Last weekend I took my beloved boyfriend Brad to O’Reilly Rainforest Retreat to celebrate his birthday. His birthday is actually this weekend but because we are opening the new Southport studio over his birthday weekend we decided to have an early celebration. O’Reilly’s is a World Heritage Lamington National Park site and a nature lovers paradise. We stayed at this family owned and run business for just one night but enjoyed two full days of activities that definitely left us feeling blissfully connected to both Mother Earth and each other.
On the first day we flew down the 25m high flying fox and naturally I couldn’t help turning myself from upside down and doing some awesome aerial yoga tricks much to the eco rangers delight. We then went on the Segway tour and for anyone who hasn’t been on one of these two wheel motorized transport devices they are super fun. O’Reilly’s is fully equipment with the state of the art off-road electronically powered two wheeled vertical standing device that can handle cruising through creeks, up and down hills, rocks and other loose debris. It was during the Segway tour to the waterfall that I saw the biggest goanna I have ever seen in my life. It probably stretched about 1.5 meters long and if I hadn’t been on my Segway I think I would have been much more terrified as it was less than 5m away from me and I was alone at the time I saw it.
Later that day we fed the famous birds of O’Reilly’s and after dinner went on the magical glow worm tour where I saw my first ring tailed possum which now has a special association for me. It was here that I learnt that glowworms are actually older than dinosaurs, which I think is a pretty cool fact!
Early the next morning Brad and I set out to do the Binna Burra to O’Reillys hike, which is 23km (6-7hrs) one way route if you take the traditional Border Track. However typical Brad and I wanted to go on the scenic route, which took us past countless waterfalls and creek crossings. We decided to take the Coomera Circuit then connect back onto the Border track then divert off onto the Toolona Creek and Mount Wanungra track adding an extra 12km of class 4 hiking. For those that don’t know what class 4 hiking means in Australian standards it means:
• Distinct tracks with junctions sign-posted, rough track surfaces with some exposed roots and rocks.
• Variable in width; muddy sections, steep grades and steps may be encountered.
• May be extensively overgrown; hazards such as fallen trees and rockfalls likely to be present.
• Caution needed at creek crossings, cliff edges and naturally occurring lookouts.
• Moderate fitness level with previous experience and ankle-supporting footwear strongly recommended.
In other words, not for the faint hearted especially because it rained most of the way. Which was actually very beautiful with the low set clouds coming through the trees, the only problem was the leeches. We motored for over 9.5hrs without a break, eating on the go as we realized after 5hrs of hiking we hadn’t even reached 1/3 of the distance. From then on we really pushed the pedal to the metal moving into a slow jog the rest of the way as it was very unstable under foot due to the rocks and over grown paths. I was desperate to get back to O’Reilly’s before dark so the last 1hr between 6pm to 7pm Brad was like Commando off Biggest Loser giving me 5 minute interval runs leaving me huffing and puffing.
With no reception and poorly signed paths it’s pretty easy to get lost out there especially when there are a lot of fallen trees blocking the path. We got really confused from one fallen tree, as when we climbed through the forest to the other side we couldn’t find the connecting path! We looked for ages and after 30 minutes I realized we had to cross the wide creek to the other side, as the path wasn’t even connected one the same side. It looked as if a number of people made the same mistake which was obvious from the all the well worn path to nowhere!
Once we finally reached the Tree top walk at O’Reillys we were both exhausted, wet and cold Brad decided to completely catch me by surprise and tell me he had a present for me. I said “Its your birthday I don’t get a present” and before I knew it he was on one knee asking me to be his wife. I could hardly believe it and after 4 years of him telling me he never wanted to get married I was in complete shock. Next thing a ring tailed possum drops down right beside us in the trees as the night sky set in and I said “yes”. I couldn’t think of a better adventure or way to be proposed to. We both love hiking in nature and are very resilient, hardworking people so the unforeseen challenge to hike over 35km before dark with no clear signs and a rough terrain was a great testament to how well we work together through trying times.
We are planning to get married in the middle of the year and hopefully make babies as soon as possible. We are also partnering up with O’Reilly’s and will be hosting annual weekend yoga retreats encouraging more to get connect with nature and explore the great outdoors. We are just scheduling dates this week and will release them very soon. 2015 is proving to be a massive year!