A microadventure at O’Reillys Rainforest retreat – that’s right – a microadventure! (Love that new word – thank you Alastair Humphreys).
Leaving work early on a Friday meant I didn’t have to drive up the mountain in the dark, (VERY hairy road, but stunningly beautiful). The drive takes about 2 hours from Brisbane, well, a tad longer after I threw in a stop at the quaint little town of Canungra at the base of the mountain.
In Canungra I found a gem called Earthy Delights Café (vegan, organic and raw food, mostly made on premises) and munched my way through a slice of dense but comforting homemade apple cake.
On arrival I checked in at O’Reillys, having booked 2 nights in one of their Bithongabel rooms, cheap and cheerful at $100 a night and great for the solo traveller (single bed, tea & coffee making facilities, small bar fridge, private bathroom and small balcony).
Image courtesy O’Reillys
A glass of red to celebrate the end of a long week, and the beginning of my microadventure, then to bed for a good night’s sleep.
Next morning I pulled on my hiking gear (skins, quick-dry shirt and boots) and met a couple of friends for a few hours hiking in Lamington National Park. There are loads of hiking trails (some closed due to recent heavy rain), most of which are easy to moderate – except maybe this one!
During our 3 hour hike we got to drink in the view from Pat’s Bluff…..
We gazed at Moran Falls….
And I stood inside the magical Wishing Tree…
The critters were pretty neat too!
Big ol’ land mullet
After lunch at the café we finished our adventures with a 30m climb up and along the Tree Top walk.
Soup and a cheese platter for dinner that night, and a well earned glass of vino.
When Sunday afternoon came round I felt soooo relaxed – completely de-stressed! A great reminder of why it’s so good to get away, into nature.
