The Atherton Tablelands

On Monday we were supposed to go and see the reef, but the weather was not cooperating! Since that trip was cancelled, Stuart took us west of Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands area.

We all thought that this area looked very much like home. The boys would love to know that we all sang Big City Hillbilly!





These cows are so much more attractive than those near Wallaman.



Our first stop was the giant cathedral fig tree. In the rain...



Then a natural crater lake with some enormous pine trees in the surrounding forest. I'm sure Evan will also want me to mention the unidentified snake he saw!



Aren't these beautiful?



We then stopped at a creek where we hoped to see platypus.

The platypus, however, had no intention of being seen in the middle of the day.




Our next sight was the giant curtain fig tree. These fig trees are really interesting. The seeds germinate up in the branches of other trees, later the baby tree sends down roots to the ground. Eventually the host tree is 'strangled' and the strangler fig takes over. This tree is estimated to be about 500 years old!




In Atherton, we stopped at a lookout that shows the beautiful tablelands.



We then headed toward the town of Mareeba to see a place called Granite Gorge. It was actually about 30K from the town. This place was great. Huge boulders of granite, a lovely, crocodile free river, and lots of rock wallabies.

These wallabies were not so tame as those in the zoo. Sometimes they almost mobbed the kids, and they got into fights over who was going to get fed. The joeys were cute and these wallabies are actually wild, though obviously used to people.





The river.



There was about a 1K 'hiking path' over the rocks. I thought the owner should have been a bit more specific about the details! The rocks were huge, lots of climbing, and only paint dots to guide us. Of course, everyone had a fantastic if sometimes nerve-wracking time.




Evan crosses the creek on the 'bridge'.



Then the girls.



This is me trying to convince Stu to turn back! (just kidding)



There were more wallabies away from the buildings. There was also a huge amount of 'evidence' they lived there absolutely all over. Mostly in the crevices where it had rolled down!





Just relaxing...



After a sweaty hike back to the parking area, we decided to start back. These are termite mounds along our path.





We retraced our steps hoping to see the elusive platypus, and were rewarded!! I will never forget the sound of Amy's voice when she called "Mom!! I see one!" She spotted them first. Photos were very difficult as the animals only remained on the surface for a few seconds at a time.





A very satisfying ending to the day!