque area, the main street houses an art gallery, gift shops, cafes, the old Tumblegum tavern that seemed to be doing a roaring trade on this hot day. We had coffee in a welcomed cold air conditioned cafe that had lots of curios and trinkets on display. Then we had a sit in the shade by the Tweed River before returning home.

Tweed River from Tumbulgum
Mt Warning in background

Our last night at Mt Warning was a stinker, it was so hot and a very hot wind blew from the desert. We were up early and packed up and we were on the road by about 10 p.m. As we started the drive the temperature gauge in the car told us that the outside temp was 40 degrees. It soon climbed to 44, too hot for man and beast. The temperature fluctuated all the way home but when we hit Caboolture it was 44 – 37 on the island so a little cooler at home.

We enjoyed this mini break, Binna Burra is delightful and I am sure we will return. Mount Warning which is in New South Wales is so scenic as are all the surrouding areas, lush green fields, hills and gulleys abound, a very picturesque area.

Binna Burra, Lamington National Park

November 2013

It's Richard's birthday and the birthday getaway destination is Binna Burrra for three nights. The first night we are booked into the lodge accommodation. Our package includes dinner, breakfast, a guided walk and anything else on the programme. We book in at around 2 p.m just as a huge hail storm broke. When the rain and hail subsided we went along to our room and Richard went and parked the car and van in the parking area. We went up to the library and chatted to some folks from various parts of the world and Australia who had just booked in or had just reeturned from one of the bush walks. A cheese platter arrived amidst a very convivial atmosphere. The dinner gong rung out before long and we found our way to the dining room. A young fellow joined us for dinner which was a plentiful three course meal.

The next morning we checked out of our room before going up to the reception area where we are to meet up for today's guided walk. There are just four of us, our guide Damien, Richard and I and a lady holidaying in Australia from the UK, Jayne. Damien drove us to the information centre, where the walking track to Gwongoorool Pool begins, it's designated as a half day walk. We stop here and there and Damien gives us some informative commentary about the bush, flora and fauna in the area. The track descends down a series of steep steps past cliffs of volcanic ash through open forest and rain forest to the pool on the Coomera River. We eventually arrive at the pools area where we find a comfortable rock and Damien brews up the kettle for a cuppa and he has some yummy morning tea cookies too. After morning tea we get on the track again and return to our starting point and then drive back to Binna Burra. A very nice morning. We go to reception and find out which site we have been allocated in the camping area. We set up camp and Jayne joined us for a happy hour before dinner. A very pleasant day.

Morning Tea Break 

The next day we decided to walk Dave's Creek circuit. Jayne is joining us. It is a 12 km walk. We set off after breakfast at about 9 o'clock. This walk is accessed from the camping area and branches off from the Border Track. During the walk we saw a fascinating variety of forest and heath after descending through the head of Kurraragin Valley out into Dave's Creek country. The circuit passes through a large variety of vegetation and subtropical rainforest. This is probably one of the most picturesque walks we have enjoyed. We stopped for morning tea at a pretty lookout area where a couple of lizards decided to join us and ate some proffered cake crumbs from our fingers. We branched off at Ballunjui Cascade where we found a rocky area to sit and have lunch – a beautiful spot. We eventually wound out way homewards, ready for a sit down and a welcome shower. Jayne joined us for dinner tonight. After dinner Jayne and I went on the organised spotlight walk, the best part were the many paddy melons on the grassed area near to the camping grounds. Richard was already in Snooze Land when I returned.

The entrance to the Border Track

Along the way

Feeding a Lizard

A Beautiful Lookout

Lunch at Ballunjui Cascade

A really lovely enjoyable three days, we'll certainly return to this lovely area. After packing up the next morning we met Jayne at the Lamington tea house for coffee before starting our drive home, promising to keep in touch with one another.