Brisbane, QLD


Saturday, November 30, 2013

ANOTHER WORLD

 On our last day at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat we went for a walk in the rainforest. It is like visiting another world. We were sneaking along the boardwalk quietly to try and see some of the exotic birds that live in this forest. We could hear all the different calls especially the whistle and crack of the Whip Bird which does just sound like a whip cracking. Unfortunately, none of my bird shots are worth publishing. It was so dark in the forest and I used a zoom lens without a tripod so the result was a blurry mess. So instead of birds you'll get trees. They tend to stand still.
TOH and George lead the way

Some of the trees have huge buttress roots like the one on the left. Other trees have been strangled to death by the Strangler Fig like the one on the right. When the host tree dies and decays the Strangler vine is strong enough to support itself. You can get inside this tree see below.

 Chris is standing in front of a gap where you can look inside.

A small person  like me can get in there and look up inside the tree
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Further in the jungle there is a tree top walk. The first one ever built in Australia. Hopefully it is still safe. It swings, bounces and squeaks as you walk amongst the treetops metres from the ground.

George even climbed further up a giant tree on a ladder inside a cage to a platform built even higher up. Looking down can make you feel dizzy.

 Even though we were high some tree tops were even higher with a huge green canopy. Many trees have elkhorn and staghorn ferns  growing on them.

 It was reassuring to be back on the forest floor and treading on the spongy leaf litter on our way back to the Retreat where we boarded a 4 wheel drive bus for another excursion.

 This time we visited Luke O'Reilly's Farm. He was the original owner and it has been occupied by the O'Reilly's ever since. Unfortunately none of the children today want to continue on living and working here. I believe they want to sell. The farm house is rented out for holidays. What a view to wake up to.

We continued through the eucalyptus forest to yet another beautiful lookout and morning tea of pumpkin damper, honey and billy tea in the quiet serene forest. Soon it was time to check out and wind our way back down the mountain to the rush of traffic and city life.

24 comments:

  1. O'Reilly's is such an amazing place. I've not been there for forty years but still remember some of its beauty.

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  2. I am jaleous ! that would have been something for me ! And these old trees, amazing ! Your TOH is brave, mine I would have to carry in a wheelchair or leave him at home, too lazy !

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  3. I am green with envy Diane. Such a beautiful retreat. Oh to be walking through that rainforest . Another spot to be added to my must see and do list. It is getting longer by the week. Cheers

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  4. a divine setting isn't it: I will go back one day to enjoy it all again. I wouldn't have climbed up that ladder, no way! Getting down would be an even bigger challenge I reckon; lovely photos Diane.

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  5. Ohh . . . Wow! I would love to see that place. I'm imagining the 'quiet' walking through it.

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  6. we have a lot of strangler figs here, in fact we have one in our back yard, and i have seen giant ones but never one i could see up in side. wow. and i love that last photo... glad the trees stood still. LOL

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  7. Beautiful up there...love the last photo.
    The tree roots are amazing.

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  8. Fascinating. I've never heard of a strangler fig before, and it was interesting to take a peek inside.

    What a beautiful morning view.

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  9. marvelous trees and even the strangler figs! what a view!

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  10. Fantastic tour, Diane. Thanks so much for sharing pieces of your wonderful world. There is so very much I have yet to see through others eyes.
    Blessings

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  11. Those trees are amazing! Lovely people shots and more incredible scenery!

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  12. What an ideal spot for a retreat. I would love to have been there with you and your friends.

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  13. At a place called Lavers Hill in Victoria there is a tree top walk and it is much newer and quite a stable construction, but it lacks the thrill factor of a bit of slack and movement. It is interesting to be among the tree tops and see the bush from a different perspective.

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  14. Diane, I loved your walk thru the rainforest. The tree top walk is really cool. Lovely views and photos. Thanks for sharing this wonderful trip!

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  15. Wow what a beautiful place the photo taken inside the tree is bloody awesome, you have visited some bloody amazing places

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  16. Thanks for your reply about that poem, Di. I must return to O'Reilly's next time I am home and do that tree top walk!

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  17. What beautiful views, and a shame that the children don't want to live there anymore. Your tree top walk looks like a lot of fun. The inside of the fig strangled tree would probably have made me feel claustrophobic.

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  18. So interesting, and what an experience, to walk among the treetops. Your Australia is certainly an amazing place with its variety of flora and fauna. Hope I can visit someday!

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  19. I have so enjoyed your trip to the rainforest. That is definitely someplace I could go stay and totally relax and enjoy - and I did - virtually with you!

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  20. How beautiful .. Some of it looks a little scary tho ..that bridge)...but I'd probably try it!

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  21. We only ever went to O'Reilly's once on a day trip, and always planned to return. Maybe next year!!!

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  22. Fantastic nature! I would love to walk that trail.

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  23. beautiful place!
    The tree roots are amazing.
    enjoin to your adventure :))
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