A hike through ancient forests of the Gondwana with Antarctic Beeches, sparkling cascades and waterfalls, luscious vegetation and lookouts with amazing views.
Joolbahla Falls. Photo by Author.
The walk starts at O'Reilly's, just opposite the Forest Retreat. At the trailhead, there is a boot cleaning station that you must use before hiking in the National Park.
The iconic brush turkey. Photo by Author.
The hike is about 22 km, allow about 7 hrs walking time, the hike is classified as Grade 4, meaning there are creeks to cross and the length to consider.
Antarctic Beeches along the Border Track. Photo by Author.
Start the hike on the Border Track and Albert River Circuit leaves the Border Track 5 km from the trailhead. It winds down to Echo Falls before following a branch of the Albert River upstream to Echo Point lookout. It is recommended to hike the circuit in an anti-clockwise direction.
The walking stick palm is a small palm growing in rainforest understorey. The berries are edible. Photo by Author.
The Lamington National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia World Heritage Area. It is a remarkable area carrying prehistoric plants and protecting an array of biodiversity.
Hikers from the Group Hiking South East Qld and More. Photo by Author.
Some beautiful moss with raindrops in the forest along the trail. Photo by Author.
Leaves caught in a spider web. Photo by Author.
Waterfall along the Albert River Circuit. Photo by Author.
Creek crossing. Photo by Author.
Echo Falls along the Albert River Circuit. Photo by Author.
Gurrgunngulli Falls. Photo by Author.
Mirror Falls. Photo by Author.
Delicate fungi, thriving in the moisture of the forest. Photo by Author.
Joolbahla Falls. Photo by Author.
Creek crossing on the trail. Photo by Author.
Gwahlahla Falls. Photo by Author.
Another creek crossing. Photo by Author.
Echo Point is about 12 km from the trailhead and it is a great lunch spot.
Echo Point Lookout has magnificent views of Mount Warning and Mount Cougal and the valleys beneath. Mount Wapawn, Mount Durigan and the McPherson Range are all part of the erosion caldera that surrounds Mount Warning, once the central plug. Traditional Owners of the Bundjalang language group call Mt Warning
Wollumbin, meaning
cloud catcher.
Views of Mount Warning from Echo Point Lookout. Photo by Author.
Mount Cougal in the Springbrook National Park. Photo by Author.
Albert River Circuit reconnects with the Border Track. Photo by Author.
Hiking gear: a hiking medium backpack, long trousers and shirt with long sleeve, light raincoat, very recommended hiking ankle supportive boots, first aid kit, insect repellent (it works for leeches - give preference to cream or roll-on that are more environmentally friendly than the spray), sunscreen, gloves, walking poles if you like to use them, sock protectors or gaiters.
Consider to packing some extra clothes and leaving them in the car. Pack some clean footwear and socks.
For this hike, consider carrying a map or download a good app on your smartphone that can help you to navigate in the bush.
Bring a medium day backpack with lots of water, especially if it's a hot day, 3.0 litres of water and snacks. During summer, you can bring electrolytes to dissolve in water to compensate for the loss through perspiration.
You may consider packing sandwiches, fresh fruit, dry fruit, energy bars and small meals.
Walk with family, friends or in a group. Never alone!
The days prior the hike, make sure to check:
Weather Website
www.bom.gov.au
Park Alerts
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/main-range
Road Conditions
https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
The replica of the Stinson Plane is on display at O'Reilly's. This model was used in the 1978 film "Riddle of the Stinson". The film was about the search and the rescue of the survivors of the Stinson plane. Photo by Author.
After the hike, there are a few options for refreshments.
O'Reilly Mountain Cafe and Gift Shop has hot food and hot drinks. Unfortunately, the food is expensive and the portions are very small.
The king parrot knows where the food is kept insider the shop. Photo by Author.
Generally with my group, Hiking South Est Qld and More, I head down to Canungra to
The Outpost Cafe. The kitchen closes at 4:00pm but they still serve drinks, pies and pastries until 4:30pm. After 4:30 pm you can still find the pies at the nearby BP Station.
The Outpost Cafe is at 44 Christie St, Canungra QLD 4275.
Pie at The Outpost Cafe, Canungra. Photo by Author.
Toolona Creek Circuit Hike in Green Mountains
www.weekendnotes.com/toolona-creek-circuit-in-lamington-national-park/192792/
Reference
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington
