A mysterious little journey is to be had for those who manage to find the 2.4 km return Wishing Tree Track discreetly located below O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Green Mountains (which forms part of Lamington National Park). The journey to the wishing tree is all downhill along a thin intriguing track passing Brush Box, fascination fungal creations and strangler figs.
You will notice a turnoff to Micks tower early in the walk. This is a short detour to a tower and there is not a lot to see, so certainly take it if you have the time and inclination, but if time or fitness is an issue, just keep going on the main trail until you reach the Wishing Tree.
Hot Tip: If you continue walking past the wishing tree and do not turn back, you could possibly find yourself walking for the best part of a day or longer along the creek. So turn back or ensure you have a map and sufficient water for a much longer hike.
The last quarter of the track is particularly pretty, crossing a charming suspension bridge and winding pass hollow buttressed trees to the worthwhile finale – the magnificent wishing tree.
Although I’ve been tramping around the Green Mountains for decades now, it wasn’t until I walked the Wishing Tree Track in 2013 that I finally heard continuously loud (it was close) howling. It sounded exactly like a wolf, which of course didn’t make sense as we don’t have them in Australia.
We were fortunate enough to bump into a Ranger on the trek back up the hill, who excitedly confirmed the howling was a dingo. So keep your ears and eyes open, as The Green Mountains are full of surprises and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Do you know of any other wishing tree locations?
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