Up at 7am. It was cold in the night - but that's because we were at over 1000 metres (3000 feet). Not helped by the fact that I had an extra duvet neatly folded at the foot of our bed which I did not realise existed.
After breakfast, we departed (about 8am). As an added bonus, we left before the national park ranger, so this made the campsite free as he was not there to collect our 20 dollar fee (national park campsites are good value in QLD). There were only 2 other campers in the park - which shows that most campers head up towards warmer climates. But an Australian couple gave us some useful advice on routes south from their long around Aus trip.
We then did a 3 mile walk in the rain forest. For those who have ever watched I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here we have subsequently learned that this is filmed in this national park - (rest assured NOT our reason for visiting) - but this may give you some idea of the landscape. We saw some beautiful red and blue parrots, and loads of rain forest trees, palms, vines and orchids, including some Antarctic Beech Trees - these are direct descendants of trees that grew when Australia was attached to Antarctica.
The whole area is a huge canyon (basically 2000 feet down) which is erosion of a volcanic crater. Hence there is plenty of evidence of volcanic rocks and old lava flows and plugs. The walk took us behind two waterfalls, which the kids enjoyed. There are panoramic views across New South Wales, and the Gold Coast (high rise, theme parks, - the Ibiza of Australia)
Then we went back to the camp site as it was sunny, to see if the python had appeared to sun itself, but despite a good hunt by ourselves and the Australian couple it had not, so we continued down towards the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is mile upon mile of fantastic beach - pretty well all built up with holiday industry or retirees. A stop in a couple of places including Coolingata and Danger Point (where sand drifts have led to many ship wrecks in the past, and make it a great place for surfers). So we watched the surfers for a while.
Then it was onto Byron Bay. - which is the hippy capital of Australia - and a prize for the first child to spot a hippy. There are people around with dreadlocks so it did not take too long. We nearly died at the cost of the campsite (70 dollars is a record so far), but its right on the beech and the toilets are absolutely pristine. We hope the power supply will make the camper van functional.
We arrived in time for a walk on the beach, with loads of bush turkeys on the beach and surfers in the water, and a fantastic sunset (and a hippy sat cross legged meditating on the beach!) .
Tomorrow we hope to stay in Byron Bay. However the campsite is supposed to be full (pending people leaving) so we may have to leave. This scuppers my ideas of negotiating a better rate - clearly a sellers market in Byron Bay!
As for the weather,cool initially in Springbrook, but then warmed up to T shirt weather. Noticeably warmer on the coast, but a wind chill factor, and a shower in the evening just as we convinced the girls it was warm enough to sit outside to eat tea!
Stayed at Clarkes Beach Campsite, Massinger St, Off Lighthouse Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481
No comments:
Post a Comment