As we continued our crawl along the Cassowary Coast we decided to stop off at a couple of beautiful beaches for a days rest.  One in particular, Etty Bay, was a quiet tucked away cove with an extremely low population.  Lucky for us as we lounged in the sun a cassowary emerged from the shrubbery to have a suss of what we were up to.  Not intimidated at all, he slowly  strolled only 1 metre from us!  After these peaceful relaxing beach stops it was time for us to make our way towards the Atherton Tablelands.

Starting down the southern end of the tablelands we set up camp at Henrietta Creek Camping Area.  Here we were able to set up right in amoungst the rainforest, what a living room!  From this area there were also fantastic walking trails to a variety of waterfalls nearby.  All were on our to do list.

Arriving late afternoon we took full oppurtunity while the sun was still out to go for a swim in the brown yet flowing “Bush Pool”.  Even though it was murky compared to our other freshwater holes, it was still great for a swim.  As the sun slipped away over the horizon, we thought we were in for a treat with beautiful clear days to explore the area.  Oh how we were wrong.

We woke to the continuous sound of a seriously heavy downpoor of rain, our activities for the day were delayed.  Hiding in the tent all morning lead us to almost losing sanity as the dry season seemed awfully wet!  Lacing up our boots, we put our rain jackets on and set off into the miserable flood-like rain.  Aiming to complete a 6.6km loop to Nandroya Falls, we had a positive mindset that at least the falls will be cranking with all this rain!

Initially doubting our small expedition, the path was saturated and river crossings were already starting to look flooded!  After a short navigation through puddles and an overgrown walkway, we made it to Silver Falls with the entire rock wall powerfully flowing from the extra rain.  Slowly we were becoming more and more saturated.

Another half hour in, we had made it to the main attraction, Nandroya Falls.  The rain did not disappoint, demonstrating the crushing impact these falls had to offer.  Below were smaller overflows of water which with quick realisation would not be cascading if it weren’t for the rain.  Continuing around the loop the rain didn’t ease off. Being the optional longer circuit, we gathered it was less traversed as there was more shrub and fern attempting to take over the track.

Soaked to the bone, we soldiered on over waterways.  Regular leech checks lead to peeling an odd one off the leg as we walked until Nay felt something on her back.  Mark checked it out to discover a blood sucking parasite mid way up Nay’s back!  Fun times!!  As we arrived back at the first river crossing of the circuit, we were gobsmacked that it was no longer a rock crossing but an unbroken torrent of water.  From the torrential rain our past crossing had been engulfed by the river.  Left with only one option, we staggered  shin deep through the swell.  Upon conducting our now regular leech check, we discovered we had acquired over a dozen leeching friends, soon to be swatted like flies!

Back at camp, we dried off and laughed at what we had just been through.  It was already late arvo at this stage but the rain had not let off.  Cowering back in the tent with a cuppa, we threw a movie on until it was time for bed. 

Waking up the next day to our astonishment, the rain was just as heavy!  Having to cross off a couple of the smaller walking trails off our list we departed for the hope of drier pastures.  While still drizzling, we made our way to the Milla Milla Waterfall Circuit (a small 15km loop).  Home of Ellinjaa Falls, Zillie Falls and of coarse, Milla Milla Falls.  These all entailed a short walk in to see each cascade and as with previous waterfalls, each had their small differences that made them amazing in their own way.  Some even included small waterholes for a swim which may have of been appealing if we weren’t already so wet!

Back in town they had a display of a fallen Giant Kauri Pine Tree which had fallen only 20km from Milla Milla due to the root system no longer being able to sustain the tree.  This mammoth tree was approximately 870 years old, with a 2.7m diameter and an 8.5m circumference.  1m of the trunk was equal to 4 tonnes of timber – impressive!!  This would not be the last of these beasts we were to see.  As the weather was clearing, we cruised further around to discover what else the Atherton Tablelands had to offer…