Backpacking in Lamington NP, QLD: Day 1 of 3

Introduction to Lamington Trip
We arrived late Thursday afternoon at Lamington National Park Green Mountains campground to begin our third anniversary weekend celebration. As we drove into the campground we were shocked to see twenty-plus knee high pademelons (or wallabies – we aren’t sure if we have identified these little guys correctly). They were tolerant of humans but not the slightest bit tame, which made them a pleasure to be around.


The birds, who were hand fed by tourists at the nearby resort, were overly friendly… bordering on the line of being too friendly. Our campsite was inundated with crimson rosellas (seen here surprisingly on my arm – apparently he thought my toothbrush might be something tasty), very brash and bold brush turkeys, bowerbirds, honeyeaters, wrens and more.


After a chilly rainy night highlighted by a few howling dingos and some obnoxiously loud neighbors, we packed up and headed toward the trail…

Day 1: Toolona Creek Circuit to Bithongabel site

Our first day on the trail was amazing. So many waterfalls we stopped counting. When the sound of the waterfalls was not deafening, we were overwhelmed by the songs and calls of the birds. [Note for our US friends: think of every artificial rainforest garden or greenhouse you’ve been in and those cheesy soundtracks played in the background – that is really what it sounds like!]


Eric’s favorite had to be the whip bird, which actually makes a sound like a cracking whip. I was entranced with the little wrens and all the LBBs (little brown birds) which we do not see often in Brisbane.


This is me looking dirty and probably a little tired at Elabana Falls. The trail was awesome, but I struggled at the many slippery river crossings. Just when we were ready to break, we found ourselves alone at our campsite at Bithongabel (bottom photo) and it was a beautiful quiet night.

Backpacking in Lamington NP, QLD: Day 2 of 3

Albert River Circuit to Echo Point

Day two on the trail – looking a little dirtier, we set off towards our next campsite by taking a circuitous route to stretch out our day. This trail was by far my favorite… we did not see anyone all day and the trail was gorgeous. Along our hike we saw more waterfalls, forests of tree ferns, ancient and enormous trees (Antarctic beach trees) , and at the end a spectacular view of the valley looking into New South Wales and the Tweed River Valley (see panorama and little snake enjoying view).


(click photo, below, to view larger image)

During our hike, we stopped and made lunch at Joolbahla Falls – at this site two falls joined together and continued into bigger falls. As an aside note, we planned this to occur at about the same time (AU) that the Trout Unlimited (WI USA) was having a dedication service for a bench for Tony Treml and we wanted to spend some time in the wilderness thinking about him. It was the perfect place.


Another night with the campsite to ourselves – we were so lucky to enjoy the park alone.

Backpacking in Lamington NP, QLD: Day 3 of 3

Albert River Trail to Border Track to O’Rielly’s campground

Our hike out of the wilderness was pretty short and relatively easy (maybe 6 kms). Although we saw wonderful birds (for example, this Regent Bowerbird) and botanicals (ex., little native orchids), I think the real highlight was the discovery of spotted quoll scat (poo). These predatory marsupials are nocturnal and solitary creatures, with a dark reddish/brown coat and white spots. We didn’t actually see one, but we know we came very close, which was pretty exciting for us.



Back at the “civilized” car-campsite, the birds were back to begging full force (note: we do not feed them) – these rosellas and turkey were just hanging around the tourist feeding area. We were also greeted by our little pademelons (or wallabies) as well as the beautiful (yet persistent) satin bowerbird*. We could not resist sharing the dingo sign too…



As if this trip could not have been more wonderful or amazing, on our way down the mountain we saw this big fellow walking up the road. We didn’t want anyone to hit him, so we stopped and watched until he safely crossed the road to the bigger and better tree nearby.


*Bowerbirds are featured as an example in almost every biology and ornithology book because of their unique behavior. A male bowerbird builds a little “shrine” on the ground to attract the ladies – he may adorn this with plants or rocks or even shiny bits of garbage – whatever he/she finds attractive.

August Birthday Party

As promised, albeit long past due, we're posting some photos from our birthday party in mid August. It was a lot of fun and continued well into the morning hours. We all enjoyed the beer (imperial stout & a heavily hopped pale ale), played darts, enjoyed the little fire, and had a good time. Below are some photos...