Spectacular Davies Creek, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Davies Creek is located only a few kilometers north of Emerald Creek Falls, which featured the previous post. A turn-off path of the Kennedy Highway between Mareeba and Kuranda follows a fair dirt track to this enchanting creek.
Dry and dusty camping area at Upper Davies Creek, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Camping is possible on two National Park campgrounds. However, finding a shady camp spot during the hot midday sun is nearly impossible. But there are other options to keep your cool.
Shallow but cooling waters at Upper Davies Creek, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Davies Creek gently streams through the Upper Davies Creek camping area and is perfect for a refreshing dip in undisturbed, frigid waters. Lush foliage along the creek banks enhances a serine environment. Drop toilets are provided, running tab water isn’t.
Cascading waters at Upper Davies Creek, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Not far downstream from the camping area, some cascades emerge. These weren’t impressively huge but quite distinct.
Colourful cascades at Upper Davies Creek, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Moss covered boulders glimpse spectacular in surrounded green vegetation on a clear sunny blue day. It’s the little things that make the big difference.
Serenity at Upper Davies Creek, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
A modest flow over big granite boulders in the dry season invites for a cooling swim within deeper water pockets. With no one else near and far, it was a serene area.
Pool reflections at Upper Davies Creek, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Stagnant pools reflected the blue skies nicely, as well as trees around these pools.
A surreal landscape at Upper Davies Creek, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Shadows reflect on clear waters pleasingly.
Extended view from Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The main falls are further downstream and appeared to be a popular destination for visitors.
Oversized boulders at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Striking are the immense sized granite boulders over the escarpment, overlooking the valleys and mountains beyond. Davies Creek Falls lie on that same drop off-zone and taking a photo directly at the falls was impossible.
Frog like boulders at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
However, this boulder combination looks like a giant frog sitting by the waters edge refreshingly. And that is exactly what I did for a while.
Mellow waters at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The even plateau on top of the falls appeared to be in a different time zone.
Gentle cascades at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Clear calm waters flow gently towards a deep waterhole, which then spills over the edge.
Pool with a view at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
A perfect spot to chill and wonder what lies beyond.
Gumtree magic at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Similar to nearby Emerald Creek Falls, gumtrees are holding on to what they can.
Narrow gaps at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Water squeezes through narrow gaps in between boulders and fallen tree trunks.
Colourful natural surroundings at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Not quite as dramatic, yet within natural marvel.
Magic at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The colour saturation on a clear sunny day is striking once again.
Calm reflections at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Sluggish appearing pools emerge further up stream, surrounded by deep green forest.
Gumtree statues at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Eucalyptus trees grew long and skinny in scurrying formations.
Magnificent reflections at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Dead trees within the ponds reflect like oversized sea urchins.
Calm and shady areas around Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
In some parts, this forest was somewhat thick and gave plenty of shelter from the burning sun.
Blending nature at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The creek itself was hard to differentiate from its surroundings.
Flood victims at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The signs of flood waters are evidently obvious.
Scenic picnic spot at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
The hiking trail, that follows Davies Creek, ends at a perfect picnic area, which contained plenty of shade.
Rainbow colours at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
Aquatic algae shimmered through clear waters in rainbow colours. The vivid natural display was added by raw surroundings and blue skies spectacularly.
Rainbow colours at Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
As I geographically added my Atherton Tableland posts from south to north, this is my last photographic assignment about this distinct and ecologically important environment. It may appear that I spent a few months in this area, but that wasn’t the case. It really just shows the variety on this landscape, flora and fauna. If you are willing to go the extra mile you will be leaving with a smile. Hopefully, you are just lucky enough to be at the right spot at the right time, as there is something to explore for any outdoor enthusiast.
Windmill farm, Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Australia
I was lucky on both factors and I am looking forward to explore other sectors of this environmental natural marvel on my next visit. No doubt that there are plenty more adventures to come.
Travels with Ben 