Wednesday 29 December 2010

Walking the canopy


The rain had eased to a scud - what I think of as Irish drizzle - but the temperature was under 20C. Although there weren't many people around, the conditions were a joy. Just right for a walk out along the boardwalk followed by a sway through through the tree tops - more like tree middles, actually.
Each of the boards in the swing bridge has been sponsored,so that is the little white plaque.


Through historical accident, O'Reillys is privately owned land surrounded by National Park. Eleven Irish cousins from the Blue Mountains west of Sydney took up the Queensland government offer in 1911 to start up dairy farming in these here hills. That was not a goer, but catering for bush-walkers and nature lovers was.

The trees are festooned with elkhorns, staghorns and birds' nest ferns. There is a myriad variety of bush orchids along limbs of trees at all heights. Old-man lichen sprouts from permanently waterlogged branches. More on the fungus, birds and trees later in the week. Not to forget the waterfall.

19 comments:

Luis Gomez said...

These are really beautiful Julie.

~Cheryl said...

This looks to be an amazing place! Your photos are equally amazing -- the first one makes me dizzy. Enjoy these last few days of 2010!

cieldequimper said...

Thanks for a lovely walk!

Do let me know if you're in Paris though I might be away for about 10 days in March, I'm not sure yet.

RedPat said...

What a fabulous place - thanks for sharing it with us!

Around Alice with Mike said...

These are amazing shots. Plus my partner, a Reilly and very Irish, now wants to go there!

Unknown said...

The hanging walkway looks exciting but
probably not wheelchair accessible. I can enjoy them vicariously through your photos. I admire your curiosity and thank you for sharing your photos.

Jim said...

It looks awesome.

brattcat said...

What a place for a walk. Thank you for taking us along!

Kay L. Davies said...

Fabulous place, Julie. I'm glad you did it because bridges like that terrify me. No matter how hard I try to tell myself it's okay, my stomach says it isn't.
Gorgeous photos.
-- K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Joan Elizabeth said...

They are great boardwalks there. I was there a couple of years ago and had my camera with my but just got awful shots ,.. I guess I've learnt a little more about photographing in low light since then but doubt I would get as good as you have done. I can see it's slick with rain which I think always adds the extra pizzaz to rainforest shots ... maybe it's time I took a wet walk down to our local waterfalls. Would normally be avoiding them at this time of year because of heat and bush fires.

Julie said...

Heat and bushfires are being saved for February, me thinks.

The photography here is quite special. And I am giving myself the gift of time ...

Anonymous said...

That first one is lovely and enticing! Happy New Year and keep shooting!!!

Ming the Merciless said...

Oh my, this place looks delightful and the photos are spectacular. Thanks for visiting Bangor Daily Photo.

TheChieftess said...

Love the idea of walking through the canopy of trees! I've been on a zip line through a canopy of trees, but not a walkway!!!

Julie said...

The walkway is a real treat, Chieftress. There is one relatively close to where I live, that I am now determined to experience, too.

Thank you for your comments, Friends. I am chuffed to be able to share this special place with you.

Anonymous said...

I love listening to the harmonica. It has such a nice unique sound to it.

Simona Albanese said...

Hi Julie,
that is incredible!!! I would be afraid to go up...but from the top the view is wonderful!!
thanks!

Unknown said...

I just LOVE this! It reminds me of the Treetop Walkway in the Kew Gardens I visited when I was in London last October.
Wish you a Happy New Year, Julie.

Gunn said...

Beautiful shots!
Wish I could be there just now!
- HAPPY NEW YEAR!:)