Nature Club - Hike Guide, Lamington National Park, QLD, Australia
Late last year I went on a solo hike through Lamington National Park in QLD, Australia. I wanted to go by myself to get a clear head, as the suffocating demands of motherhood were wearing me down and the burnout was starting to present itself in undesirable ways. I’d gotten through my last medical procedure for the year (see blog post here about some scary health complications I’d had) and I needed a reset and time away from my children (whom I do love dearly I might add, but… you know). It was the first time I had gone away without them and I needed that space to be responsible for no one but myself. It was the most freeing feeling ever, I actually couldn’t believe how liberating it was. I hiked all day on no-one’s schedule but my own, and hence basked in the beauty of meandering through the trail. And that’s what I felt I did… meandered, not really hiked.
It was a 12km hike called Daves Creek Circuit, and had a variety of things to see from deep rainforest vibes, to open expanses with amazing views of the hinterland and mountains. After I was done walking and got back to the car, I only drove 3 min around the corner to stay in a Binna Burra Lodge Tiny Wild House. This was the icing on the cake, just the most beautiful place to settle in for the night. I didn’t even go to dinner at the lodge because I was just loving the tranquility and being by myself (never fear, I did have a leftover sandwich and snacks from my walk). The Tiny Wild Houses are perched on top of a gorge with the most epic view that runs down the valley. It happened to be a full moon which was very fitting with how I was feeling in that moment, and I watched it rise inch by inch with wonder. The actual tiny house, which felt like a cute cabin, was perfectly designed with everything you need yet paired back with natural materials and clever design that make it a really comfortable place to stay.
The next morning I slept in (what a treat!) and took my time drinking tea and coffee in bed. I did a yoga practice and read, it was heavenly. In all I was gone for 24 hours so nothing crazy, but I can highly recommend doing something similar if you need time away from other humans and the routine and hustle of life. I even attempted to tack on a massage and soak session at Soak Bathhouse in Mermaid on the way home for the muscles. This however was a fail, as my breast pump wasn’t working efficiently and I regretted the massage as I couldn’t lay face down with the painful engorged boobs. I was also rushed to get there and they wouldn’t allow me to cancel the massage without paying the full fare. But I didn’t know this until I was running late and missed half the massage anyway, and didn’t have time to do the soak as I needed to get home to my wee babe to relieve my boobs. Alas, I got too excited and tried to fit too much in, but maybe it would have been a great idea if I didn’t have a dependent infant.
Hike Details
Hike Name - Daves Creek Circuit
Trail Orientation - Loop
Where - Lamington National Park, Gold Coast hinterland, about 1 hour from Currumbin.
Length - 12km, 3-4 hours, however I took 5.5 and stopped regularly to enjoy the experience and meditate while walking.
Difficulty - Moderate. I had done no prior walking or training in years. I am athletic and love physical movement but by no means am I in peak physical fitness after having two babies in the last few years.
When - Late November. I started walking at 8:30am AEST so it didn’t get too hot.
Temp / Climate - It was cool enough for a jumper in the rainforest section at beginning and end of trail however once out walking along the ridge it was hot enough to be in shorts and a singlet. I had a long sleeve tshirt which did the job for the cool parts and also the sun, and wore shorts.
Crowds - I saw about 6 different groups/people. Just enough so I didn’t feel isolated but not enough to encroach on my desire to be alone for the day.
WINS;
The proximity of the walk to the accommodation. I was tired and sore (in the best way possible) so happily rolled down the hill to plunk on a bed post hike.
Variety of flora and fauna, it was like four walks in one.
Packed the right amount of food (sandwich, dried mango, nuts, plus water obviously)
The accommodation! The nights stay was a gift for my birthday/Christmas, I would suggest this so you don’t feel guilty about forking out the cash.
Not listening to any podcast or music. Zero content infiltrating my brain. Total nature immersion, letting my mind drift. It allowed me to observe my inner self talk, which was actually a little confronting, but now is something I’m aware of and will address.
FAILS;
Blisters within 10 min of walking and then not addressing this issue until 2 hours in. Lesson is not to rush. Tie your shoes up properly before you start walking or when your shoes feel like they are worn in enough to do them a little tighter. The bandaids I put on helped but I did this too late.
Having my phone on for potential emergency calls from husband, but using it instead to organise a facebook marketplace pick-up for something of his. Lesson - Avoid screen time altogether when in nature.
Organising a soak and massage the next day and not being able to get there without rushing and pulling me out of my zen (because of the unpredictable full milk boob situation). The hike and beautiful accommodation would have been enough for my first stint away.
