Attractions
Natural
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Lamington National ParkLost World Valley is situated at the wilderness end of Lamington National Park. The magic of World Heritage listed rainforest is close here and is accessible from the Lost World. A short rock hopping expedition up river will reveal the beautiful bubbles of rock pools and dense green walls of forest vegetation. Access from Christmas Creek can be obtained with guidance, to the famous wreck of the Stinson plane - crashed in the 1930's and famously found by Bernard O'Reilly with survivors. These were rescued by local men and carried out to safety on makeshift stretchers through the dense jungle. There is a pleasant half day walk here too to the grave of the young Englishman Jim Westray who survived the crash only to die in a fall down a waterfall while seeking help. As well as beauty there are the stories.
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Lost WorldLost World is actually a hidden plateau - a green shelf on Razorback Mountain - found long ago by the adventurous O'Reilly's who imagined that anything could have remained hidden on this magical step between mountain and sky. The valley below is a very beautiful one where today the hustle and stress of the outside world is easily lost. |
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Albert RiverThe Upper reaches of the Albert River slip through Lost World Valley and retain the pristine quality of their source. The river supports fish restocked by the Carp Busters group and plenty of catfish and eels. Swimming holes abound and their chill is welcome on a warm summers day. |
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Christmas CreekJust over the hill, Christmas Creek flows straight from the rainforest to you. Swimming holes are lost and found especially along the track to Westray's grave and World Heritage listed rainforest frames the pools. Plenty of fish to catch and release here too. Access to the start of the walk to the site of the famous Stinson plane crash or a pleasant half day walk to the grave of the young Englishman Jim Westray who survived the crash only to die in a fall down a waterfall while seeking help. Home of The Christmas Creek Rec. CentreThe history of the Christmas Creek Recreation Centre can be traced as far back to the late 30s when Australia was developing a National Fitness campaign. Beaudesert was one of 18 country centres chosen to participate in the national fitness committees. It was in 1943 that George Mavor, a high school teacher from Beaudesert State Rural School became involved in the program. George was the perfect candidate to organise activities at the school to increase physical education. Read more.... |
Flora & Fauna
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Vegetation includes dense rainforest and more open sclerophyll forest with a wide range of flowering trees shrubs and herbs. Bush food includes wild limes, watercress, lemon myrtle, ginger and pepper, macadamias, Davidson and Burdekin plums, tamarind and yellow box wood and many more. October/November is Silky Oak month when the Albert River is awash in the golden glow of these beautiful trees.
Wildlife abounds in Lost World Valley. Pretty faced wallabies are more curious than timidand hop reluctantly away. There are smaller marsupials, possums and echidna and even a shy platypus or two. Myriads of birds of exotic colour and sound practise flybys and there are frogs who need an expert for identification. Not to mention the reptiles! |
Artisan
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Garden Hill at Lost World Gallery3268 Kerry Road, Darlington Displays incorporating our museum collection and art are featured in the gallery. Open for community events.
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Heritage
Central Kerry
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Garden Hill at Lost World Museum3268 Kerry Rd, Darlington Several local sheds highlighting our local history have been located to form the museum. These include Ike Alexander's Dairy, Ward’s Shed, Dunn’s Shed, Klan’s Hut, Collin's coach shed and an old cottage used by one of the first settlers. Open for community events. Visit Garden Hill at Lost World
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Cedar GlenEdgar Stephens who built historic Cedar Glen Homestead lived in Brisbane in his early years and his father, John, managed the Brisbane Courier, owned by his brother T.B. Stephens, for 12 years until 1874 when the paper was sold. Edgar started his working life in an office in the city but decided the country life was for him, and with his brother William he started a dairy farm at Coopers Planes. He took up land at the Lost World in 1882 and acquired Cedar Glen at the turn of the century with the homestead being built in 1901. Edgar farmed in partnership with his sons, and the family owned substantial holdings in the Lost World area. Edgar died in 1941 and since then most of the family land has been sold and the Cedar Glen 4th generation property is now 1050 acres. The historic Cedar Glen Homestead still stands today and is maintained in mostly its original condition. It is now the central hub of Cedar Glen Farmstay and is used for dining and accommodation. |
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Chinese Shepherd Graves, Hut and Washpool Thought to be in the employ of AW Compigne circa 1850 there is evidence that Chinese Shepherds once lived and worked in our valley. The local Beaudesert Historical Society has erected a plaque marking the site of one hut at Crebra Farmhouse and there is also a grave nearby. The Kerry "wash pool" can also be found at Crebra Farmhouse. Now used for fishing, picnicking and exploring by guests, "The Washpool", was once the site where the sheep were dipped to remove the soil and dirt that had collected in their fleece since last shearing. |
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Haunted House - St John's Lodge St John's Lodge was made famous as being haunted in Bernard O'Reilly's book "Over the Hills". The remnants of St John's Lodge and a memorial plaque can be found at Crebra Farmhouse. |
