Lookout point near Millaa Millaa township, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The Millaa Millaa Falls circuit turns north of the Palmerston Highway, just before Millaa Millaa township. Three waterfalls are to be explored on this circuit, all within short walking distance of the carpark. All three falls are easily accessible and therefore very popular with visitors from near and far, particularly on a sunny day like today.
Millaa Millaa Falls in painting, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Millaa Millaa Falls is Australia’s most photographed waterfalls according to studies.
Millaa Millaa Falls in sepia, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
It didn’t come to much off a surprise that plenty of tourists came and went at the time of my visit. The carpark is located right at the base of the falls, meaning little effort is needed to enjoy these waterfalls. It took a little bit of patience for me to be able to capture photos without human bodies.
Lifting hair out of water at Millaa Millaa Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
However, a young Asian woman with long hair gave me a splendid photo opportunity.
Perfect circle at Millaa Millaa Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Her long wet hair propelled excess water as she quickly lifted her head and hair.
Finishing touch at Millaa Millaa Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The excess water expelled from her projected a perfect circle around her. I have suspicions she’s done that before.
Green and blue colour spectrum at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
To the left of Millaa Millaa Falls are some lush greens, which added nicely to the falls.
Blue skies around thick forest, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
In fact, the falls are covered in greens. The clear blue sky added rich colours to the frame.
Zillie Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Following Theresa Creek downstream on this waterfall circuit, Zillie Falls carpark appears. From the lookout platform on top of the falls led a steep, narrow track to the bottom of Zillie Falls.
Huge boulders in front of Zillie Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Huge boulders piled up at the base, there was no way getting a clear shot of these falls.
Tricky light conditions, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The sun was shining towards my lens, which increased photographic difficulties.
Mossy and slippery conditions, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
However, capturing the creek and surrounding green vegetation in sunlight was quite spectacular.
Theresa Creek flowing along, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The creek mended along slippery boulders downstream, leaving fallen and mossy trees behind.
Ellinjia Falls and lush vegetation, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
We left Theresa Creek behind as well and moved on to Ellinjaa Falls. Some meanwhile familiar faces joined me on the trail through dense forest to the falls.
Spectacular drop-off to a shallow pool, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Ellinja Falls cascaded about 15 meters on to a shallow bottom pool.
Bridal veil appearance, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The water-dispersed to fine veins before the drop-off, cascading gently in between semi-sized boulders. It looked like an oversized bridal veil.
Surprisingly no vegetation clinging on to the boulders, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Surprisingly enough, no moss or other plants occupied the space on the boulders. All other falls I have seen in the Atherton Tablelands had some green vegetation clinging on to the drop-off boulders.
Ellinjla Falls in sepia, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The afternoon sunlight was fading as well, early mornings would be the best time to visit Ellinjaa Falls.
Millaa Millaa Falls on a sunny day, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
As nice as these three falls are, I surely prefer to hike a kilometre or two through forest vegetation to enjoy photographic natural sights. It’s the effort that makes a spectacular sight even more appreciative. Walk the mile and leave with a smile.
Travels with Ben 