We combined the Tea Tree Falls Walking Track with the northern section of the Lyrebird Track via Tree Fern Valley. Altogether, the walk was about 6 km and was listed as Moderate. However, we found the Tree Fern Valley section quite challenging.
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| Tea Tree Falls Walking Track |
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| Tea Tree Falls |
A feature of the walk is the different types of lichen and moss.
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| Tea Tree Falls Track |
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| Rufous Fantail |
Another part of the walk is through eucalypt forest with a coral fern under-story. We saw Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos in the gum trees.
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| Eucalypts and Coral Ferns. |
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| Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. |
The walk goes past Toms Cabin which is available for hire; a bargain at $50 a night.
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| Tom's Cabin |
Tree Fern Valley Track:
This track is listed as a way to shorten the Lyrebird Track but as we discovered it is very steep and there are many steps to negotiate. As this walk was listed as a Grade 3 and at 6 km was relatively short, we decided to carry our heavy camera equipment. In the end I had to pack my camera away and concentrate on clambering out of Tree Fern Valley unencumbered. Nevertheless, if you have the fitness to do this detour, it is an enchanting valley with a remote feel.
It is worth noting here that Queensland walks are classified by Class and New South Wales walks are classified by Grade. It is our experience that walks in New South Wales tend to be slightly harder than walks in Queensland with the same number. We wouldn't hesitate to do a Class 4 walk in Queensland but we sometimes find a Grade 4 walk in New South Wales pushes our capabilities a bit.
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| Tree Fern Valley |
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| Crimson Rosella |
After joining the Lyrebird Track we saw a Superb Lyrebird but it was too quick for a decent photo. We made our way to Banksia Point where there are magnificent views. Although we walked to Banksia Point from Thungutti Campground it is an easy drive along Point Lookout Road. National Parks NSW have two properties for hire at Banksia Point. The Residence is a large house that would accommodate several people. The Chalet is a small cottage which accommodates up to four people. The back veranda looks right out over the view. I priced the Chalet for two people and it was $105 a night. Definitely worth considering for a future visit.
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| View at Banksia Point |
The next morning we drove up to Point Lookout. At the car park there are toilets and a beautiful stone shelter with tables and an internal fireplace. A walking group was just finishing up their breakfast there as we arrived.
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| Inside the stone shelter at Point Lookout. |
It is only 200 m to the lookout via a track suitable for wheelchairs. This would have to be one of the most beautiful views we have ever seen. The forest covered mountains appeared to stretch on and on into the distance and the early morning mist made us feel like we were standing in the clouds.
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| Point Lookout |
There are several other walks in New England National Park. We will definitely be back!
Information about Thungutti Campground and the wildlife we saw in New England National Park is in my previous blog.
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