The first part of my Atherton Tablelands adventure saw me driving up Palmerston Highway 25. Also known as the waterfall highway, it leads inland from Innisfail and gradually climbs up to the Atherton Highlands. It was yet another stunning sunny day. The green surroundings were in perfect balance with a deep blue sky. Just wow.

I couldn’t wait for my first waterfall stop, there are plenty to choose from. Henrietta Creek is one of a few creeks that originate from the highlands and eventually joins the Johnston River.

From a fairly narrow carpark along this busy highway lead a track to Tchupala and Walacha Falls.

 

As the track divided, I went to Tchupala Falls first. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I saw them from the viewpoint.

A triple waterfall appeared out of a jungle. A thick jungle, full of colours and life.

The horizon was lid in deep blue skies and a dark volcanic landmass was partially covered in green.

 

The creek was almost evenly divided in three, just before the drop-off. Crystal clear waters plummeted around 15 meters into a large pool of water, which was specked with huge dark boulders. From a distance, they almost looked like hippos in shallow waters. I have seen many hippos on my last Africa adventure.

The fine mist reflected in the sun to a small rainbow before the wind sprayed surrounding green flora.

It can hardly get better than that. It is just a truly perfect scenario here today, Mother Nature’s at her best.

Lucky I have a good camera to be able to capture the spectrum only half as good as in reality. This was my first waterfall to see on this Atherton Tablelands exploration, I couldn’t wait to see what other spectacular cascades this land has to offer. I was still in oar when I walked back and turned off to Wallacha Falls.

These were only to be viewed from a platform opposite the falls. It was a real shame as they could have doubled my just recent experience with Tchupala Falls.

The mist of 6 waterfalls could cover the basement pool in a rainbow. Unfortunately, there was no way down and only a few photos were taken. Bummer.

 

Walking along the highway back to Troopy, I still had a huge grin on my face. Some passing drivers gave me the ‘tuna look’, eyes and mouth wide open. ‘Keep rushing by’ I was thinking. ‘You have no idea what you are missing ?!!!’