Thornton Peak

I have risen early these passed two mornings, to capture the elusive spectacle of the sun’s first rays illuminating the descending moon over Thornton Peak. The greatest uncertainty was finding the mountain free of cloud, but as can be seen in the images, the variables of timing and clarity fell into splendid accord.

At 1374 metres, Thornton Peak is Queensland’s third highest mountain and almost certainly the recipient of Australia’s highest rainfall. Cooper Creek drains part of the eastern flank, traversing a remarkable landscape along its descent to the Coral Sea. This photograph was taken at 6.35 am at about 10 metres ASL and 4 kilometres or so from, or halfway between the mountain summit and the estuary mouth.

The eastern flank of Thornton Peak sustains one of the three greatest concentrations of endemic species in the world. It also harbours one of the greatest concentrations of plants and animals listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 as Threatened, Vulnerable and Rare.