We drove through pretty countryside passing Tambourine Village and Canungra before ascending the narrow, winding road up into the mountains. On reaching the top we took in sustenance (food and scenery) at a picnic spot with spectacular views before proceeding to O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. O'Reilly's is located in the Green Mountains section of the Lamington National Park and gives easy access to bushwalks.
We followed the Box Forest circuit, a fairly moderate walk of only 13 kilometres past some pretty falls including the Nuguin, the Darragumal and the Elabana Falls. Although overcast, the weather held until after we had lunched. The rocks in the riverbed served well as tables and seats, and the water gurgling by provided a background of soothing dining music. The rainforest then, however, lived up to its name. The rain came and the rain stayed. And with the rain came the leeches, plopping onto our bare legs and arms, burrowing in for some tasty dining of their own. My friends kept reminding me that this was still more fun than being at work and they were right. |