Guided Walks, Talks & Wild Adventures

Home , Binna Burra, Byron Bay, Gondwana Rainforests, Morans Falls, Scenic Rim, Scenic Rim Region

GUIDED WALKS, TALKS & WILD ADVENTURES SCENIC RIM, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA BINNA BURRA | O’REILLY’S | MT BARNEY LODGE | PARKTOURS www.gondwanafestival.com.au Located within the stunning Scenic Rim, from Lamington National Park to Mt Barney National Park, the Gondwana Festival is a month-long celebration in March 2021 of some of the most ABOUT US precious and spectacular areas of the Queensland section of the Following the devastating fires of summer 2019, World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. Binna Burra Mountain Lodge & Rainforest Campsite, ParkTours, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Mt This is a festival of a different kind of small groups and Barney Lodge have collaborated through Brisbane experiences. It includes walks, talks and wild adventures from the Economic Development Agency with the support of base camps (and luxury lodges) of Binna Burra Mountain Lodge the National Bushfire Recovery Agency, Queensland and ParkTours, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Mt Barney Lodge. Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Over 180 million years in the making, the area known as the Local Government and Planning, Tourism and Gondwana Rainforests of Australia includes the oldest examples Events Queensland and the Scenic Rim Regional of the world’s ferns and conifers. Over 200 species of rare or Council, to celebrate the regeneration of nature threatened plant and animal species call these rainforests home, and collectively strive to elevate the environmental and you can find beech trees up to 3,000 years old. significance moving forward. Get your walking shoes and sense of adventure ready for March 2021.

Buy your tickets at www.gondwanafestival.com.au

We respectfully acknowledge the Yugambeh, Traditional Owners of the land on which these events are taking place and Elders past, present and emerging.

2 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 3 GONDWANA FESTIVAL - MARCH 2021 SCENIC RIM, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 Gondwana Festival Official Opening Binna Burra Binna Burra Bushwalking and Rainforest Experiences - Binna Burra 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Forests of Lamington O’Reilly’s Autumn Bird Week - O’Reilly’s 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Scenic Rim Scenic Rim Adventure Festival Adventure Festival Launch Dinner Mt Barney Lodge Arthur’s Trek with ParkTours Mt Barney Lodge 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Scenic Rim Adventure Festival Mt Barney Lodge 28 29 30 31

Iconic Stinson Walk - O’Reilly’s

4 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 5 MARCH EXPERIENCES

Gondawana Festival ARTHUR’S TREK Forests of Lamington GUIDED EXPEDITIONS Official Opening Ceremony Art Gallery visits Autumn Bird Week Mt Barney - North Ridge Lamington National Park walks Mt Barney - Logan’s Ridge Guided Walks with Iconic Stinson Walk Mt Barney - South East Ridge ParkTours Sunset drinks & nibbles Mt Earnest Coomera Circuit Hike the Border Track DAILY ACTIVITIES 7 - 31 March Mt Maroon - Maroon Circuit Back Creek, Beechmont Hear local stories

Walks of Lamington Kerry Valley farm visit Early Morning Bird Walk Mt Maroon Orchid Exploration National Park Lost World local Guided Walk Wishing Tree Rockclimbing Trek the Border Track produce dinner Wildlife Encounters Guided walks Exclusive caves walk Film festival Rathdowney pub experience Segway Safari Tour Kids activities Earth Education introduction Birds of Prey Trail Run Mt Barney vistas Guided Walk of Workshops Morans Falls Guest speakers Flying Fox Adventures Foto Frenzy Glow Worm Experience Adventure photography demo

6 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 7 PROGRAM OF EVENTS

1 MARCH 2-5 MARCH

GONDWANA FESTIVAL OFFICIAL OPENING EVENT BINNA BURRA BUSHWALKING AND RAINFOREST EXPERIENCES 1069 Binna Burra Road, Binna Burra Binna Burra

Situated on the site of the former Binna Burra Lodge, as the sun sets Experience the magic of the Gondwana Rainforests from Binna Burra on this spectacular location with 360 degree views of the mountain with guided experiences by ParkTours. ranges, you will be seated on one of 211 carved trunk seats, each All walks include breakfast, packed lunch, afternoon drinks at The representing a thousand hectares of bush in the Gondwana World Bushwalkers Bar and dinner. Heritage region impacted by fires in 2019.

You will experience a moving episodic story of the evolution of this ancient landscape that combines Western and Indigenous Knowledges and histories in spoken word, dance and song performed by Indigenous artists.

This will be followed by a ‘kup murri’ dinner, where you will learn about the foods cooked using an Indigenous technique, before sitting and feasting to mark the opening of the 2021 Gondwana Festival.

Welcome Ceremony ONLY: $99.00 pp

Overnight fully inclusive package from: $840.00 for 2 adults

Includes: Opening night ceremony, kup murri dinner, luxury Sky Lodge accommodation, breakfast and lunch for 2 adults.

Book: www.binnaburralodge.com.au/ gondwana-festival/opening-ceremony/

Event information may change due to inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances, so please check our website for the latest updates.

8 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 9 PROGRAM OF EVENTS

2 MARCH 3 MARCH

COOMERA CIRCUIT BUSHWALKING EXPERIENCE BACK CREEK, BEECHMONT BUSHWALKING EXPERIENCE Binna Burra Tea House, Binna Burra | DISTANCE: 17.4km Binna Burra Tea House, Binna Burra | DISTANCE: Approx 6km

The scenic Coomera Circuit passes through subtropical and warm A guided morning walk across private pasture into Back Creek, led temperate rainforest communities, and giant brush box Lophostemon by ParkTours. On this walk hear the story of past visions and possible confertus forest. You’ll be guided by ParkTours to the spectacular future for the six waterfalls of Back Creek and visit the stunning Lip cantilevered Coomera Falls lookout and witness the power of the Falls. Transport to and from Back Creek is included with an optional Coomera River as it cascades over the magnificent Coomera and afternoon visit to the quaint Scenic Rim town of Canungra for a bit of Yarrabilgong Falls down into the 160m deep gorge. From the lookout, local browsing in the eclectic mix of bookshops, gift galleries and cafés. you’ll continue to ascend along the edge of Coomera Gorge, following Overnight fully inclusive package from: $840.00 for 2 adults the Coomera River past a series of other lovely cascades and waterfalls. Includes: Guided walk, lunch, dinner, luxury Sky Lodge Overnight fully inclusive package from: $840.00 for 2 adults accommodation and breakfast. Includes: Guided walk, lunch, dinner, luxury Sky Lodge Book: www.binnaburralodge.com.au/gondwana-festival/back-creek-hike accommodation and breakfast.

Book: www.binnaburralodge.com.au/gondwana-festival/coomera- 4 MARCH circuit-hike GUIDED WALKS OF LAMINGTON NP Binna Burra Tea House, Binna Burra | DISTANCE: 10 – 21km

Choose between four amazing guided walks led by ParkTours including Yangahla Lookout (5km) extending on to Lower Ballanjui Falls (11Km). Alternatively, enjoy the Daves Creek circuit, (11km) with the option of extending to Upper Ballanjui Falls (4km) to get ready for the Border Track finale the following day.

Overnight fully inclusive package from: $840.00 for 2 adults

Includes: Guided walk, lunch, dinner, luxury Sky Lodge accommodation and breakfast.

Book: www.binnaburralodge.com.au/gondwana-festival/guided- walks-in-lamington

10 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 11 PROGRAM OF EVENTS

7 MARCH

FORESTS OF LAMINGTON O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

“Forests of Lamington” is a special walk and talk with leading rainforest ecologists and evolutionists, Dr Bill McDonald and Ray Carpenter, helping debunk the mysteries of this ancient forest on the doorstep of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Bill is a leading authority on the flora of central and southern Queensland. One of his first tasks was to survey and map the plant communities of the Gold Coast hinterland, which led to a lifelong interest in rainforest floristics and ecology. Ray has a PhD in Plant Science (Palaeobotany) from the University of Tasmania, and has published over 60 papers in scientific journals in all aspects of 5 MARCH ecosystem evolution in the Southern Hemisphere.

TREK THE BORDER TRACK Tickets: FREE EVENT Binna Burra Tea House, Binna Burra | DISTANCE: 21.4km Book: oreillys.com.au/events/gondwana-festival-forests-lamington- national-park/ Experience the true essence of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area on this iconic long-distance track with ParkTours. Hike through warm and cool subtropical and temperate rainforests, 7 – 12 MARCH into lush gullies and valleys, over crystal mountain streams, past stunning waterfalls, and along prominent ridge lines during this full- O’REILLY’S AUTUMN BIRD WEEK day hike that connects Binna Burra to O’Reilly’s. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

Overnight fully inclusive package from: $840.00 for 2 adults O’Reilly’s Autumn Bird Week is ideal for beginner bird watchers hoping to see the unique birds of Lamington National Park in a small, intimate Includes: Guided walk, lunch, dinner, luxury Sky Lodge group. Single day, 2 or 5 night packages available. accommodation and breakfast. Tickets: from $200.00 pp Book: www.binnaburralodge.com.au/gondwana-festival/trek-the- border-track Book: oreillys.com.au/events/autumn-birdweek/

12 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 13 PROGRAM OF EVENTS

14 – 18 MARCH warm and cool subtropical and temperate rainforests, over ARTHUR’S TREK crystal mountain streams, following the Queensland - New South Binna Burra to Mt Barney Lodge | DISTANCE: 3-21km per walking day Wales border.

Arthur’s Trek, led by Lisa Groom of ParkTours is an exclusive 5-day trek Arriving at O’Reilly’s, book in to the divine Lost World Spa for a from Binna Burra to O’Reilly’s, onto to the Lost World and culminating at massage, be amazed by the feats of Bernard O’Reilly or join an Mt Barney Lodge. optional glow worm viewing experience under the Scenic Rim starry skies. On this guided experience you will travel from east to west via both walking trails and private transfers through rolling countryside and stay in historic lodges and family-owned accommodation across the southern Scenic Rim to follow in the footsteps of Arthur Groom - one of Binna Burra’s Founders and Australian Conservationist.

Tickets: from $2,390.00 twin share/person

Book: www.parktours.com.au/walking-holidays/australia/queensland/ arthurs-trek-2021

Day 1 – Arrive at Binna Burra Today you will travel to Binna Burra, the eastern entry to Lamington National Park and a northern gateway to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. On the way, you will visit the home studio of Dave Groom to view his landscape paintings of his Beechmont surrounds. Once settled into the Binna Burra Sky Lodges, enjoy an orientation walk to learn about the bushfire recovery and area’s history.

Day 2 – Binna Burra - O’Reilly’s Delve into the heartland of this ancient landscape on the full-day Border Track hike connecting Binna Burra and the Green Mountains sections of Lamington National Park. The hike will take you through

14 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 15 PROGRAM OF EVENTS

Day 3 – O’Reilly’s – Canungra – Kerry Valley - Lost World Valley 19 – 21 MARCH Today, make way to Kamarun Lookout which pays homage to the SCENIC RIM ADVENTURE FESTIVAL conservation advocacy of Romeo Lahey, a very close friend of Arthur Groom, as you will come to know. Then you will descend from the Mt Barney Lodge The comprehensive adventure Green Mountains sections of Lamington National Park to the village of program includes inspiring The Scenic Rim Adventure Canungra before continuing to the Lost World Valley and visiting some guest speakers and talks, live Festival is a weekend long of the innovative local farmers. music, under the stars film celebration highlighting the festival, adventure trade displays This afternoon, admire the views from the verandas of Worendo adventurous activities that you and free children’s nature Cottages or join a walk to a local waterhole for an afternoon swim can engage in within the Scenic play activities. or paddle. Tonight, your evening meal will feature local produce set Rim and Gondwana Rainforests against the sunset backdrop of spectacular mountains. of Australia. Free hosted walks for festival pass holders: Day 4 - Lost World Valley - Rathdowney - Mt Barney National Park n Yellow Pinch Circuit n Today beings with an adventurous short drive to another historic GUIDED ADVENTURE Bush Tucker Guided Walk property in the Lost World Valley for a private guided walk. From EXPERIENCES: 21 March - On the Edge Trail Run here you will hike across the valley and climb up to explore five Mt Barney - Logan’s Ridge Race through the Gondwana different caves. with Michael Groom Rainforests from Mt Barney Leaving the Lost World, you will enjoy a pub lunch and visit the quirky Mt Barney Lodge, following the trail to North Ridge Rathdowney Historical Centre before continuing to Mt Barney Lodge Cronan Creek. where you will meet the Larkin Family. This evening enjoy sunset drinks Mt Barney n 2km kids, 7km & 15km Races before the Larkin’s share their intimate knowledge and stories of Mt South East Ridge Barney around the dinner table. Mt Earnest From the day tripper to the expeditioner, there are Day 5 - My Barney Lodge - Wild Mountains - Tamrookum - Brisbane Mt Maroon adventures of all kinds on offer. Maroon Circuit This morning you have the option of walking the short but steep hike to Festival Access: Day pass Mt Maroon Yellow Pinch lookout for a closer view of Mt Barney before travelling to the Orchid Exploration entry from $15.00 pp. Additional Wild Mountains Education Centre, a sustainably designed, Earth Education adventures at an extra cost. Centre and enjoying short walks and chats with the founders. You’ll then Beginners Real Rock Climbing Book: www.mtbarneylodge.com. venture to the impressive Tamrookum Church before returning to Brisbane au/scenic-rim-adventure-festival in the late afternoon.

16 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 17 PROGRAM OF EVENTS

19 MARCH

SCENIC RIM ADVENTURE FESTIVAL LAUNCH DINNER WITH MICHAEL GROOM Mt Barney Lodge

Kicking off the Scenic Rim Adventure Festival, join us for a special welcome dinner, designed to inspire and challenge your adventurous spirit. Hear from Michael Groom, unquestionably one of the world’s greatest big mountain climbers, who while descending from the summit of Kangchenjungahe suffered crippling frostbite and had the front third of both feet amputated. He’ll share with us his challenges and how he achieved his childhood dream and returned to the Himalayas and climbed Everest.

All these stories will be shared over a meal provided by local suppliers highlighting the flavours of the Scenic Rim. 29 – 31 MARCH The Women’s Adventure Film Festival will also ignite your adventurous spirit for the coming weekend this evening at the festival’s Maroon ICONIC STINSON WALK View Ampitheatre. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat Tickets: $110.00 pp DISTANCE: 37km

Book: www.mtbarneylodge.com.au/scenic-rim-adventure-festival The Stinson Walk recounts Australian history and the life of Bernard O’Reilly, who heroically saved the lives of two plane crash survivors over 82 years ago in Lamington National Park, which was highlighted in the Australian film starring Jack Thompson, The Riddle of the Stinson. The 37km walk will take adventurers through stunning landscapes surrounded by the incredibly diverse and flora and fauna of Lamington National Park. Ideally suited for advanced bushwalkers and adventure seekers.

Tickets: from $399.00 pp

Book: oreillys.com.au/events/stinson-walk/

18 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 19 WHERE TO STAY

Many Festival Events require an early start. We recommend staying in one of our lodges, retreats or campsites.

O’Reilly’s Binna Burra Rainforest Retreat

NESTLED WITHIN THE RAINFOREST OF LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK, IN THE SUBTROPICAL RAINFOREST OF LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK, BINNA BURRA IS AN EASY ALL-BITUMEN DRIVE 90 MINUTES FROM BRISBANE THIS LAID-BACK RESORT IS A 15-MINUTE WALK FROM MORANS FALLS AND OR 55 MINUTES FROM THE GOLD COAST. 2.6 KM FROM ELABANA FALLS; ONLY 90 MINUTES FROM THE GOLD COAST OR 2 HOURS TRAVEL FROM BRISBANE.

The recently renovated Sky Lodges are Binna Burra’s award-winning O’Reilly’s features 66 eco retreat-style serviced rooms and 48 self- accommodation. Spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and contained and architecturally designed luxury Villas perched on the studios, offering a stylish contemporary experience. hillside with expansive views. The restored campsite is set high up on the ranges in the rainforest A complete rejuvenation of the Green Mountains Campground between the bordering Lamington National Park. You can choose to pitch your own Queensland Government and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat offers a world- tent, bring a campervan, or hire a permanent canvas safari tent. class ecotourism experience including 17 safari tents with stunning vistas.

W: www.binnaburralodge.com.au | P: 07 5533 3622 W: www.oreillys.com.au | P: 1800 688 722

20 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 21 WHERE TO STAY

Mt Barney Lodge ParkTours

IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO BRISBANE AND THE GOLD COAST, MT BARNEY MEET THE LOCALS, STAY IN COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION AND BE LODGE OFFERS STAY OPTIONS TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO GUIDED ON DAILY ADVENTURES THROUGH THE GONDWANA RAINFORESTS WINERIES, BREWERIES, GALLERIES, CAFÉS, RESTAURANTS AND FARM GATES. CARRYING NOTHING MORE THAN A DAYPACK WITH PARKTOURS, LEADING SMALL GROUP WALKING HOLIDAYS SINCE 1975. Choose between their Queenslander Homesteads, Rustic Cabins, Deluxe Camper Trailers and beautiful grassed and shaded Campsite, Hosting Binna Burra’s bushwalking experiences and Arthur’s Trek, complete with campfire facilities, creek frontage and spectacular ParkTour’s dedicated and informative guides will share their passion mountain views. and knowledge on local history, culture, wildlife and toporgraphy with Only 90 minutes from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, Mt Barney Lodge is you. Their journeys are designed to safeguard the ecosystems; benefit located in the beautiful Scenic Rim Region at the base of Queensland’s the communities they visit and contribute to the sustainability of most impressive peak, Mt Barney. Mt Barney is just a 90 minute destinations, showcasing that nature always provides a new view if you picturesque drive from Binna Burra or O’Reilly’s. take the time to look.

W: www.mtbarneylodge.com.au | P: 07 5544 3233 W: www.parktours.com.au | P: 07 5533 3583

22 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 23 DID YOU KNOW? THE GONDWANA RAINFORESTS OF AUSTRALIA IS AN UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE AREA Over 180 million years in the making, Gondwana was originally the ancient southern supercontinent that included Australasia, Africa and South Other facts about the Gondwana America. When Australia broke Rainforests of Australia: away from the Gondwanan continent, many of these They are the most extensive rainforests warmed and dried area of subtropical rainforest up, but luckily for us, straddling in the world and hold half of Australia’s plant species the Queensland and New South Wales border lies the world’s Collectively, the rainforests most extensive sub-tropical are a World Heritage Site rainforest. Protected areas include with fifty separate reserves Lamington, Springbrook, Mt totalling 366,500 hectares Barney and Main Range National of which 59,000 are in Parks. Together, these areas Queensland contain more frog, snake, bird and They include the oldest marsupial species than anywhere examples of the world’s ferns else in Australia and represent and conifers examples of major stages of the Over 200 species of rare or Earth’s evolutionary history. These threatened plant and animal national parks make it easy to species call these rainforests explore all the richness captured in home this UNESCO World Heritage site. You can find beech trees up to 3,000 years

24 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 25 FIRST NATIONS THE GONDWANA FESTIVAL ACKNOWLEDGES AND RESPECTS THAT THE LAND UPON WHICH THE FESTIVAL EVENTS WILL BE LOCATED WAS USED BY TRADITIONAL ‘FIRST NATIONS’ PEOPLE OF THIS MOUNTAIN AREA. THE YUGAMBEH CAREFULLY MANAGED AND MADE USE OF THE AREA’S RICH NATURAL RESOURCES. The region from the Logan River in the north, south to the Tweed River and west to the mountain range, are the traditional homelands of the Yugambeh Peoples.

The Land described is also known to the Yugambeh Peoples as the Land of Five Rivers.

First Nations people lived in this area, carefully managing and using its rich natural resources for thousands of years. Known as ‘Woonoongoora’ in the Yugambeh language, the mountains of Lamington National Park are sacred and spiritual, places to be nurtured and respected.

The Yugambeh family groups are identified as the Wangerriburra, Birinburra, Gugingin, Migunberri, Mununjali, Bollongin, Minjungbal and Kombumerri. They shared language, ceremonies, celebrations and economic exchange. This kinship group used both the open forest and rainforest.

Evidence of their occupation has been found in various parts of the park, including the ‘Kweebani’ (cooking) cave near Binna Burra. It is believed a traditional pathway passed through the southern section of Lamington National Park.

The Festival also recognises those whose ongoing effort to protect and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures will leave a lasting legacy for future Elders and leaders.

26 GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 27 To Sunshine Coast Brisbane Airport

BRISBANE

Ipswich North Stradbroke Island GETTING THERE BY CAR PARTNERS Brisbane to Binna Burra...... 1 hr 30 min We would like to sincerely thank the strategic Brisbane to O’Reilly’s...... 1 hr 50 min partners who have made the Gondwana Brisbane to Mt Barney...... 1 hr 45 min Just 90 minutes Festival possible, and to the local community, Gold Coast to Binnafrom Burra Brisbane...... 55 min businesses, organisations and volunteers Gold Coast to O’Reilly’s...... 1 hr 30 min 60 minutes who collectively have empowered us in the Gold Coast to Mtfrom Barney Gold...... Coast.1 hr 45 min pathway to recovery to build a resilient future. Byron Bay to Binna Burra...... 2 hr 15 min Byron Bay to O’Reilly’s...... 2 hr 50 min Byron Bay to Mt Barney...... 2 hr 45 min Tamborine Oxenford Binna Burra to O’Reilly’s ...... 1 hr 25 min Mountain Binna Burra to Mt Barney ...... 1 hr 40 min O’Reilly’s to Mt Barney ...... 1 hr 45 min Beaudesert Nerang Surfers Boonah Canungra Paradise

Mudgeeraba Gold Coast Airport Springbrook National BINNA Park BURRA Rathdowney Mount Barney National Park O’REILLY’S MOUNT BARNEY RAINFOREST Lamington LODGE RETREAT National Park

To Byron Bay 28 & Ballina GONDWANA FESTIVAL MARCH 2021 29 O’REILLY’S RAINFOREST RETREAT, GOLD COAST

QUEENSLAND IS

EXPLORING THE GOOD TO GO SCENIC RIM THE SCENIC RIM IS A FERTILE AGRICULTURAL REGION SITUATED ON BRISBANE’S DOORSTEP.

The vast region covers more than 4,000 square kilometres, including Tamborine Mountain, Canungra, Beaudesert, Boonah, Kalbar and Peak Crossing. It’s home to six National Parks and more than 30,000ha of parkland, plus three dams, Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon and Wyaralong Dam. The alluvial soil sustains a bounty of produce, including vegetables, olives, macadamia nuts, dairy, poultry, pork, beef, sheep, camel, finger limes, limes, coffee, avocados and rhubarb.

Find out all you need at visitscenicrim.com.au Find more events at whatsonscenicrim.com START EXPLORING AT QUEENSLAND.COM

30 Luke’s Bluff, Scenic Rim

FRESH AIR

DISCOVER | PLAN | EXPERIENCE visitbrisbane.com.au