Golden Penda Over Saltwater Creek

Mist Rising -Saltwater Creek Valley

O'Donoghue Falls can just be seen right of centre as the mist rises out of the Saltwater Creek Valley after a summer storm.

Figs Saltwater Creek

These giant figs cling to the side of Saltwater Creek valley where the mist from the waterfall allows for a constant very high humidity.

Saltwater Cr Valley during Monsoon

The collision of these two warm, wet, rising air streams result in heavy rain associated with thunderstorms and occasional tropical cyclones, which form over the ocean. The monsoon trough sometimes shows up on satellite images as a solid line of cloud but at other times is scattered and ill-defined. In some years, the monsoon trough does not go far south of Cooktown.

O'Donoghue Falls Saltwater Creek

Life in tropical waterways has evolved with water pulses –times of low levels and times of flood. Many animals are sensitive to this and time their breeding accordingly.

Tranquil Saltwater Creek

Hard to believe this creek has one of the steepest drainages in North Queensland. It resembles a smaller version of Mossman Gorge, which is the next drainage south.

Water & Rock Saltwater Creek

Top of waterfall Saltwater Creek

Just at the top of O'Donoghue Falls a small tributary joins the rush to go over the falls.

Saltwater Creek Valley

O'Donoghue Falls is a small white speak centre two thirds of photo.

O'Donoghue Falls Saltwater Creek

Whyanbeel Valley receives up to 4 metres of rain a year while the top of the Carbine Tableland potientially receives up to 8-10 metres. All this water must come down drainage lines like Saltwater Creek.

Rock violet Saltwater Creek

Top of O'Donoghue Falls

Water soaking into the roots of the plants leads to a flush of growth with the new leaves on many tropical plants glowing pink, red or bronze.

Waterfall Tributary of Saltwater Cr

O'Donoghue Falls in Flood

When the floods start, volumes of water come rushing through the creeks, flushing them out and clearing channels. As waters spread beyond the banks, they carry the organic material and sediment, enriching the floodplain.