Backyard Tourist

Today I was a tourist in my own backyard and it was fabulous. Chief had gone to earn a good honest crust as he so often does at the weekends and I’d been recommended a new place to explore which just happens to be on our doorstep.

I saw it as an opportunity to have some fun with my camera which I’m still learning how to use to its full potential. I have so much to learn so please bear with me.

Situated north-west of Brisbane is the D’Aguilar National Park; divided into north and south my destination was the Enoggera Reservoir. We’ve lived in Brisbane for 16 months and have never even heard of the place. We’ve been so busy concentrating on heading to the coast that inland hadn’t had a look in until now. The starting point for my walk was the Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre; yes I know, you’re thinking Crocodile Dundee, but that was a hotel.

My trusty sat-nav had me there in 20 minutes and I set off on a 5km loop walk around the reservoir. It was a glorious sunny day with no clouds and only a light breeze so it was lovely and peaceful. I was expecting to see koalas in their natural habitat as I would have done in South Australia but sadly the koala population is on the decline in Queensland; largely due to urbanisation of their habitats over the last few decades. Fortunately there are programs to reintroduce koalas to new areas. There were plenty of birds though and I was hoping to see a promised Kingfisher but I think I needed to get myself out of bed earlier for that!

I would have driven Chief nuts with the amount of stopping and photo taking I did and a 5km walk took me twice as long as it would have if it had been just a walk. But I didn’t mind – I was accountable to no one.

Grass colours Enoggera Reservoir

Steps ahead the footpath

Across the reservoir to Mt Coot-tha

Wrinkled tree with lichen

Gum tree Enoggera Reservoir

Twisted

Kayaking on the lake

Lantana Camara – Yellow flowers have not been pollinated yet – hence different colours

Enoggera Reservoir

I decided to take a drive further into the National Park along Mount Nebo Road; the map indicated McAfees Lookout was not far so I meandered 10 minutes up the road, stopping to take in the stunning view to the north. The tourist information board tempted me to drive a further 10 minutes to Jollys Lookout where I would ‘experience a 180°C scenic view’. The road was full of twists and turns and spectacular views to my right. I really had to concentrate on not looking too much or else I would have come of the road! It was one of those roads where around every corner is a perfect take-your-breath-away view and you wanted to stop but there was nowhere to stop.

Sure enough, 10 minutes up the road and I was at Jollys Lookout; I was expecting to be the only one there as I had been at the previous stop but the contents of two coach-loads had been tipped out and was taking up every inch of ground, picnic table and grass – students lolloping everywhere! They were working on a project and needed lolloping space; the teachers had set up a refreshment station and I was tempted to mingle in the queue for a cuppa but a fifty year old can’t blend in as much as she used to these days! Needless to say, I didn’t hang around for too long – just long enough to grab a couple of shots and admire the ‘180°C scenic view’ across to Moreton Bay in the north and in the distance the Glasshouse Mountains. Of course my photos didn’t do it justice because the sun was in the wrong spot but you’ll get the gist of it.

Jollys Lookout across to Glasshouse Mountains in the distance

180°C Scenic view from Jollys Lookout

By this time it was mid-afternoon and I decided to head for home. I’d had a super time and can’t wait to head out to discover more soon.