Big Millstream Falls in painting, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Just a few kilometers west of Queensland’s highest elevated town Ravenshoe lies Australia’s widest waterfall. Big Millstream Falls are named after Millstream Creek, which descents steadily and fairly wide the western rim of the AthertonTablelands. The Creek eventually joins the Herbert River, which delta lies north of Ingham.
Eucalyptus forest in blue skies, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The dense rainforest of the eastern slopes give way to an open grassland in eucalyptus forest. The western edge of the Great Dividing Range receives less annual rain but cool overnight temperatures at this high-level altitude produces early morning dew on most days. The tall eucalyptus woodland within high green grass looks stunning on a sunny day. The vibrant sky blue adds perfectly to green and brown surroundings.
Strolling through green, brown and blue at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
From the carpark, it is an easy downhill stroll to reach Big Millstream Falls.
Drop off point for Big Millstream Falls at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Millstream Creek flows rather gently towards a sudden drop-off, which is caused by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Bridal veil falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The falls plunge evenly over the escarpment like an oversized bridal veil. The steep edges on either side of the creek verifies how water carved its way through volcanic rock over time.
Carved canyon at Millstream Falls, Far North Queensland, Australia
There is no direct access to the bottom of these majestic falls and therefore not many photographic opportunities are given. Only different camera settings gave a little change of view. As so often, Mother Nature had a little surprise installed for me.
Some movement in a hollow at Big Millstream Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
I noticed some movement on a hollow, burnt out tree in the picnic area near the carpark.
Keeping an eye on my movement at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Something was keeping an eye out on my movement.
Brushtail Possum at home at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Possums are generally not popular photo objects. Most times, they escape high up on trees before the camera is focused for a decent shot. It was a little different this time.
Curious and cute, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
This Brushtail Possum didn’t move much at all, if anything. It stared at me in a rather peculiar way with its big brown eyes. Possums are mainly nocturnal and rarely seen during daylight hours.
Looking a touch unsure, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The more I was surprised to see this fury cutie enjoying the view from his doorstep.
Colourful and well disguised, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
I never had an opportunity for close up photos in brought daylight. I couldn’t resist the opportunity for some close up photos as I moved slowly closer. This possum didn’t seem to mind my presence at all.
Moving closer at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Gradually moving closer and closer, I was wondering if or when this possum would retrieve into the shelter of its home.
Hold on! Just in case! Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Surprisingly, that never happened, even though I was standing only a few meters in front of this Brushtail Possum.
Shiny reflections in possum’s eyes, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The surrounding landscape and blue skies reflected in its observant eyes.
Ear movement in sepia, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Even though the possum wasn’t always glancing at me, its ears picked up any sounds nearby. After taking quite a few closeup picture frames, I wondered on his reaction, if I ’disappear’ out of his field of view behind it’s hollow tree.
Different perspective without any change of movement, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
I wasn’t sure on what reaction to predict, but the staring contest resumed.
Hungry possum? Far North Queensland, Australia
It wasn’t hard to read this possums mind, but I refused to give it any food.
I wonder what he is thinking, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
It seemed hungry however and wouldn’t venture out to forage with me positioned not far from its home. I was happy with the photos I took and made my way to the carpark.
Cute in black and white, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
This really was an unexpected photo shoot that gave me, literally, a little glimpse from a possum’s view.
Travels with Ben 