On our full day safari we continue on from Thylogale Nature Refuge and embark on the next stage of our journey into one of the world's oldest rainforests.

Listed as World Heritage in 1987 the magnificent  Mount Lewis State Forest is one of the least visited of the accessible World Heritage areas in the Wet Tropics of Northern Australia. At an altitude of over 1200 metres Mount Lewis is home to many species of birds and mammals not found in the lower altitude rainforests.

Mist shrouded Mt Lewis road

Green Possum- Pseudocherirus archeri

Found here are incredible creatures such as the rare white form of the Lemuroid ringtail possum, the endemic Mount Lewis crayfish, huge blue earthworms, the endangered cassowary, the blue faced parrot finch and many plant species found nowhere else.

Although the area was once the domain of the logging industry the chainsaws have now been stilled and sanctuary has again been restored to this majestic Gondwana rainforest. 

Mount Lewis is now a haunt for lovers of the natural world. It is a favoured retreat for scientists, naturalists, birdwatchers and those of us that simply enjoy the beauty and the magic of all life on earth.

A pleasant drive along this bush track brings us to Windmill Creek, our lunch destination. While lunch is being prepared you will have the opportunity for a half hour leg stretching walk. This is a great opportunity to experience the peace and tranquillity of this mountain wilderness.

Wompoo Pigeon - Ptilinopus magnificus

Windmill creek

On the bank of this crystal clear bubbling stream we set up camp and prepare an excellent lunch of pan-fried Barramundi and freshly prepared salads.

Barramundi is considered to be one of Australia's premier table fish.

In summer the midday coolness of this secluded upland rainforest is a welcome relief from the tropical  humidity of the coastal plains. However in winter it is advisable to bring a jacket as it can sometimes become quite cool on this mountain.

After lunch we return down the mountain and head further west for a complete change in ecosystems and wildlife. The afternoon is a distinct contrast to the morning with a visit to the much drier and open eucalypt forest of the outback. 

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Copyright © 1998 David & Diane Armbrust
Thylogale Nature Refuge
AUSTRALIA 
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This page was last edited on
Wednesday, 11 March 2009 12:22 PM