Photos: Supplied.
RANGER STACEY THOMSON IS PRINCIPAL ADVISER – COMMUNITY EDUCATION (REDLAND CITY COUNCIL)
It’s official!…okay, not really. However, I, Ranger Stacey, am declaring May ‘The Month of Walks and Wild Adventures’!
Now is the perfect time of year to pull on the walking shoes and embrace our sense of child-like curiosity.
After all, this part of the world boasts a diversity of natural environments – bushland, wetlands, waterways, coastal ecosystems, and islands just waiting to be explored and enjoyed – and with winter just around the corner, the weather is mild, so we can take comfort knowing that we won’t melt from the summer heat and humidity.
I love walks, and the iconic walk at low tide to King Island at Wellington Point is an easy, two-kilometres return: an outdoor experience overflowing with natural wonder.
Venman Bushland National Park at Mount Cotton is a peaceful sanctuary for native wildlife, so always be sure to keep your eyes and ears open as you tread the tracks.
This area is home to the largest owl in Australia, the Powerful owl, which hunts by night and roosts in a tree by day.
Be sure to listen out for its distinctive, deep, double hoot (woo-hoo)!
If you’re looking for trails to explore on four legs or two wheels, Bayview Conservation Area at Redland Bay, Don and Christine Burnett Conservation Area at Sheldon, and Redlands Track Park at Cleveland are a few options that are perfect for horse riding or mountain biking.
Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) is pure paradise, with lakes and unique coastal vegetation, plus stunning views, and local wildlife.
There are so many opportunities to immerse yourself in nature in our naturally wonderful part of the world.
Remember, however, you don’t always have to venture far…keep it simple and enjoy your own backyard, park, or neighbourhood.
Spending precious time outside is good for us, and there’s no better time of year to create your own adventures.
Until next time … Stay Wild!
