Atherton Tablelands

Monday 17th.....Packed and traveled towards Innisfail, drove through because we did not feel that we had traveled enough distance. Just north of town, there was a fork in the road and on impulse I turned left onto the Palmerston hwy and headed towards Millaa Millaa falls and the Atherton Tablelands. Once up in the mountains, we were met with drizzly misty rain which did not make for great sight seeing, but what we did see was beautiful, overgrown valleys and gorges, wonderful views.
We had a look at Millaa falls and were impressed with the curtain of water that looked like fine lace tumbling over the rocks. If it was not for the misty rain we would have stayed here longer and can recommend these falls as worth a visit. Both suffering with the massive sandfly bites from Cardwell we continued into Malanda and a visit to the chemist for antihistimines and a bakery lunch. Pies and a vanilla slice had me thinking about Frank and our trips down the river at home. Feeling rather like we had overeaten we resumed the trip on to Atherton, the busy main street made me feel like staying somewhere quieter.
Judy had mentioned Youngaburra on Lake Tinaburra so we drove the 14 k's there, we found a lovely little village and booked into the Lakeside Park at the very attractive price of $20 a night. This was a very central location for visiting all the sights in the Tablelands, we booked for three nights and eventually stayed five, we felt very comfortable here.
Tuesday went into Youngaburra and bought supplies also visited a gemshop and distillery. We bought a beaut Macadamia and Hazelnut liquor which is very yummy. Wednesday we went into Atherton and went to a birds of prey display, this was an absolute highlight of our trip, the mans obvious love of the birds and his passionate attitude to Australian animals was in keeping with our attitudes and we loved every moment of it (I could describe all this in detail but I get bloody sick of typing). Ask me for details sometime over a cold beer.
The adjacent Chinese temple did not appeal so much, cold for the first time since home we returned to the van to warm up. Next day we visited Kairi, Tinaroo Falls and Tolga. Tolga is home to beautiful woodwork and art work (bought Rach a wedding pressy). The work is outstanding as was lunch at the cafe. A quick visit to the peanut place and then off to Atherton for a haircut, an entertaining half hour with Sam the barber and his mate, discussing all the important stuff one talks about with their barber. I hope the country barber continues to survive, their numbers seem to be declining. Then off to a cheese factory and dairy recommended by Sam. Bought good cheese and was interested in the rotary milking process being used (was milking time). Back to camp and happy hour with new friends Mike and Tinika, very warm and interesting people. We decided to stay an extra night, still lots to see.
Last day here and we decided to visit a mining and timber town called Herberton. We have visited many historic villages in our tours but we found this one to be very well laid out and the displays well organised. We enjoyed our time here, finding many reminders of our childhood. We also visited a crater lake called Barrine, this is a very pretty site with a charming cafe.
An early night in preparation for our journey to Port Douglas.