Plum Gorgeous Rainforest Retreat

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19th-25th July

Arriving at Plum Gorgeous Rainforest Retreat, the wonderful home set in now rare Queensland rainforest, we were welcome by Jana, David and Hannah, a really special family. We were given glasses of fizz on arrival and we were shown around their incredible house overlooking a stunning blue palm fronded pool, dining deck and around our double room en suit with kitchen! Drew and I just gaped and blinked, not quite sure if this was all some kind of bizarre dream.

However the highlight of the first day was my walk with Jana (our glasses still in hand!) through their 12 acre forest to see where I would be working for the week. As she pointed out some of the incredible plants and explained their value to endangered species such as the Black Cockatoo and iconic Koala, I could only look on in amazement as it dawned on me that I would be spending my week amongst it all. Finally we arrived at a wonderful creek and pool that Jana introduced as my project site, where I was to clear some of the invasive weeds to make way for planting a variety of species to create the all important multi layered and dense forest structure.

The week flew by with days spent immersed in mud, being sprinkled by forest showers and beautiful dappled sunshine. We encountered water spiders, a clown bug, a Pacific Baza (bizarre looking bird of prey), an obstinate cane toad, a black scorpion and some very chatty and increasingly confident Kookaburras, a fantastic bird with great character and an unforgettable call. One evening a few of us took a walk into the forest after dark, the sounds were amazing, the squawk of fruit bats and something that sounded like it was following us kept us on our toes!

While we were there Jana also told me all about how she had been awarded Land for Wildlife status that crucially enables her to access management advice for the forest and works toward a covenant that will protect the land in the long term from development. The property provides vital habitat in a limited local network of sites for endangered animals. It is a great example of how small holders through the support of state aided conservation can work together protect and expand remnant natural habitat.

On our last full day, Drew and I got up early so we could spend a last hour planting at 'Lover's Copse' so named by Jana for the wonderful spot that had developed during the week we were there. The little pool now flows into the creek and is freed from weeds to allow Bangalow palms, Golden Oak and sweet smelling flowering plants to flourish to attract birds and other forest dwellers. I shed a few tears when we left the special site feeling already very much at home there, Jana hopes to create a tree house or shelter that will allow visitors to camp down there, perhaps we will have to return to try that out!

Our last day was spent with Jana and David on a spectacular tour of the Glass House Mountain hinterland. Queensland has some incredible volcanic scenery and these mountains really standout as they contrast so abruptly from the flat coast land. A really special day summed up the unforgettable week with such a fun and kind family.

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Photos

Swimming
Sammy braving the unheated but beautiful pool...brrrrr!

Kelvin
The very chatty Kookaburra

Clown bug
Who wouldn't keep still!

Billabong
A natural un drained pool, vital in providing a water source to wildlife in the rainforest.

Weeds
Bagging up the weeds at 'Lover's Copse'.

Sammy at work...
As Drew lurks about with the camera!

Comments

[Mojca]

hi there
Sam & Drew! So great to read your Blog! I'm back home (sadly) and checking out your blog made me happy and smile. THX! It's been a while since you've landed in New Zealand and I can’t wait to read about it … so hurry up Sam. I’ve checked also the Journal writing about your last project back home – sounds great darling. Keep safe and enjoy every minute of your special travel experience. I’ll follow you  Take care! M

[Mama Mee-Mee Ruth Finn]

Gobsmaked! (Or is it 'double gg)?
Sonia (your sister) was raving about your last blog and I can see why! What a wonderful passage and how much one is drawn in - I could almost smell the mud as I imagined the billabong, and could only dream of swimming where you had swam - and of course all with a glass in your hand! It makes me very happy to know you are both having such a tremendous time with out-of-this-world experiences. Keep writing Manth, they really really should be published in some Environmental or travel supplement. Miss and love you Mama - also the 'birds' have flown and my luxury next for the time being is empty.