Between Armidale and Dorrigo in northern New South Wales, a less-travelled national park containing World Heritage Gondwana forests was a revelation.
The cascades trail along Five Day Creek is awe-inspiring.
In the morning we farewelled our farmstay accommodation near Wollomombi and headed a few kilometres to the New England National Park entrance.
On arrival in the park you are transported back in time to ancient rainforests that sit in contrast with the nearby farming land.
First we ascended to Wright's Lookout to get our bearings. The park is set in some of the higher country of New South Wales and although it is spring time we saw a little bit of sleet in the morning.
Next we descended into the forest towards the cascades. The trail was well marked at the start but in parts it became less obvious. I was surprised we saw no other walkers whatsoever over the hours we were there.
The temperate rainforest environment was gorgeous.
There are many orchids rooted in trees.
Interesting fungi dot the area.
Eventually you reach the stunning cascades. You feel you've made it to a very special, secret spot. The greens of the moss and trees are intense.
Have I overdone the slow shutter speed thing?
One last shot. I could have spent hours photographing here.
Embarrassingly, on the way out we were too preoccupied with photographing beautiful things and got a little lost in the forest. We managed to scramble our way out with some effort and all was well, but we sure slept soundly that night.
It was a short drive to our next accommodation near Dorrigo ahead of visiting the Dorrigo National Park. If it could match the cascades walk in New England then we were in for a treat.
Beautiful! Thanks for taking me there!
Absolute pleasure John! It's a great place, a little off the beaten track.