Out Of The Tablelands

Some weeks ago we were at Walkamin enjoying the good life.  Well, it may seemed like we were enjoying the good life far too much and disappeared off the radar screen.   It wasn't as bad as that - just waiting for some quiet time to tell you about our travels and when we did get that quiet time we were staying in a part of sunny Queensland where the mobile phone and internet service was rather intermittent.  But, things are now back on track...

Team Turtle's first stop on the slow trek back south was a little place called Herberton - about 30klms south of Atherton.  There was a lot of mining in the area during the 19th Century - tin and gold, but the town's major attraction is the Herberton Historic Village - a vast, private collection of lots of old things.  Apparently, the Village's original owner liked to collect lots of things - old machinery, old vehicles, buildings - and eventually decided that he should start this place up where other people could enjoy his "hobby".  There is hope for The Deckie yet - maybe, one day, she could start up a second hand bookshop?

Anyway, back to the Village.  A thoroughly pleasant afternoon and an easy walk around the buildings.  The Deckie should have had a voice recorder with her as there were quite a few things that were on display that reminded her of things from her childhood!

Our next stop was Ravenshoe (Ravens-hoe not Raven-shoe).  This was going to be a base for a couple for a couple of short trips - the main one being to Lake Koombooloomba just to see if the road was suitable for The Turtle.  First little side trip was to Millstream Falls in the Millstream Falls National Park, apparently the widest, single drop waterfall in Australia.  A beautiful walk down to the Falls made even more pleasant by a paved walkway.

Millstream Falls

And Again

A little bit closer to town was Little Millstream Falls

Little Millstream Falls

The area must be absolutely spectacular in the wet season and very, very damp!

Later that day, the precipitation began.  It couldn't be called rain as it was just very fine moisture, laden fog and very, very cold.  The heater was even brought out of hibernation!

We had heard mixed reports about the condition of the road to Koombooloomba Dam even when it is dry so we felt that we had to make up our own minds and go.  The Thermos was made, The Rav was fueled up and we headed off into the wilds of Ravenshoe.  Team Turtle made it as far as the Tully Falls Lookout - which left us about 20 klms of unsealed road to travel to the dam - when we decided to have a quick look and a cup of coffee.  As the cold mist enveloped us and there had been predictions of the bad weather continuing, Team Turtle felt it prudent not to travel any further but return to the warmth of The Turtle.

Tully Gorge Lookout

The weather remained miserable so Team Turtle forgot about a fishing trip to Koombooloomba and headed off the Tablelands to explore further into heart of Queensland.