Visiting the Atherton Tablelands our Wildlands group encountered unusual creatures such as platypus, tree-kangaroos and cassowaries. Learning how local conservationists are working to restore and re-wild these upland rainforests, we next set off on a multi-day backpack across Hitchinbrook Island, one of the largest remaining tropical wilderness areas on the Queensland coast.
The massive buttress roots of large rainforest trees anchor the the soil in place, while providing habitat for many other plants and animals to thrive in the Atherton Tablelands
A Hercules Moth - one of the largest moth species in the world - blends in well with the cryptic bark of a eucalyptus tree
The rugged terrain of Hitchinbrook Island provides ample hiking and adventure opportunities for our group
A blue-bird day and epic views over the Pacific from atop Nina peak
Over four days our Wildlands group backpacked the entire length of Hithcinbrook's wild coastline
Subjected to the whims of the tides our group navigated swamps, bogs, mountainous terrain and many river crossings
A deep pool provides a much deserved respite after a long days hike
Rugged acacia and eucalyptus heath characterize the uplands of Hitchinbrook
Along the tidal flats and sandy beaches many curiosities await to be found, washed up on the tide
Four days later our Wildlands group arrived trimphantly from the forest, having traversed the rugged terrain of Hitchinbrook. Looking eastwards, Orpheus Island and the Great Barrier Reef awaits