Beschreibung

Venman Bushland National Park is a hidden gem located in the heart of the Gold Coast Hinterland, in South East Queensland, Australia. The park covers an area of approximately 245 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered Coxen's fig-parrot.

Geschichte und Geographie

Venman Bushland National Park was created in 2000 to protect the remaining areas of subtropical rainforest that once covered the Gold Coast Hinterland. The park is situated in the Numinbah Valley, approximately 20 km from the Gold Coast, and is adjacent to the Lamington National Park.

The park is named after the Venman family, who originally owned the land and were instrumental in its preservation. The family sold the land to the Queensland Government in the 1990s, and it was later declared a national park.

The park is located on the eastern slopes of the McPherson Range, and it encompasses the headwaters of several creeks and waterfalls. The park is also home to a number of important geological features, including the Numinbah Valley Fault, which runs through the park.

Flora und Fauna

Venman Bushland National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 100 bird species and over 500 plant species. The park is particularly important for its rainforest habitat, which provides a home for a range of rare and endangered species.

One of the most notable species in the park is the Coxen's fig-parrot, which is listed as endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The park is one of the few remaining habitats for the bird, which is endemic to the area.

Other bird species that can be spotted in the park include the Albert's lyrebird, the green catbird, and the satin bowerbird. Visitors can also spot a range of reptiles and amphibians, such as the green tree snake and the giant barred frog.

The park's flora is also diverse, with a range of plant species that are endemic to the area. The park is particularly important for its subtropical rainforest, which is dominated by species such as the Australian red cedar, the giant stinging tree, and the strangler fig.

Aktivitäten und Attraktionen

Venman Bushland National Park offers visitors a range of activities and attractions, including hiking, wildlife spotting, and camping.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, with several trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Box Forest circuit is a 4 km return hike that takes visitors through subtropical rainforest and past several waterfalls, while the Wajinya circuit is a 6 km return hike that takes visitors through open eucalypt forest.

Eine weitere beliebte Aktivität im Park ist das Beobachten von Wildtieren, wobei das ganze Jahr über eine Reihe von Vogel- und Tierarten gesichtet werden können. Besucher können auch an einer Führung durch den Park teilnehmen, die Gelegenheit bietet, mehr über die Flora und Fauna des Parks sowie seine Geschichte und Geologie zu erfahren.

Camping is available in the park, with several campsites that offer basic facilities such as toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. Visitors can choose from powered and unpowered campsites, and bookings are recommended during peak season.

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