Beschreibung

Bellthorpe National Park is a beautiful and diverse protected area in the heart of Queensland, Australia. Covering over 12,000 hectares of land, the park is known for its pristine rainforests, scenic lookouts, and abundant wildlife. With a range of hiking trails, camping spots, and picnic areas, Bellthorpe National Park offers visitors the chance to explore and experience the natural beauty of Australia uniquely and unforgettably.

The park is on the Blackall Range, part of the Great Dividing Range, approximately 100 kilometres north of Brisbane. The area is known for its rugged terrain, dense forests, and varied topography, making it an ideal location for those seeking an adventure in the great outdoors.

One of the main features of Bellthorpe National Park is its dense rainforest, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park is renowned for its sub-tropical rainforest, characterised by tall trees, lush undergrowth, and diverse plant species. Among the many trees in the garden are the giant strangler fig, the hoop pine, and the piccabeen palm. The undergrowth is equally diverse, with ferns, mosses, and fungi providing various animals with a rich and varied habitat.

Bellthorpe National Park is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the eastern bristlebird, the red-necked pademelon, and the glossy black cockatoo. Visitors to the park may be lucky enough to spot one of these elusive creatures, but they should remember to keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the wildlife.

In addition to its rainforest, Bellthorpe National Park also boasts several scenic lookouts, offeringnning views of the surrounding landscape. The Stony Creek Lookout, for example, provides panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains, while the Somerset Lookout offers the Brisbane Valley and the D'Aguilar Range vistas. These lookouts are popular spots for photographers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers and are a must-visit for anyone exploring the park.

For those looking to explore the park on foot, several hiking trails wind their way through the rainforest and up to the various lookouts. The Somerset Trail, for example, is a 3.8-kilometre loop that takes visitors through the heart of the rainforest, while the Peters Creek Circuit is a longer, more challenging hike that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and insect repellent, as the park can be hot, humid, and home to a range of biting insects.

For those who want to spend more time in the park, several camping spots and picnic areas are scattered throughout the region. The Gantry, for example, is a popular camping spot near the park entrance and features a range of facilities, including toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. In addition, the campground is surrounded by rainforests, making it an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.