North Queensland - 15 Sep 2021

A kookaburra sat on our solar panel for a good perch. 

A scrub turkey making a quick getaway

It was a shame to be leaving so soon, and I am sure we will return at some point. We went through Atherton, (including a quick stop at Mt Hypipamee Crater), and then on to Ravenshoe where we were meeting Al and Dell again. They bought delicious Apple turnovers from the bakery. I spent 3/4 of an hour on the phone to RACQ to confirm the road we wanted to take to Blencoe Falls was open to traffic.

The Crater at Mt Hypipamee

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hypipamee_Crater

Darryl wanted to see Tully Falls from the top as he had climbed up it in the late 70s with the Townsville Bushwalkers and returned to the hydroelectric power station by the cable car. We were fairly disappointed by the falls from the lookout as the river is dammed for the hydroelectricity and it was not flowing. https://cleancoqueensland.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Documents/Assets_and_Projects/Factsheet_Kareeya.pdf

Tully Gorge with the dry falls (once considered one of the best falls)

We drove along the road and had lunch at a suitable spot. Further on we pulled in to Milla Milla Falls which were lovely, then on to Innot Hot Springs, Mt Garnet and south to Blencoe. We had just booked for one night. 

Milla Milla Falls

There's definitely hot springs bubbling up through the sand, but not very deep

And the algae growing in them, while fascinating to me, was a bit off-putting to the others

We were all amazed by all the recent development of farms on the way. 

The rich red volcanic soil

Another wrecked car along our way

A Bustard beside a gully

When we crossed the Herbert River we came across the private cemetery with the Atkinson graves (property owners from that area). 

We found a beautiful grassy spot, and set up just before dark. 

Set up beside Blencoe Creek

Some rapids downstream

I went for a swim to cool off and get clean. There was a luminescent vine up a huge sheoak tree. 

Looking straight up the tree, you can just see the luminescent dots. I still don't know what they were (but weren't flashing so not fireflies)

It was fairly cool at night.