Ahrggggg...... Leeches.

Didn't bother staying on the coast, instead, we headed inland to a place called Tambourine Mountain. Found a decent campsite with no light pollution so had hoped for that wonderful Australian starry sky. Not to be as it rained on and off throughout the night. I think the wet weather has brought out those biting insects because by the morning my legs had been made a feast of. Must have let those mozzies in on the last visit to the loo block.

This morning we had a look to see what there was to do at the Mountain. Cedar Falls was literally a stone's throw away from the campground so that was our first port of call. Not far from there was Curtis falls so we did that too.

Cedar Falls

Curtis Falls

 We then headed off to see the massive leaning Strangler Fig. About a km walk through the dense and dark rainforest. With all the rain it was wet underfoot and at one point nearly turned around as the ground got very slippery. Then suddenly we came upon it. Not the massive leaning fig that we expected to see, no.... because that fig would lean no more. A chainsaw had been taken to it and the majority was lying on the ground. Very difficult to see just how big it would have been because the forest had started to reclaim it but I expect it would have been a sight to behold.

 On our return, we headed off toward Springbrook. Only a few minutes into the journey and I felt something on my ankle. Ahrggggg....a leech and I tried to dislodge it but it was holding on fast. I went all girlie and yelled at Ian to get it off. He pulled the van over to the side of the road, jumped out, grabbed the salt and poured it over the beast. He then managed to pull it away just before I got to the hysterical stage. Blood poured from the wound and didn't stop for what seemed like an age. Another lesson learnt.... Next time I won't be walking around in open sandals!

Springbrook has lookouts and more waterfalls. It also has a waterfall in a cave. It was late by the time we arrived because of stopping at the Advancetown Lakes (or Hinze Dam) to take photos of submerged trees. The dam was originally built in 1976, raised in 1989 and upgraded in 2011. The purpose of the dam was to have a good water supply for the Gold coast and when the dam was built it flooded 207 square km of the valley and is still fed by the Nerang River. Eventually, it will hold 310370ML of water. At present, it is only 91% full.

So because it was now well into late afternoon the drive to the viewing point, (lovely name of 'Best of all lookout') was a drive through the cloud. In fact, we got to the top and turned round to come straight back. No point in viewing the valley below in a fog. What we did manage was Purling Brook Falls although that, as most of the other falls seen in Queensland, was disappointing. For the rainy season, hardly any significant rain has fallen to swell the rivers. About a km drive from these falls and we found a National Parks campsite. Only loos on site but so very peaceful and for $12 a night, a bargain. Tomorrow we will try the lookout again and head for the 'falls in a cave'.

The view seen at the start of the leaning fig tree walk.

 And wildlife

Bush Turkey nest.

This ran across the road in front of the van. Could it be a Kangaroo Rat?

This beastie was over 6" long.

Lizard hiding in the rotting wood of the Strangler Fig.

On the walk in the dense rainforest. Light was atrocious so lucky to even get this photo.