Pepina and Souita Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Raw nature at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Raw nature at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

These two hidden waterfalls are seldom visited by tourists to the Atherton Tablelands.

Floral display near Tully Gorge, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Floral display near Tully Gorge, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

They are located not far from Tully Gorge, which has already amazed me with its diverse floral display.

the green army at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

the green army at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

And it wasn’t any different here. The green army seemed endless here.

Pepina Falls at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Pepina Falls at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Even though Pepina Falls are almost near the small carpark, most visitors don’t detour to these waterfalls.

Jungle around Pepina Falls at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Jungle around Pepina Falls at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Little human impact caused a wild exhibition on greens around Pepina Falls. The bottom pool is surrounded in untouched forest, grass and ferns. It was even a bit adventurous walking around the pool for a favourable photo.

Water bouncing of rocks at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Water bouncing of rocks at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

 

What makes Pepina Falls a little different from other falls is the fact, that smaller boulders and rock ledges have withheld the forces of floodwaters. The water bounces from boulder to boulder to the next, which is more obvious on this slow shutter photo. A few dozen little cascades seem to appear, all within one waterfall.

Leaving Pepina Falls behind at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Leaving Pepina Falls behind at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

The outflowing creek disappears in sub-tropical woodland and will eventually join the Tully River.

Sub Tropical whirlpools at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Sub Tropical whirlpools at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Glass clear waters flow over rock ledges, creating a whirlpool in the jungle. Wherever there is room, plants got a foothold to grow.

Natural hiking trail at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Natural hiking trail at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

 

The hiking track to Souita Falls is well maintained and well incorporated with the surrounding forest. In fact, I felt like being in the land where they lost the famous ring. Precious is a good way to describe this fragile environment.

Ancient walking trees at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Ancient walking trees at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Some trees emerged like they were on foot once.

Scrubby jail at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Scrubby jail at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Jailed behind scrubs for centuries, watching the world go by. A big compliment goes to the Park Rangers who maintain this section of stunning tropical rainforest. Job well done.

Downhill track to the Souita Falls at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Downhill track to the Souita Falls at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Eventually the track descendants to thunderous waterfalls.

Astounding cascades at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Astounding cascades at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Wow, wow, wow. Not one or two but three waterfalls merge into one big waterfall. I couldn’t get to the very bottom of these falls which was a bit of a shame.

Two dimensional impressions at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Two dimensional impressions at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

The upper two falls appear to be just one cascade on this 2D frame.

Shiny polished boulders at Souita Falls at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Shiny polished boulders at Souita Falls at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

The forces of rushing waters polished these granite boulders smooth, giving shiny reflections from the sun.

Flourishing flora at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Flourishing flora at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

The spray of plunging waters showers surrounding areas, nurturing ferns and grass. Wherever it can, life is trying to cling on to rocks.

Crowded jungle at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Crowded jungle at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

There wasn’t much room for other plants to grow, it is a crowded and overcrowded jungle.

Naturally evolved at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Naturally evolved at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

It is nice to see how nature evolves naturally.

Areal floral display  at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Areal floral display at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Some plants took to the air and dangled over rushing waters.

Hung up at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Hung up at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Other plants realised this lifeline and hung on too.

Jungle view in sepia at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Jungle view in sepia at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Either way you looked around, there was another brilliant photo opportunity.

Downstream view at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Downstream view at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Following the creek with my lens.

Upstream view at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Upstream view at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Or upstream.

Sunny reflections at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Sunny reflections at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

With the sun or against the light for a different effect.

Suiota Falls in another viewing angle at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Suiota Falls in another viewing angle at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

The same falls from a different angle.

Creek cascading before Suiota Falls at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Creek cascading before Suiota Falls at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Further upstream of this clear running creek, smaller cascades emerged.

Creek diversion at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Creek diversion at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Some are diverted by boulders, others were blocked by washed-up wood.

Wherever there is space to grow at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Wherever there is space to grow at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

This gave options for ferns and moss to flourish over rushing water.

The green army extends at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

The green army extends at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Walking uphill and upstream on my way back, I got a different perspective on this trail and its vibrant nature.

Fairyland trail at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Fairyland trail at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Particularly in ’dramatic tone settings’ on my camera, it felt like walking through fairyland.

Further upstream at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Further upstream at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

 I followed the creek further upstream towards the carpark. I was fascinated by this natural combination.

Natural mosaic at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

Natural mosaic at Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

These are only a fraction of photos I had chosen for this blog post. The diversity of shapes and colours was mesmerising.

A must for all nature lovers, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

A must for all nature lovers, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

 I highly recommend visiting these falls to all nature lovers that still appreciate serenity and inspiring nature.

One thought on “Pepina and Souita Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia

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