The majesty of Lamington National Park's rainforest plateau is incomplete without the presence of Nothofagus moorei, the Antarctic Beech. This magnificent tree, a living relic from ancient times, has been the subject of my passion for rainforest photography. Its existence dates back to 500 million years ago when the Gondwanan rainforests were filled with these trees. The Antarctic Beech can live for up to 3000 years, which means that it may have witnessed the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and the birth of Christianity.

​

The indigenous Yugambeh people consider Lamington National Park a sacred place, which they have inhabited for thousands of years. However, following the arrival of the European invaders and the first recorded exploration of the park in 1863, the land quickly became a target for the growing logging industry. Fortunately, people soon realized the vast beauty and biodiversity contained within the rainforest. Robert Collins and Romeo Lahey were relentless in petitioning the federal government from 1878-1915, resulting in the granting of national park status to the mountains, which are now Lamington National Park.

​

Gondwana represents my individual efforts to capture the beauty and mystery of this ancient and sacred place. The story of the Antarctic Beech and the creation of Lamington National Park remind us of the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.