900 metres above sea level makes a big difference.

Springbrook which though still in south east Queensland is so different to Brisbane it could well be in another country. Sitting 900 metres above sea level the climate is cool, fresh and moist. Up here it is quiet and serene yet not that far away we left behind an eight lane highway with thousands of cars travelling from Brisbane to the Gold Coast and vice versa. The altitude seems to provide the ideal climate for Camellia japonicas, Azaleas and Hydrangeas. The Camellia japonica shrubs were robust, healthy and had flowers covering them with trunks up to 30cm thick.

Looking east towards the Gold Coast from Springbrook National Park. Deep valleys covered in lush subtropical rainforest gradually rise to steep granite escarpments.

A rock pool on the edge of the escarpment looking down the valley towards Surfers Paradise

Ancient Antarctic beech trees (Nothofagus mooreii) in a small remaining grove, believed to be over two thousand years old.

A lush group of tree ferns (Cyathea leichardtiana) next to a creek at Springbrook

Ekka!! - what's Ekka

It's easier than saying the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland. It's when the country comes to the city and it's Queensland's largest event of the year.

One of the entrances into the Ekka - a ten day event held every August in Brisbane.

An agricultural produce display put on by one of the local high schools.

A horticultural display organised by the Bromeliad Society of Queensland.

A blacksmithing competition in full swing.

The woodchop - where men from the bush come wielding very sharp, shiny and expensive axes.