Tuesday 23 September
The last item on today's agenda was the waterfall circuit. A lovely drive and well worth doing. I have included both vertical and horizontal shots here to give some idea of the grandeur of these falls.
Millaa Millaa Falls
This is the photo you will see in all the tourist brochures and is the one all tour companies stop at. It is perhaps the most well known and is symbolic of the Tablelands, which is why I photographed them with the red flowers in front. I had to wait around 25 minutes to take this as there were people swimming in front of it.
Millaa Millaa Falls
Zillie Falls
The white gushing water travels at an incredible speed.
Zillie Falls
Ellinjaa Falls
This was the last in the circuit and to reach these falls it is necessary to go a long way down - down many steps. You could hear the waterfall long before you saw it.
Ellinjaa Falls
Below: Two photos I took along the way.
Another Wicked Camper
This van was parked near one of the waterfalls. Since seeing it, I have used this as my motto when travelling.
Dairy Cattle
These two cows crossed directly in front of my car.
Below: A map of the waterfall circuit. Click on the blue markers to see photos. You can also enlarge the map.
View Waterfall Circuit in a larger map
Tropical Far North Queensland
This is about my holiday from Cairns to
Laura, on the lower Cape York Peninsula from
September 2008 to October 2008. Going from Melbourne to Cairns to Port Douglas, to Cooktown and Laura, Cape Tribulation and all the bits in between, and finally back to Cairns for my flight home.
Cheers.
Laura, on the lower Cape York Peninsula from
September 2008 to October 2008. Going from Melbourne to Cairns to Port Douglas, to Cooktown and Laura, Cape Tribulation and all the bits in between, and finally back to Cairns for my flight home.
Cheers.
Showing posts with label E. Atherton Tablelands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label E. Atherton Tablelands. Show all posts
22. Atherton Tablelands - Yungaburra
Tuesday 23 September
Nestled in the Atherton Tablelands is the village of Yungaburra and on the advice of a friend, I had lunch at the Yungaburra Pub (Lake Eacham Hotel. They were the best lamb chops I'd had in a long time - three chops, mashed potato, pumpkin, carrot, broccoli, zucchini, gravy and mint sauce, and all for $17! Add a glass of wine ($4) and you have the makings of a delicious meal.
The Yungaburra Pub
This grand old lady is a wonderful showpiece of Federation architecture and is still in amazingly original condition both inside and out. With all the style of a bygone eras it has seen since it was first built in 1910, the time of the timber getters is reflected in cedar and silky oak - visiting dignitaries to the enormous ballroom are preserved forever in photo frames and there is an excellent collection of general memorabilia on show.
The Verandah
A lovely spot to enjoy a quiet drink and a smoke with a refreshing breeze.
The Sign
I was amused by the "Toilet Ethics" sign - I wonder how many people adhere to this?
Whistle Stop Cafe
On the corner opposite the pub is this lovely little "cottage" with all sorts of delicious cakes plus an assortment of "cottagey" type crafts.
Another Sign
I thought this sign was so quaint, I just had to take a photo of it for posterity!
Curtain Strangler Fig
This is the tree that all the tour companies go to.
A short drive (about 1 km) from Yungaburra is this magnificant Strangler Fig - directions to this fantastic tree are well sign-posted and it is well worth it. There are interpretative signs which describe how the Curtain Fig Tree grew and some additional interesting information.
A closer look
There is a continuous board walk around the tree and a section which creates good perspective for photo opportunities. Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos & Green Possums can sometimes be seen asleep in this area during daylight. After dark you can spotlight for Tree Kangaroos, Green Possums, Herbert River Possums and Coppery Brushtail Possums.
Did you know that to count the tangled roots of the Curtain Fig would take a week?
The Top
It is one of the largest trees in north Queensland, and one of the best known attractions on the Tablelands, and its curtain of aerial roots drop 15 metres (49 feet) to the ground. Large basalt boulders cover the forest floor, which is probably why the forest here wasn't cleared for farming - and why the curtain fig tree remains standing.
The Curtain Fig Cycle
1. A seed is deposited in the host tree's crown in bird, possum, tree kangaroo or rat droppings.
The seed germinates and its first root begins to descend to the soil.
2. Enriched by the soil, the fig develops aerial roots which encircle
and eventually strangles the host tree.
3. This stage is unique in the development of the Curtain Fig Tree.
The host tree falls into a neighbouring tree and vertical fig roots descend
from its leaning trunk to form the curtain like appearance.
4. Eventually the host tree rots away leaving the free standing Fig Tree.
Nestled in the Atherton Tablelands is the village of Yungaburra and on the advice of a friend, I had lunch at the Yungaburra Pub (Lake Eacham Hotel. They were the best lamb chops I'd had in a long time - three chops, mashed potato, pumpkin, carrot, broccoli, zucchini, gravy and mint sauce, and all for $17! Add a glass of wine ($4) and you have the makings of a delicious meal.
The Yungaburra Pub
This grand old lady is a wonderful showpiece of Federation architecture and is still in amazingly original condition both inside and out. With all the style of a bygone eras it has seen since it was first built in 1910, the time of the timber getters is reflected in cedar and silky oak - visiting dignitaries to the enormous ballroom are preserved forever in photo frames and there is an excellent collection of general memorabilia on show.
The Verandah
A lovely spot to enjoy a quiet drink and a smoke with a refreshing breeze.
The Sign
I was amused by the "Toilet Ethics" sign - I wonder how many people adhere to this?
Whistle Stop Cafe
On the corner opposite the pub is this lovely little "cottage" with all sorts of delicious cakes plus an assortment of "cottagey" type crafts.
Another Sign
I thought this sign was so quaint, I just had to take a photo of it for posterity!
Curtain Strangler Fig
This is the tree that all the tour companies go to.
A short drive (about 1 km) from Yungaburra is this magnificant Strangler Fig - directions to this fantastic tree are well sign-posted and it is well worth it. There are interpretative signs which describe how the Curtain Fig Tree grew and some additional interesting information.
A closer look
There is a continuous board walk around the tree and a section which creates good perspective for photo opportunities. Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos & Green Possums can sometimes be seen asleep in this area during daylight. After dark you can spotlight for Tree Kangaroos, Green Possums, Herbert River Possums and Coppery Brushtail Possums.
Did you know that to count the tangled roots of the Curtain Fig would take a week?
The Top
It is one of the largest trees in north Queensland, and one of the best known attractions on the Tablelands, and its curtain of aerial roots drop 15 metres (49 feet) to the ground. Large basalt boulders cover the forest floor, which is probably why the forest here wasn't cleared for farming - and why the curtain fig tree remains standing.
The Curtain Fig Cycle
1. A seed is deposited in the host tree's crown in bird, possum, tree kangaroo or rat droppings.
The seed germinates and its first root begins to descend to the soil.
2. Enriched by the soil, the fig develops aerial roots which encircle
and eventually strangles the host tree.
3. This stage is unique in the development of the Curtain Fig Tree.
The host tree falls into a neighbouring tree and vertical fig roots descend
from its leaning trunk to form the curtain like appearance.
21. Atherton Tablelands - Giants and Waterfalls
Tuesday 23 September
More in the Tea House gardens.
Waterfall
In a quiet shady spot amid luscious ferns and towering trees is this waterfall.
Twin Kauri
These towering bull kauris (Agathis microstachya), are over 45 meteres tall and 6 metres in girth, and are the largest of Australia's 38 conifer (pine) species.
Easily the best known botanical feature of Lake Barrine, these twin Rough Barked Kauri Pine are estimated to be about 1,000 years old and are considered one of the earliest known species of rainforest tree.
The Bull Kauri species is the largest of all the Kauri’s on record and it is a pine even though it does not have a needle leaf. ‘Kauri Pine’ is the common name derived from the Maori name of the related New Zealand Kauri species (Agathis Australis).
More in the Tea House gardens.
Waterfall
In a quiet shady spot amid luscious ferns and towering trees is this waterfall.
Twin Kauri
These towering bull kauris (Agathis microstachya), are over 45 meteres tall and 6 metres in girth, and are the largest of Australia's 38 conifer (pine) species.
Easily the best known botanical feature of Lake Barrine, these twin Rough Barked Kauri Pine are estimated to be about 1,000 years old and are considered one of the earliest known species of rainforest tree.
The Bull Kauri species is the largest of all the Kauri’s on record and it is a pine even though it does not have a needle leaf. ‘Kauri Pine’ is the common name derived from the Maori name of the related New Zealand Kauri species (Agathis Australis).
20. Atherton Tablelands - Tea House Gardens
Tuesday 23 September
The gardens surrounding the Lake Barrine Tea House are magnificant, with ferns, kauri, and brightly coloured tropical plants.
Tea House Ferns
A Shady Spot
Elkhorn
The Elkhorn fern is an epiphyte, growing on the trunks and branches of trees. Each plant is composed of a mass of plantlets. A plantlet consists of a nest leaf 12-30 cm wide, lying against the bark of the host tree. The nest leaves of neighbouring plantlets overlap one another.
Cordyline Rubra
I saw many of these bright red leafed plants in Queensland - they are hardy and drought restistant and can grow in either full sun or part shade.
Collage
This is a collage of some of the flowers in the garden.
The gardens surrounding the Lake Barrine Tea House are magnificant, with ferns, kauri, and brightly coloured tropical plants.
Tea House Ferns
A Shady Spot
Elkhorn
The Elkhorn fern is an epiphyte, growing on the trunks and branches of trees. Each plant is composed of a mass of plantlets. A plantlet consists of a nest leaf 12-30 cm wide, lying against the bark of the host tree. The nest leaves of neighbouring plantlets overlap one another.
Cordyline Rubra
I saw many of these bright red leafed plants in Queensland - they are hardy and drought restistant and can grow in either full sun or part shade.
Collage
This is a collage of some of the flowers in the garden.
19. Atherton Tablelands - Lake Barrine
Tuesday 23 September
After seeing the Cathedral Strangler Fig, I made my way to the Lake Barrine Tea House for my (second) morning tea stop. Their Devonshire teas are legendary and the view from the outdoor balcony was magnificent.
Lake Barrine Tea House
Devonshire Tea
The scones were freshly baked - still warm - and you get a proper pot of tea.
Views over Lake Barrine
The lake is a vivid deep blue and it was just perfect - heavenly!
The gardens were magnificent and I couldn't get over how wonderful and colourful it all was.
Twin Palms over the lake
Lake Barrine is on the eastern part of the Atherton Tablelands and is a volcanic maar surrounded by rainforest. The lake is in Crater Lakes National Park,
Lake Barrine
Lake cruises operate from the privately-owned Lake Barrine teahouse. The gentle boat trip gives a different perspective and more insights into the lake and its wildlife. The privately- owned teahouse offers meals with relaxed views over the water.
Looking South
Lake Barrine is actually the crater left by a volcanic eruption approximately 10,000 years ago.
There are three crater lakes in the Atherton Tablelands - Lake Barrine, Lake Eacham and Lake Euramoo. According to the Ngadjonji, when two men broke a taboo and angered the rainbow serpent, the earth roared like thunder and the winds blew like a cyclone. The ground began to move and crack and in the sky there appeared red clouds that had never before been see. The people were frightened and ran but were swallowed by a crack which opened in the earth.
After seeing the Cathedral Strangler Fig, I made my way to the Lake Barrine Tea House for my (second) morning tea stop. Their Devonshire teas are legendary and the view from the outdoor balcony was magnificent.
Lake Barrine Tea House
Devonshire Tea
The scones were freshly baked - still warm - and you get a proper pot of tea.
Views over Lake Barrine
The lake is a vivid deep blue and it was just perfect - heavenly!
The gardens were magnificent and I couldn't get over how wonderful and colourful it all was.
Twin Palms over the lake
Lake Barrine is on the eastern part of the Atherton Tablelands and is a volcanic maar surrounded by rainforest. The lake is in Crater Lakes National Park,
Lake Barrine
Lake cruises operate from the privately-owned Lake Barrine teahouse. The gentle boat trip gives a different perspective and more insights into the lake and its wildlife. The privately- owned teahouse offers meals with relaxed views over the water.
Looking South
Lake Barrine is actually the crater left by a volcanic eruption approximately 10,000 years ago.
There are three crater lakes in the Atherton Tablelands - Lake Barrine, Lake Eacham and Lake Euramoo. According to the Ngadjonji, when two men broke a taboo and angered the rainbow serpent, the earth roared like thunder and the winds blew like a cyclone. The ground began to move and crack and in the sky there appeared red clouds that had never before been see. The people were frightened and ran but were swallowed by a crack which opened in the earth.
18. Atherton Tablelands - Gillies Highway and Strangler Figs
Tuesday 23 September
Today I'm off to the Atherton Tablelands, and I'm going via the Gillies Highway. There are easier roads, but as soon as I heard of this twisting, winding road, I just knew I had to take it - I love winding roads. The Gillies HIghway is famous for its 200+ corners in 20 kms of road!
Below is a map showing the route I took.
Atherton Tablelands map
I drove down to Gordonvale then turned on to the Gillies Highway, from there I started the gradual climb through the luscious rainforest. The Gillies Highway ascends the mountain ranges starting at the small town of Gordonvale (30km south of Cairns). Over the next 30 kilometres you climb some 600-1000 metres to the Atherton Tablelands encountering spectacular lookouts along the way which enable you to take in the view of the valleys deep in the Great Dividing Range.
View from the Gillies Highway
The temperature drops and the air becomes fresher. This route offers spectracular views, especially from Heales Lookout.
Morning Tea Stop
This is one of the places I pulled over the side of the road where I had morning tea - I always bring along my Thermos flask.
Atherton Tablelands Hills
When you reach the top of the range, the rolling green hills of the Atherton Tablelands stretch out before you. After driving through Gadgarra, you take the right turn off through the Danbulla State Forest to get to the Cathedral Strangler Fig.
Cathedral Strangler Fig
The Cathedral Fig is a massive strangler fig tree - one of the most impressive sights in the rainforest along the Danbulla Forest Drive which runs around Lake Tinaroo, and is about 5 kms from the Gillies Highway. It is the same species of tree as the Curtain Fig Tree (Ficus virens), but through different growing pressure has evolved to display a different habit of the commonly called strangler fig.
Its massive system of buttress roots is surrounded by a boardwalk, and it is over 500 years old. It has the reputation of being the best place to hear an early morning bird 'singing' in the Atherton Tablelands.
Cathedral close-up
Many species of animal can be seen seeking shelter in and around the Cathedral Fig Tree including: Papuan Frog Mouth, Rose-crowned Fruit Dove, Emerald Fruit Dove, Pale-yellow and Grey-headed Robin, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, many species of reptile, Possums and Tree Kangaroo.
Click on the blue marker for a photo. You can also enlarge the map.
View Cathedral Strangler Fig in a larger map
Today I'm off to the Atherton Tablelands, and I'm going via the Gillies Highway. There are easier roads, but as soon as I heard of this twisting, winding road, I just knew I had to take it - I love winding roads. The Gillies HIghway is famous for its 200+ corners in 20 kms of road!
Below is a map showing the route I took.
Atherton Tablelands map
I drove down to Gordonvale then turned on to the Gillies Highway, from there I started the gradual climb through the luscious rainforest. The Gillies Highway ascends the mountain ranges starting at the small town of Gordonvale (30km south of Cairns). Over the next 30 kilometres you climb some 600-1000 metres to the Atherton Tablelands encountering spectacular lookouts along the way which enable you to take in the view of the valleys deep in the Great Dividing Range.
View from the Gillies Highway
The temperature drops and the air becomes fresher. This route offers spectracular views, especially from Heales Lookout.
Morning Tea Stop
This is one of the places I pulled over the side of the road where I had morning tea - I always bring along my Thermos flask.
Atherton Tablelands Hills
When you reach the top of the range, the rolling green hills of the Atherton Tablelands stretch out before you. After driving through Gadgarra, you take the right turn off through the Danbulla State Forest to get to the Cathedral Strangler Fig.
Cathedral Strangler Fig
The Cathedral Fig is a massive strangler fig tree - one of the most impressive sights in the rainforest along the Danbulla Forest Drive which runs around Lake Tinaroo, and is about 5 kms from the Gillies Highway. It is the same species of tree as the Curtain Fig Tree (Ficus virens), but through different growing pressure has evolved to display a different habit of the commonly called strangler fig.
Its massive system of buttress roots is surrounded by a boardwalk, and it is over 500 years old. It has the reputation of being the best place to hear an early morning bird 'singing' in the Atherton Tablelands.
Cathedral close-up
Many species of animal can be seen seeking shelter in and around the Cathedral Fig Tree including: Papuan Frog Mouth, Rose-crowned Fruit Dove, Emerald Fruit Dove, Pale-yellow and Grey-headed Robin, Orange-footed Scrubfowl, many species of reptile, Possums and Tree Kangaroo.
Click on the blue marker for a photo. You can also enlarge the map.
View Cathedral Strangler Fig in a larger map
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