Western Queensland Road Trip #3 Gubberamunda State Forest
The wide expanse of Grafton Terrace Road is deceptive. While the track’s surface looks firm enough, the red sandy soil can be slippery, at times grabbing the tyres of our car and forcing them in a new direction, as if they have a life of their own. Luckily we’re in no hurry, driving at a speed which still allows for control over the steering wheel.
We’re headed north east of Roma to Gubberamunda State Forest, looking for ballerinas in the bush.
For a long time we peer out of the car windows, seeing none and wondering if we’ve gone too far and missed them altogether. Then suddenly we come across not just one or two, but dozens on the side of the road.
Xanthorrhoea johnsonii, commonly known as Johnsons Grass Tree or Queensland Grass Tree, is native to Australia and grows all over western Queensland. In this part of the state forest a stand of grass trees numbering in the hundreds flourishes.
Growing up to 5 metres tall and living for as long as 600 years, grass trees are instantly recognisable by their rough trunks, often blackened by bushfires, and the tuft of long grass-like leaves springing from the top. Old dried foliage bends downwards creating a “skirt” around the trunk.
With a light breeze lifting the leaves, the trees seem like dancers ready to twirl and flick their ballet tutus.
The playful addition of sunglasses almost brings Cousin It to life.
Although the soil quality is poor and there’s been no rain for months, the bush is well and truly alive. Purple nightshade flowers stand out brightly against the red surrounds while circular ant hills are like tiny sculptures, each one precisely and perfectly constructed.
Our attention returns the grass trees for, although we’ve seen them elsewhere in Queensland, the sheer number here is spectacular. It’s as if a whole company of dancers is about to take to the stage.
This is wonderful! What a world! Are those ants really large or are you very close up? Great photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a pretty accurate representation of that ant. We have some whoppers here and believe me you don’t want to get bitten by one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The photos are terrific, especially the zig zag wattle. I’ve never heard of that? What an interesting looking plant though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’d never seen it before either. The bigger the tree the more pronounced the zigzag is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely phots, interesting place. Must take a trip there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is well worth the drive, Rose. And there is lots to see in Roma as well.
LikeLike
A beautiful selection of flora, and an apt name for grass trees. I’ve never heard them referred to as Ballerinas before. We were driving a similar dirt road yesterday with sand that could easily defy the drivers intentions. It was very narrow so a bit hairy when passing oncoming traffic – especially gung-hoes in a hire 4×4 who thought speed was the way go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Obviously not experienced 4×4 drivers. We didn’t see anyone else on this road that day, which was probably a good thing. The dust would have been dreadful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those ballerina trees are wonderful. New to me but they are fantastic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Grass trees are native to Australia. Don’t they have a wonderful shape.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They are wonderful. I’m amazed I did not see them when visiting your country. They are unusual with a very catching shape. So glad to learn about them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You need to be in the right part of Australia to see them. Might be time for a return visit!
LikeLike
Yes, they do look like dancers. What a fascinating place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This forest is a hidden secret and we were taken there by friends in the know. Weren’t we lucky.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes you were.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wasn’t sure what you meant by ballerinas in the bush until I saw that pic of the trees. They’re so uniquely gorgeous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
To me, they just looked like they were lining up to start dancing. It was incredible to see so many in such a small area.
LikeLike
Wow I can see why they are called dancers…beautiful pics! Would love to visit one day…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s worth the drive to see these trees.
LikeLike
Wonderful post and photos!
Australia has incredible flora and fauna. I’m sure we still haven’t discovered all of it…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! We really do have some unique specimens. You’re probably right, there are more out there we don’t know about yet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those ballerinas are so strange but look amazing, never seen anything like it before. Not sure about the ants though, need to keep away from your Aussie ones as they can be a little unfriendly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, you wouldn’t want to be bitten by that ant. It would certainly sting for a while.
LikeLike
What a great impersonation of Cousin It! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it! I almost expected him to walk with us.
LikeLike
😂😂
LikeLike
I do love our outback regions, tough, but beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, even in drought conditions there is beauty. But everyone would be happier with some good soaking rain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How beautiful. The ballerina wearing the sunglasses made me smile. A very photogenic landscape.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Andrew, it was amazing to see so many grass trees in one area. Usually we might see a dozen or so. Even in the midst of drought the landscape is beautiful.
LikeLike
They do look like a ballet chorus in such a grouping – I have only seen them here in one garden near home and only a couple of the species and there are a few in the Eden Project Mediterranean biome: they are very interesting trees. I love the various patterns you found with your lens too. The Australian outback is what I love about your country, unique. The cities, nice as they are, are like any other modern metropolis around the world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is exciting to go to the capital cities for a visit, but I too enjoy getting out into the country. There are so many beautiful rural and outback areas to explore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What amazing trees! Cousin It was instantly recognisable and made me smile.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I wondered if people would know who Cousin It was, but I needn’t have. That was Mr ET’s doing. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We readers of a certain age remember …
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t want to reveal too much but I suspect you’re right about that. 🙂
LikeLike
😀
LikeLike
Okay, this is really interesting. I wish I had a better word for it, but this is so unusual and I feel like I went to class and was learning about interesting aspects of Australia. When I saw the title, I couldn’t figure it out, but these trees are truly amazing. I will also never complain about the ant hills in my yard ever again. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post and learned something new about Australia Judy. I hope the inhabitants in your ant hills aren’t as big as these ones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The ballerina trees are wonderful! I can just imagine them moving and twirling in the breeze. 🙂 I hope the ants didn’t get you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I steered clear of the ants. They are big and mean. 🙂
LikeLike
Good plan – stand well back would be my philosohy too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are great! Hula girls, Carol 🙂 🙂 Love your descriptions and photos and I smiled at the sunspecs 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed it Jo! Of course, it was Mr ET who thought of the sunglasses. 🙂
LikeLike
So many nature wonders! Thank you showing them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed this post Matti. Grass trees are pretty amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As you were describing driving in the sand I couldn’t help but think the strategy is very similar to us driving in the snow! I adored the visit to the grass trees and giggled at the sunglasses addition. I know I would have been having a chat with all of them. Absolutely fascinating. I’ve definitely learned something new about Australia!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I suspect there might be a danger of slipping and sliding even more in the snow. We’ve only driven in snow once and Mr ET didn’t enjoy it at all. I was having a lovely time though, taking photos all the way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This planet earth provides such diverse experiences. Here we drive in snow about 6 months of the year and it is a skill set unto itself. I grew up in the Canadian prairies where the weather is worse than Calgary so its been a life long adventure. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Six months of snow is beyond my imagination. Here, it’s nine months of spring and summer weather. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had NO idea what a bush ballerina might be, and so I was eager to continue reading and hope that you were indeed going to catch a sighting. What a magnificent and unusual tree. Love the delicacy and amazed by the height and appearance! It is a “tree” right? Thanks for sharing these beauties.
Peta
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had to do some research to find out, but technically grass trees are related to bamboo and lilies so not really a tree even though they look like it.
LikeLike
what a fabulous post, that road looks daunting though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have driven the road in my Hyundai Accent on a second visit. It’s just a matter of taking it slowly and sticking to the higher parts. Mr ET’s Holden Colorado had no problems.
LikeLike
i love grass trees – they are so attractive in their own unique way. and yes they are a bit like dancers… cheers sherry
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always a thrill to come across them in the bush, but it was extra exciting to see them in such large numbers. Thanks Sherry.
LikeLike
I love the “ballerinas in the bush” and the ant hills. Fabulous, Carol. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cathy, they’re quite different.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Top o’ the Morning #1 | The Eternal Traveller